What is a "Millennial" vs. What is NOT a "Millennial"? (or Who is Me vs. Who is My Mother!!!! (LOL!!!)-seriously!!!)
-Eager to explore a new device/ Scared of anything new, that they might not understand.
-Digs in and figures out how a device works, simply by using it!/ Fearful of all of the instructions in a manual; often does not learn basic functions, because to do so seems overwhelming!
-Takes chances! Uses GPS to navigate directions/ Plots out directions to a destination using a map book. Or, does not venture out of one own's comfort zone, because of paranoia, which tends to increase with one's age.
What is the Information-Age mindset?
The information-age mindset, differs significantly from the mindset of those who either grew up as members of the silent generation of our parents, or the post WWII baby-boomer generation, both of whom transitioned from the 20th Century/Industrial age. Today's student has grown up with a culture, that only knows what it is like to be instantly connected to others in the world, and have a constant source of digitally based information.
Ten Attributes Reflecting Values and Behaviors Making
up the Information-Age Mindset & am I, In or Out?
- (Related to broad observations of change)
1. Computers Aren't Technology Out
2. Internet Better Than TV In
3. Reality No Longer Real In
4. Doing Rather Than Knowing In (i.e. babies who can't even walk, being able to effectively use a digital device.)
- (How people do things)
5. Nintendo over Logic In
6. Multitasking Way of Life In
7. Typing Rather Than Handwriting Out
- (Subliminal needs conditioned by the cyber-age)
8. Staying Connected In
9. Zero Tolerance for Delays In
10. Consumer/Creator Blurring In (i.e. the public is the QC source now)
Link to: Millennial Quiz
My scores:
Relative to last 24 hrs
Typical Day
When I took the Millennial Quiz the first time, my score was lower, than what I thought typical, because I had not sent nor received any text messages on my cell phone. On a usual day, I send/receive between 1 & 5 texts. So, I have included stats for a typical day of texts, which reflects that practice.
I am what I call, a moderate user of technology. I don't have to be plugged in, constantly. But, I do like the convenience of being able to plug in, via my laptop or the my smartphone, that I have had for a year now.
I feel comfortable exploring a new device, without needing to consult the manual. I have gotten used to "immediate gratification"! I could not use "dial-up" anymore, yet I remember the days of, waiting to use my home phone, because the "party-line" (blast from the past-whoa!!!) was sharing the line!!!
I know some of my mindset is because I live in the D.C. area. I also am the mom of a 5th grader. So, I live a "multi-tasking" life, and I know that "cursive writing" is on its way out, in elementary curriculum's My son began "keyboarding" in 4th grade, whereas I learned how to "type" in the 7th grade!
I also have taken two "distance-based" college classes, and am familiar with new practices in pedagogy. I have worked with rubrics, written reflective essays, and now.....I blog!!
I like to think of myself, as I am in my lifestyle, enlightened and not afraid to take chances and learn new things!! I plan on extending these characteristics into my classroom.
