Millennial Survey

I scored a 71 on the Millennial Survey I was actually surprised it wasn't higher considering I am pretty techno savvy and like to have fun gadgets.  I suppose the score isn't all about technology considering the questions regarding political views and religion.  For example, I wonder if leading a 'religious life' reduces your millennial score for some reason, or if you must be ‘liberal’ to be Millennial - just questions to ponder.

My thoughts on the Frand article:  The article was written in the year 2000 and already seems out of date.

1.     Computers aren’t technology:  Unfortunately, I supposed my age in this case dictates my response.  I do consider computers technology.  I remember the days when buying a computer was a huge investment and there were six thousand wires needed to connect the Internet, speakers, a monitor, etc.  I also worked for many years in the IT department of a large company and technology meant you were dealing with computers and necessary software. 

2.    Internet better than TV:  Huh….  Tough question.  I don’t think I have to decide between the two anymore.  I regularly have my laptop open, looking at Pinterest or reading email while half-watching TV.  The article suggests that finding specific information is difficult on the Internet and that it is necessary to determine the reliably of the information once it’s found.  I think we’ve become smarter in that regard.  It is no secret that and information found on the Internet in unreliable and should be crosschecked.  I don’t believe anyone takes information from the Internet as gospel.  Perhaps crosschecking and digging deeper is actually improving critical thinking skills in students. 

3.    Reality no longer real:  The word ‘reality’ is so overused these days.  With all the reality TV shows as well as our knowledge of media photos being photo-shopped and staged, I rarely believe things are as they look.  If anything, I am skeptical until I verify. 

4.    Doing rather than knowing:  I do think skills are becoming more important than knowledge alone.  I’m not saying that knowledge isn’t important, but it is critical to be able to apply the knowledge and to do it quickly.  New technologies are being discovered, produced and released at such a quick pace; there is no time to spend on a long learning curve. 

5.    Nintendo over logic:  I have a ‘Nintendo’ attitude about most things.  Quite honestly, the manuals are just too long to read through.  I spend time following directions when I’m assembling something but when it comes to technology, I am a ‘jump in an try’ person.  Honestly, YouTube is a great teacher when trial-and-error isn’t working.

6.    Multitasking way of life: This is certainly the cause of many arguments in my household.  My teenage children are convinced they can do three things and still do them at 100%.  I don’t believe they can, and know for sure that I can’t.  I certainly multitask things that don’t require much brain power but when it comes to school work or driving, the multitasking ends.

7.    Typing rather than handwriting:  For me, typing is a lifesaver.  I consider myself a horrible speller so typing (with spell check) is a wonderful, wonderful thing.  I would also say, I’m no the best writer so having the ability to cut and paste and move things around is powerful.  I would have a very difficult time going back to handwriting.

8.    Staying connected:  Does anyone use beepers anymore?  Funny.  I am probably not the norm on this topic.  I am not active on Facebook or any other social media sites and am not the best at keeping in touch with friends and family.  I would say I like the ability to connect but don’t want to be connected – if that makes any sense.   In my opinion, text messages are the best!!  You can reach out and say a quick hello anytime.

9.    Zero tolerance for delays:  I wouldn’t say I have zero tolerance for delays until I need the information right away!  Haha.  Perhaps that is the rub, the information is out there and accessible so we should have immediate feedback.  However, I am sure many emails and text messages have gone horribly wrong when someone responded without taking time to think things through.

 

10.  Consumer / creator blurring: I agree with this completely.  I worked in IT for years in customer support.  Support basically meant receiving information about a problem the customer was having and either providing the steps to solve the ‘known’ problem, or create a new piece of code for them to install and fix the ‘unknown’ problem.  Customers found bugs all over the code that needed to be fixed and this was huge, expensive, world-wide software.  It is extremely difficult to test every detail of large software system before release.

Some ISTE NETS addressed in this article are:

4a – model and teach safe and ethical use of digital information – especially when verifying the validity of information.

4c – promote digital social responsibility – certainly when using social media.

5c – evaluate current technologies and stay up to date with new possibilities.