Week #4 Post: Generation IM (Required)

It is so fascinating to consider the average, modern student. Today, these individuals truly are "wired in a wireless world" as the article Generation IM article points out. In my regular day of college classes, I go online at least once every day (if not much more), and, as a result, using the internet has become very much a part of my daily routine. However, I still can't believe how young some children are who use the internet and technology on an every day basis. According to the article, even preschoolers use technology in their young lives. Compared to the past, students of any age may choose to research a school project by first accessing the internet, rather than cracking open a book. Consequently, technology has quite a grip on today's generation of learners.

In reflecting upon this reality, I want to be pro-technology rather than against it when I assign projects and assignments as a teacher. I truly believe that technology should be viewed as a tool within the classroom, rather than as a hinderance. This article was a fresh reminder of the many facts that characterize the uniqueness of the current generation of students. Even though I don't understand all the "ins and outs" of technology quite yet, as well as the numerous resources available to me as an educator, I am willing to approach technology with a positive and open outlook since I plan to teach the current generation of students.

Educators who are opposed to using technology for teaching purposes should read the article Generation IM and ponder its many statistical insights. There are clearly many ways to bring technology into the classroom. The final one listed in this article is my favorite: Using Google Maps. I hope to incorporate all of these suggestions into my classroom in an effort to connect with my students and enable them to better connect with each other.