Born between 1965 and 1980, Gen Xers grew up in an era of emerging technology (Valued Options , n.d). Their relationship with digital technology will positively influence the development of their teaching practice. The generation gap between those born post 2000 and Gen X can be minimised to students by recalling that Google and YouTube were created by Gen X (Grimes, 2011, p. 1-3). These tools enable lifelong learning by providing the ability to view, and research topics anywhere (Howell, 2012, p. 13). Gen Xers, have been in the workforce for some time. They know what a digitally ready Australian workforce needs (Howell, 2012, p. 12). Children of Gen Xers are either in primary school now or about to begin. These children use tablets, smartphones, and digital television and they are learning to read and write using digital technologies and these are motivating them to learn. Gen Xers could be described as digital natives. Generation X saw the emergence of the Commodore 64, and Nintendo Entertainment Systems (Ultimate Console Database , 2007) in the 70’s and 80’s. Mimeographs were replaced by high-speed copiers, faxes transmitted seconds, and handheld calculators appeared. Computers which, occupied rooms became desktop appliances (Valued Options , n.d). Gen Xers have adapted to change. This ability to adapt will be a positive influence within the classroom.
Instilling Lifelong Learning as a Generation X Teacher.
Lifelong learning tasks for students should allow them to develop lifelong learning skills and employability (Queensland Studies Authority, 2013, p. 1). For children in primary school the workforce is a long way off, but the core skills of familiarity with digital devices will expand thought and challenge competencies. Stu...
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In Renee Wilson’s article, “In Defence of the iGeneration” (2013), she explores her belief of the iGeneration being the smartest generation yet. Through the use of many anecdotes, Wilson reflects on her experiences of teaching the iGeneration and their ability to ignore negative criticism and still show their full potential. In her article, Wilson discusses the iGeneration’s reliance on technology and social media; however, she does not engage the disadvantages of technology, in particular laptops in the classroom, which, as I argue here, is in need of more study. In this essay, I argue that the use of laptops by students in a university classroom is distracting not only to the student, but also to surrounding students. Inevitably, multitasking and distractions in the classroom will result in a decline in academic performance.
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In the previous part of this paper, the definition of Lifelong Learning is discussed and elaborated in details. However, it appears that the current conception of lifelong learning focus on “education” rather than “learning” as the recognition of certification and qualification is the main emphasis. This is closely linked to the continual renewal of licenses to practice a profession. Hence, there is a lower emphasis and value placed on “vocational” learning for personal interest and enrichment.
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A mere twenty years ago, children played in their neighborhood all day, jumping ropes, riding bikes, and building forts. They were the masters of imaginary games. Children created their own play that didn't require any money or parental supervision. Children would play with sticks. It could become a slingshot, a pistol, a claw, or anything else that they could dream up (Sawyer 1). In the past, family time was often spent doing chores, crafts, and homework. The dining room table was where families came together to enjoy their meals and have conversations about their day. After dinner, the dining table became the center for baking and homework after dinner (Mendoza 1).Today's families are different. Technology's impact on the 21st century family is fracturing and altering its very foundation, and causing a disintegration of core values and breaking down the fabric that held families together long ago. Comparing to this current generation, children have been born into a digital world and grown up with the most advance and updated technology. Children are called “digital natives (Richtel 1).” They are contrasted with the digital immigrants, such as their parents and teachers, who have adapted technology much later in life (Richtel 1). Technology has advanced so rapidly that families have scarcely noticed the significant shifts and transformations to their family structure and lifestyles. According to 2010 Kaiser Foundation, the study showed that elementary aged children use on average 7.5 hours per day of entertainment technology, 75 percent of these children have TV's in their bedrooms, and 50 percent of them have the TV on all day (Mendoza 1). Laptops, phones, and televisions are considered as some of the most popular technologies...