Digital natives definitely view technology as an essential part of their day. Although, I think that using technology for social purposes is taken as a priority over anything. Often I have students that are more concerned with charging their cell phones during class rather than getting themselves set up for class.
I also tend to think that the Gen Y don't know how to properly find information utilizing the internet. The internet can be a dangerous thing. Students are tempted to look at the first website on a google search, rather than looking for a valid website. It also lends itself to more problems such as plagiarism.
Elizabeth ,
yes, while the technology makes somethings easier, it definitely had made our jobs as instructors more challenging.
Dr. Ryan Meers
This may be one of those topics that highlight the generational differences between the Gen Y student and the instructor. I was struck by the term "need" in the definition of digital natives, and the use of the term "addicted" in one of the comments. There are certainly great positives in the use of technology, but I am more concerned with the potential for distraction. It sometimes seems that the need to connect is subconscious, the texting and checking of the phones is almost automatic, done without even being aware of it. I also believe it interferes with the ability to communicate face-to-face.
Michael,
I would agree that this is a major concern & one that should be monitored & addressed in our students.
Dr. Ryan Meers
Gen Yers view their technology, i.e., smart phones, IPads, etc., as a part of who they are. That little electronic device is their life's connection, be it through friends, family, school, news, etc.
As we just learned, this technology can not only be a blessing in many ways but, yet, a hazard in and of itself, i.e., distraction during class or even worse, texting and driving. Not a good idea. (Maybe a subject for another time.)
However, within the program of which I instruct, all students are required to possess a laptop with internet capabilities for use during class time. Not only does it come in handy when they need to research something, but I feel it takes some of the "edge" off of being at school for so long in a day wherein they are still able, during breaks of course, to be in touch with their outside world. I feel it makes for a much more relaxed student environment.
Gen Y students view technology as an absolute necessity. In their lives they have not known any other way of conducting themselves than through the use of technology. Gen Y's tend to view nontechnological interactions as old and outdated.
Shelly,
My school has the same policy which prohibits "friending" a student on your personal Facebook account. It is a fireable offense. We are allowed to set up a department Facebook account and friend students through that but the content is strictly school related.
They view technology as air. It is something they need and cannot live without. However it is up to earlier generations to help them realize that you can live without technology for a little time out of every day
Almost like an extension of a body part. All kidding aside, they rely extensively on technology in every day life. Since they are accustomed to receiving information quickly and responses, they would not be satisfied with anything less.
To me it is sort of scary to rely on technology that breaks down, shuts down -- little back up -- and then when lost, it's like part of their life is at stake due to their day-in and day-out dependability and relying mostly on outside forces (techology, internet) rather than brain storage and memory.
As digital natives, Gen Y students view technology as their life source. They have become so dependent on technology that its almost scary.
I think a lot of my students seem to think that that technology can replace time and work; it's a shortcut to the solution. They are often wrong, at least in the automotive field. I once gave my class an example using a case study of a car with an electronic problem with a car. They had one day to come up with a solution, and the answer could be found using technology that was available to them in school. The answer was available on an electronic database we provide at the school, but almost every student went onto web forums looking for easy fixes based on the experiences of others with similar problems. Many of these forums are NOT reliable resources for technical information, yet many students believe the correct diagnosis is just one web forum away. Five minutes using the computer in the student resource center provided a technical bulletin that would lead to the correct diagnosis, but few are willing to use the prescribed system and looked on web forums instead.
Todd,
unfortunately this is an all too common situation. We have to really work to help them realize that they cannot always shortcut, at least not until they've learned the long way.
Dr. Ryan Meers
At the strait out of high school age group, they feel they have a right to use their cell phones, when & where they want reguardless of the rules, & will do so in defiance until it causes them problems they can't handle
Generation Y students view web-based technology as a tool for outreach with the rest of the world, literally. They have various networks of friends they can go to for support in addition to family members. Their contact info is programmed into their phones for contacting friends and family using the touch of only one key. This technology is always with them and they check on it frequently. It is like putting on glasses for the digital holdout. It is having an adverse effect on print media such as newspapers and magazines but is more in line with the quick snipets of news generation Y looks for in their busy day of multi-tasking.
John,
they are definitely "wired" this way. Another negative I see from this tech connectivity is while this generation seems to be connected to more people, they (generally speaking) don't seem to be able to relate as well individually.
Dr. Ryan Meers
My concern with the GenYers use of technology like this is their apparent lack of courtesy. It doesn't even compute to them that they should turn these devices off before going into a meeting or interview. And setting it to vibrate is not off...they still know someone is calling or texting or whatever and they have this insatiable need to see what it came in. And they have to peek. Is it too late in their lives to undo the damage? Or is this the new norm? So much for maintaining eye contact and staying focused :)
Charla,
maybe I'm the eternal optimist but I don't think it is too late. It does require a significant level of teaching & "educating" on why this behavior is rude. There have been some recent articles on how poor etiquette is costing this generation jobs.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
Gen Y students view technology as a mandatory part of life. I teach dental assisting. My students are disappointed to have to learn the "old" way of doing things and often question why they have to know it. It is hard for them to understand that not every dental office has the latest technology.
Theresa,
and I think it's important that they understand the "old" ways as much of the new technology is built on the old.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
As being apart of this generation I understand the urge to have some sort of technology with me at all times. Most of us would say that our cell phone is just as much apart of us as our arms and legs. Walking out of the house without a cell phone is like being with out clothes to most people in this generation.
