Generation+Z

The Generation Z Learner


 * Because Gen Z is from the digital generation, many teachers incorrectly assume that ALL are “digital citizens” and are aware of online hazards, managing personal information online, guarding intellectual property, tech savvy, and so on.
 * Their brains are wired for the fast delivery of content, data, and images from computers, videogames, and the Internet.
 * Educators are increasingly bringing game design and game theory into education with continuous grading, continuous feedback, clear goals, rewards, challenges, etc.
 * Gen Zs are driven by graphics in learning. The comprehend complex graphics better than previous generations.
 * They very much dislike lecture-test classroom.
 * Gen Zs are constant multi-taskers.
 * The like to have have random access to information, love to explore using their own routes, need graphics, want it fun, and instant feedback.
 * Their digital world can be customized. They want their education customized, too.
 * Researchers says Gen Zs are smart kids and will be smart adults who can deal with a lot of data and make decisions.
 * The classroom challenge is that students are digital and many teachers are analog.
 * Old school teachers tend to not appreciate Gen Z digital skills or how their brains are wired.
 * Old school teachers are not prepared to teach the “future content” that Gen Zs love. Future content includes software, hardware, digital, technological, social media.
 * Teachers are at a disadvantage because they aren’t as comfortable with technology as their students are.
 * Access to so much data makes Gen Zs go for the quick answer rather than longer problem solving.
 * Gen Zs often do not take the time to determine the reliability of information.
 * They must be taught to discover, curate, and manage information. This will be essential in the “idea economy” of the knowledge era.
 * Fluid Intelligence (problem solving) on IQ scores has been on the rise since the 90s. Game designers like to take credit because their multi-player, problem-based games went viral at the same time.
 * Creating “cheats” and hacking games are a sign of brilliance in the Gen Z world. This doesn’t reconcile with their education world. Teachers don’t reward short cuts.
 * Gen Zs become incredibly more knowledgeable about their passions than the generations before them because they have access to so much more information, and they can network with peers across the globe who have the same interests.
 * 43 percent prefer the digital learning and find it easiest to learn from the Internet.
 * Parents are taking more responsibility in their children’s education, and they want options and choices.
 * The gap between what schools are teaching and the needed skills of the future is widening.
 * The Gen Z world is increasing collaborative, and their school projects need to reflect that.
 * Gen Z students need to be challenged with project-based, active learning to meet the demands of the future.

Source: http://gettingsmart.com/2012/12/meet-generation-z/

Interesting Article about multitasking...