Net Gen - Do I Qualify?

I am a part of Generation X, but I find that I possess attributes of Net Gen. I am more comfortable composing on the computer. I feel lost without a laptop when attending workshops, conferences, meetings et cetera. And, I am constantly connected to the internet with phone in hand. If my cell phone is not within reaching distance, I feel like an appendage is missing. I wouldn't qualify myself in the Olympic multi-tasker team like the Net Gens. In fact, I wouldn't even make the "B" team. I get flustered when too many tasks fly at me. So, I can hold my own with the Net Gens, but I cannot win any IM wars. I prefer smaller chunks of tasks at a time.

As a teacher I realized quickly that I had to learn the digital native tongue. Fortunately, I taught in a 5-A school district with a progressive philosophy that provided many opportunities to learn present and upcoming technology. The first time I used the data projector to have students write notes onto Powerpoint I felt very empowered. My students were incredibly willing to teach me what they knew, and I became comfortable not being the technology expert. They were, and I became their student. In the process, we shared ideas and created a learning community. It was beautiful, and I did not plan one piece of it. I experienced the infusing of technology into my world through their world. I still am very connected to many of those students through Facebook or email. It was a year that changed my perspective as a teacher and changed me personally.

I know many worry that technology will take over the world and replace teachers, but I do not believe or fear this. The teacher is the facilator that helps weave meaning between subject areas and technology. They prepare students to be digitally literate in a world of meshed information with misinformation. My excitement of teaching this generation grows as I learn more.

Net Gens...Bring it on!