How Millennial Are You? Almost.....63....

I took the millennial quiz and was surprised I scored a 63, considering I was born in 1959 - I think that is pretty good IF you want to be in the millennial mindset.  Using social media really helped to increase my score.  I have a Facebook page and Instagram and Snapchat.  I don't post very often, but look at the posts of my teenagers and some of my students.  My parents divorced when I was 11 so that put me in the middle of the question regarding whether or not your parents were married during most of your growing up.  If I changed my answer to no, my score was raised to a 71!

As far as implications for my teaching or my students' learning, I teach high school so I do like to keep up with what is important to my students and what technology they are using. I think it helps me connect with the students which is key to a successful teacher.  One of the classes I teach is Personal Finance and I would love it if each student had a tablet, there is so much on the internet that I could use.  I also frequently text my students, if they did not turn in an assignment, I don't hesitate to text them to remind them, especially if it is close to report card time.  I much prefer they empower themselves as opposed to calling home when a student is not doing well in the class.

My response to Frand's 10 Characteristics of the Information-Age Mind Set:

Computers Aren't Technology:  Computers are technology to me. We certainly didn't have one in the house when I grew up and God forbid - we only had one small TV!  Yes - that is a surprise to a "millennial" and they don't understand how we survived.  I remember only using the computer in college for my computer classes - definitely not to take notes in class....

Internet better than TV:  Agreed!  I love to be able to DVR shows or watch what  I want on Netflix.  Anything to limit wasting my time watching commercials!  I check weather, read the news, read decorating blogs.  Maybe I need to limit my "screen time".

Reality no long real: So true - one must be careful to be sure the information they are receiving is indeed "real".  There is boat loads of information available to us on the internet and we need to "sift" through it before relying on it as "real". It is important to teach students these skills.

Doing Rather than Knowing: I am a Career and Technical Education teacher and part of the curriculum is workplace readiness skills.  It is important to teach students higher level thinking, how to solve problems, and how to cope with issues/problems.  Teach them to think on their feet.  Students need to realize that in real life there is no word bank or study guide. 

Nintendo over Logic: Gotta read the manual - it is the only way. When I purchased my first iPhone, I (believe it) printed out the manual and put it in a three ring binder!! Yikes.  I actually  haven't looked at it - well maybe a few times and then I just played with it and when I was stumped - I asked my teenager or my student! Problem solved - who needs to read the manuals!

Multitasking Way of Life: I am not "in" on this one.  For some things yes - watching TV and texting or surfing the net - that's OK.  But for tasks like "homework" I think the less distractions the better, "focus Daniel son".  To accomplish challenging tasks one must get rid of the noise and focus.  I also believe it is also important to over all well-being to have down time, quiet time, every day.

Typing Rather than Handwriting: It depends!  Hand written notes are more appropriate than typed notes but then when writing papers or blogs - typing wins hands down!  I think it is important to know how to write cursive though but that is fast becoming a lost art.  If I write something on the board in cursive - many students have a challenging time reading it - no it is not my handwriting!

Staying Connected: Yes- I love being connected. Yet - I don't jump when the cell phone rings - especially if I am "doing" something else- maybe enjoying dinner with my family, or cooking dinner, or reading a good book.  I feel it is important to "disconnect" for some time each day. 

Zero Tolerance for Delays: Oh those millennials - want it now!!!  I can relate - with all the new technology comes the ability to get it now.  Doctors can now have the ability to view x-rays via their phone while they are out to dinner!  Amazing and time efficient!

Consumer/Creator Blurring: Beware stealing Intellectual Property is not ethical!  Student and everyone must find the line between what is fair and ethical and what is theft.  Plagiarism, simply put, is wrong! Give credit to the creator! As a high school teacher - this is a very touchy subject.