IT6230 - Generation Unit Summary

Generation Unit Conclusion

• Children of baby boomers

• Digital technology has had a profound impact on their personalities, including their attitudes and approach to learning

• Based on web-based surveys circulated on social networking websites

Net Generation

Tapscott, D. (1997). Growing up digital: The rise of the net generation. New York: McGraw Hill.

Millennials• “…today's teens are

recasting the image of youth from downbeat and alienated to upbeat and engaged.”

• Based upon survey research with a sample from Fairfax, VA

Howe, N., & Strauss, W. (2000). Millennials rising: The next great generation. New York: Vintage Books.

Digital Natives• Belief that children today are

natives with the digital technology because they grew up surrounded by it

• Common in the media

• No systematic research

• Makes unfounded assumptions about access to digital technology

Prensky, M. (2001). Digital natives, digital immigrants. On the Horizon, 9(5). Retrieved from http://www.marcprensky.com/writing/Prensky%20-%20Digital%20Natives,%20Digital%20Immigrants%20-%20Part1.pdf

Generation Me• “Today's young people have been

raised to aim for the stars at a time when it is more difficult than ever to get into college, find a good job, and afford a house. Their expectations are very high just as the world is becoming more competitive, so there's a huge clash between their expectations and reality.”

• Based on data systematically collected from the 1960s to the present

Twenge, J. M. (2000). Generation me: Why today’s young Americans are more confident, assertive, entitled – and more miserable than ever before. New York: Free Press.

Generation Edge

• Not sure yet!– Only half-way through generation– Readings provide a glimpse of

similarities and differences between this generation and previous generations.