Grown+Up+Digital+Report+Chapters+3-4

by: Don Tapscott
 * //Grown Up Digital//**

**Chapter 3: Characteristics of a Generation - The Eight Net Gen Norms** Chapter three focuses on the eight net gen norms, which are freedom, customization, scrutiny, integrity, collaboration, entertainment, speed and innovation. Net Geners are a new generation of technology users who have grown up being active creators, players and collaborators on the Internet. Freedom plays a big role in a Net Geners decision on a specific career path and job. They are looking for a flexible working environment that ingrates their home and social lives with their work life. Technology products today need to have the ability to be customized to a Net Geners personality, likes and specific needs. They are always looking for the newest and greatest product that fits their lifestyle. Net Geners scrutinize products that are not reliable and can easily distinguish between fact and fiction on the World Wide Web. I agree with Don Tapscott that Net Geners are very resourceful and want to learn more about a specific product or topic before informing others or purchasing. Topscott also states on page 85 that Net Geners are more aware of the world around them then any other generation because of the abundance of information that is on the Internet and at their fingertips in an instant. Net Geners are also great collaborators. As a Net Gener, I am also looking for the need for speed. We are living in a social environment where questions can be answered in seconds from asking. **Chapter 4: The Net Generation Brain** It is amazing how our brain functions. Research studies support the idea that continual and intense use of a particular region of the brain can lead to increasing size and efficiency (pg. 99). Research also states that the brain can change throughout life as it responds to environmental influences (pg. 100) such as the great use of technology at a younger age. I was intrigued at the how gamers develop skills that are very useful in the surgical field. This chapter says that video games can improve hand eye coordination, can quicken reaction time, and will benefit peripheral vision. I never thought I would want a gamer to be my surgeon during surgery. Net Geners process information differently then their parents. They can easily scan a website for information quickly by leaping around. They are developed hypertext minds says Tapscott. Net Geners are visual experts. Student scores in a Library 1010 class at California State University increased by four percent (11 to 16) once the instructor started incorporating and using more visual images in specific homework assignments. I understand this outcome. As I teach and give step-by-step directions to students and teachers, directions with visual images are very helpful. I think many of our students today are visual learners. Multitasking is a way of life for Net Geners. I like the seven guidelines for a sharper mind at the end of Chapter 4. I think people need to immerse themselves with technology if they want to be fluent when using technology tools. I also think as an educator we need to have the philosophy of ‘jump right in and try it’. Many educators hesitate at the thought of something new. I have to admit I do this on occasion and have to remind myself if I don’t try, how will I know if a certain technology or technology tool will benefit my students. I do feel that it is important to have some background knowledge about what you are using when students are involved.

