Education for Generation Z: E-Learning

ICT is designed to ENHANCE face to face learning; NOT replace it altogether. The use of digital tools in the class has both its advantages and disadvantages; but its up to teachers to learn how to get the most out of most the ICT available.

(http://studenthousingmatters.com)

Generation Z: Dealing With A Whole New World
The GenZ slideshow opened my eyes in many ways. I never knew that I (1996) was a Gen Z kid; I had only though people younger than me were apart this group. Anyway, I have had a lot of expereince with Generation Z other than me being one. I have spent time in class with younger students, with my younger sister and her friends as well as being out on prac. I have always thought that the large majority of GenZ teens are way to reliant on technology: I have seen people fall apart without the use of their mobile phones for a few days. I feared this heavy use of technology would make them take shortcuts with work and become socially isolated. And while I still agree with my previous beliefs, the slideshow shows how beneficial technology can be for students, provided it is an effective and productive learning experience. The slideshow also provided me with some key ideas on how to connect with GenZ: 

• Depict them as diverse
• Talk in images 
• Use snack-able content 
• Don't talk down to them
• Get them so create and make things
• Tap into their entrepreneur spirit
• Be humble and admit mistakes, just as they have to  
• Give them control in the form of preferences for work
• Collaborate
• Use multiple screens and devices
• Give live streaming access
• Include passion projects, or social issues that they can fight for
• Introduce the idea of sustainability into the classroom 
• Help them to become experts 
• Tease their brains (games, puzzles etc.)
• Try to involve food (they love cooking)

Big Thinkers:

The following are they key concepts from the video by Judy Willis, Big Thinkers.

• Do everything you can to stop your students from being bored. Bored equals stress, which means they learn nothing
• Create and maintain a safe environment, both mentally and emotionally
• Find something they love and run with it! If its interesting and fun they will love to do it and learn faster. 
• Teach students skills they can use for real world application, such as problem solving and planning.
• Video games are something you can model your pedagogy off. The concepts of a base level, and progressing up levels of capabilities until they find a challenge. This will help each student find their own capabilities and challenge themselves.

(http://imgkid.com/classroom-students-bored.shtml)

I love the idea of making the classroom an interesting and vivid place of learning. The concepts of incorporating games and technology would certainly spark an interest in my students. By using technology in a positive way I can create an environment that will entertain students and enrich their learning. However there is potential for negative issues to arise. Though Generation Z are supposedly better team players than their predecessors, but bullying is still present. If not monitored, technology within the classroom may give way to cyber-bullying and plagiarism. 


Education Is Killing Creativity: 

The TED talk by Sir Ken Robinson was inspiring. It made me laugh, made be want to be a teacher all over again, and made me think about how the current education system is. Flawed. 

(http://sfpsmom.com/?p=1814)

His main message is that we are educated out of creativity; something I hope never happens in my classroom. He made a point that really stood out to me: every educational system in the word is the same. Maths and Languages at the top. Arts on the bottom. If the system is weighed against you, how can you ever succeed? If you are a gifted artist, but are told not to pursue it because it will amount to no career, why bother continue painting? Teachers desperately need to change this.

ICT offers a solution to this creativity crisis.
The jobs in digital media, advertising and graphic design now rely on creativity and originality. there are thousands of jobs in these sectors, which will continue to grow. By placing value on such skills, and encouraging them within the classroom not only will teachers better themselves, but students will be able to flourish in areas that they were previously told did not matter. Incorporating digital pedagogy is vital to the success of our students and their creativity.

You can't just give someone a creativity injection. You have to create an environment for curiosity and a way to encourage people and get the best out of them 
- Sir Ken Robinson