Generation Variances

    
     I am a part of the Millennial Generation....and proud of it! According to the readings my generation is said to be "tech-savvy, team-oriented, optimistic with high expectations. I agree with most of it, however the optimistic part somewhat depends on where we fall in our recent economic crisis. Many people that I graduated college with prior to the crisis were very excited and optimistic. However we are amongst those that suffered from lay-offs; as many of us were low on the seniority list, so much of that optimism waned because we were forced to reinvent ourselves in terms of our careers.
     I instruct those that are members of the generation edge. It's somewhat difficult to completely agree with the readings and videos because one thing about this generation is that their characteristics are so broad. You have the group that people say are lazy, don't want to work or go to school, have no respect for their elders and are responsible for a lot of crime. Unfortunately as hard as it is to admit some of this is true. However generation edge is also said to be amongst those who will make the most impact on our society. I tend to lead on the side of them having a great impact. This generation is going to school and having to work full-time and many have children to raise. And in the midst of that facing the fact that their education may not get them a job when they graduate. Not to mention the fact that they will end of paying for a war that they had not decision on.
     One thing that I found interesting and that I totally agree with is that generation edgers were born into the digital age. That's all that they know which makes the way that they learn different than with previous generations. Due to this fact one of the writers asked the question as to whether we as instructors have to change the way that we teach or if our students have to change the way that they learn. I believe that the first is true, instructors have to change the way that they teach. It's not acceptable today to have a teacher who can't comprehend or teach with technology involved. I've always been on the mentality to "meet students where they are" meaning that if that's how they learn than that is the way that we must teach. We have to learn about technology and social media and implement that into our lessons. However with that said I believe that some of the traditional ways have to be taught to the generation edgers. They should spend a little less time on social media that doesn't pertain to learning and more time creating good study habits. They must also understand that the easy and "right now" way is not always the best method to learn.
     Some of the readings and videos were a little daunting, it gave a very bleak account on what's to come for generation edge. So much so that it almost gave the impression that they should not even attend school. Though many aspects of the readings were true, I believe that those in generation edge will have to find career alternatives and not be able to focus solely on traditional ways to work.