Prepared by: Nandy M. Longasa 3rd year Bachelor of Agricultural Technology major in Agricultural Technology Education

LESSON

5

Bicol University College of Agriculture and

Forestry

Preference of the Technology

Generation

What the old generation likes may not be the same

as what the new generation prefers in their life, work and leisure. Sad to say,

much of the good things enjoyed by elders when

they were students are no longer available to the new

generation.

On the other hand, the new generation is exposed with quick flicking video games, mobile phone texting, socializing through social web sites, and downloading text/music/photos/video with adeptness and task-switching speed

Text vs. Visual

Our parents read books text, enriched by illustrations and photos. In order to research, they go to the school library, use the card catalogue for needed books, and sign up to borrow books for home reading.

The technology or digital generation has greater affinity to visuals (photos and video) compare with text. In fact, they have been exposed since childhood to computer images in such a manner that their visual fluency or abilities have been sharpened and enhanced.

Linear vs. Hyper media

The past-30 year old generation has obtained information in a linear, logical and sequential manner. On the positive side, this has made them more logical, focused and reflective thinkers.

The new generation, however, follows a personal random access to hyperlinked digital information, less superior to elders in focus and reflection. Thus, they appear to be more easily bored and distracted during class lectures.

Independent vs. Social learner

The traditional education system gives priority to independent learning, prior to participative work. New learners, however, are already acquainted with digital tools that adopt to both personal and participative work.

They take the opportunity for dozen of instantaneous ways to communicate with others mobile call and text, emails, Facebook, YouTube, MySpace, Twitter, wikis, etc. Experts describe this mode of digital learning as one that is based on experimentation, discovery and intuition

Delayed rewards and instant gratification

The traditional reward system in education consist in the grades, honor certificates/medals, and diplomas. Including future jobs, the traditional school’s reward system consist of unclear rewards for performance.

On the other hand digital learners on their own experience more immediate gratification through immediate scores from games, enjoyable conversation from web cam calls, excitement from email chats, and inviting comments from their Facebook account.

Rote memory vs. Fun learning

Teacher feel obliged to delivering content based courses, the learning of which is measurable by standard test. Digital learners prefer fun learning which relevant and instantaneously useful to them.

Learning is play to a new learners and not surprisingly there is much fun in the digital world outside the school.

Learning to do vs. Learning to pass the test

Old teachers teach students in order to help them to pass the test and complete the course requirement. On the other hand, new digital learners simply wish to acquire skills, knowledge and habits as windows of opportunity afford them to learn

Our parents have complete course and have engaged in a permanent job for most of their lives. A different work situation awaits the digital generation with the contractual, multitasked, and multi-career opportunities in a general world ahead of them.

In sum, teacher need to connect with digital learners, and not think of them as entering their past-30 years old traditional world. While there are apparent set backs or limitation to digital learning, there are opportunities to tap through:• The new learners ‘ digital fluency with

visual learning with the use of audio visuals, media and multimedia

• Using hyperlinked multimedia for projects that enhance work focus and reflection; and

• Problem solving activities to suit the new generation’s style and preference for fun and relevant learning

THANK YOU