Millennials

Millennials, or Generation Y, describes the demographic cohort following Generation X.  According to Howe and Strauss "history molds generations, as generations mold history". Modern American history runs on a two-stoke rhythm: Awakening and a Crisis. Below is a chart describing from "Baby Boomer's to the Homeland Generation". It is a very interesting description of our Era.

I took the Millennial Survey and figured my score would be somewhere in the middle, not too high but not low.

            

I wasn't sure about the score. I could not decide if they scored me because I entered my age on the last question or not so I had my daughter and her boyfriend (both in college) take the survey.

Haley's score (18 years old)

Gage's score (20 years old)

Their scores were very close to each other but what surprised me was my daughter and I answered almost all the questions the same. I watched her take the survey (I had taken it earlier in the day).  This information tells me that younger teachers will definitely have a leg up on the 21t Century classroom compared to a more senior teacher. It will impact my students maybe a little bit but I love to learn so trying new things are never an issue for me. Sometimes me and my students learn new technology at the same time! More often than not, they teach me. I received an ELMO and mimio board and could not figure it out for the life of me. Of course, one of my kids said "move over Mrs. Thomas. It is painful to sit and watch you. Here is how you do it". This child was not being condescending at all, he just knew how to wire up new devices. 

Here is a snip of Frand's 10 Characteristics:

1. Computers aren't technology: I remember when computers were for typing. Almost everything is technology for me. Students have never been without it.
2. Internet better than TV: I doubt the Internet will ever replace TV for me. The more we use the Internet at work, I feel the less we use at home (at least for me)
3. Reality no longer real: I do solely ever rely on Internet information or at least I check multiple "reputable" sites.
4. Doing rather than knowing: I give my students little "wives tales" almost every week. This part of information is detrimental to learning.
5. Nintendo over logic: I try and hit all "types of learners" with all of my lesson; math may be visual, reading may be auditory, spelling may be kinesthetic. Changing teaching methods often keeps kids more engaged.
6. Multitasking as a way of life: I am a multi-tasker by nature yet I can stop and concentrate and do one thing. I think this is why students may appear to have ADD; they are "over what you are doing" rather quickly. One method I use is having Beethoven or Bach playing quietly on my Ipad during the day. It has a calming affect on my kids.
7. Typing rather handwriting: I still use paper and pen. I do see how this is affecting penmanship though.
8. Staying connected: I like to turn my phone off. I do not like that someone can contact me at ANY time (except my family).
9. Zero tolerance for delays: I think this is the worst part of the Internet. When you have 24/7 information, you cannot learn patience. I don't have the information "overload" but kids of today expect instant gratification.
10. Consumer/creator blurring: Again, I do not count on information that I solely read on the Internet. There are so many thoughts and opinions, that kids do not know what is real or not. We have to be diligent about teaching the idea of creator, user, and owner.

This follows the ISTE NETS standards

3. Model and display digital-age learning. b. address the diverse needs of all learners by using learner-centered strategies and providing equitable access to appropriate digital tools

and resources

c. promote and model digital etiquette and responsible social interactions related to the use of technology and information