Lesson 5: Preferences of Technology Generation

Rosalie G. Alegarbes     BSEd General Science4      MW 3:00-5:00pm

Lesson 5: Preferences of Technology Generation 

  

                   

Content

            Preferences has change as time pass, not just on our ways of living but also in education. Today, vocational as well as values and cultural classes have been minimized due to the emphasis on the basics of English, Mathematics and Science. The state dictates educational priorities based on perceptions on the country’s need to strengthen its agricultural, business or industrial economy. It is important that critical differences in perceptions between old and young which create a generation gap need to be discussed. Let us see the difference between last generation and today’s generation in terms of learning. Texts versus Visuals --- our parents read book texts, enriched by illustrations and photos. They go to school libraries for research. While today, digital generation has greater affinity to visuals (photos and videos) compared with texts. Linear versus Hyper media--- past generation obtained information in a linear, logical, and sequential manner which made them logical, focused, and reflective thinkers. On the other hand, new generation follows a personal random access to hyperlinked digital information, less superior to elders in focus and reflection. Independent versus Social learners--- the traditional education system gives priority to independent learning, prior to participative work. While new learners are already acquainted with digital tools that adopt to both personal and participative work. Experts describe this mode of digital learning as one that is based on experimentation, discovery and intuition. Learning to do versus Learning to pass the test--- old teachers teach students in order to help them pass tests and complete the course requirement. New generation of learners simply wish to acquire skills, knowledge and habits as windows of opportunity afford them to learn. Delayed rewards and Instant gratification--- the traditional reward system in education consists in grades, honor certificate/medals, and diplomas. On the other hand, digital learners on their own experience more immediate gratification through immediate scores from games, enjoyable conversation from web-cam calls and etc. Rote memory versus Fun learning--- teachers feel oblige to content-based courses, the learning of which is measurable by standard tests. Digital learners prefer fun learning which is relevant and instantaneously useful to them.

Experience

            Different changes were observed. Things that were trending in the past are really different on today’s latest trend. As what we have been discussing in the past lessons, the advancement of technology has a great impact on today’s generation’s preferences.

            I could still remember, during my elementary and even in my high school years, we were really dependent on the books in our library. Everyone of us were given books for each subject and it will be returned by the end of the school year. Doing our assignments was dependent on those books. But today, doing assignments, research, etc. are very accessible. Traditional educational system focuses on independent learning since it is teacher-centered, seldom activities were given by our teacher for us to work together. However, today, teaching approach is student-centered. Teachers are not the only source of knowledge and information but students can also contribute to the learnings of everyone. Activities were given to promote collaboration.

In the past, students are striving to learn just to pass the subject. Teachers are more focused on the content of the book that is why most of the time we tend to memorizes the lesson.  Some students then think that going to school is a burden. But today, since teachers give more emphasis on our outputs--- creativity and some skills will be catered which leads to the enjoyment while learning. There are also activities in the web which could also be integrated for the students to learn that gives immediate rewards for the learners.

Refection

As what this topic has mentioned, what the old generation likes may not be the same as what the new generation prefers today. This proves that bridging the gap between the traditional learners and the digital learners is one of the great challenges for every teacher. As the things around us has change, preferences in life. This also has been observed in the educative process. Today, learning is really accessible-- by just one click, research assignments are already there. Students can develop their different skills because a lot of activities are given by the teacher. They can also develop their creative and social skills. Therefore, learning is fun!

Application

Today’s preferences in learning have change. It improved as the technology advanced. This shows that educational system has adopted to what is new today. As a future teacher, it is important to be skilled enough to facilitate the learning of our student. Since the ways of learning has change; just like the educational system has adopted  to this change a teacher must also adopt to this new trend--- not just in terms of instruction but as well as in ways of assessing them. By this, you are not just catering their interest; you are also molding them to function effectively in the future. Furthermore, as a future teacher, let us bear in mind the importance of knowing your students to apply appropriate teaching strategies in teaching.