Blog #4

Are we the dumbest generation?  I think it is somewhat a matter of opinion.  I do believe that as a generation, we are fairly lazy.  We look up whatever we need to know when we need to know it, rather than learning the information and obtaining knowledge.  But although we don't have quite as much knowledge as we probably should, we do use our brains and skills in many ways.  Learning a new computer program or software uses problem solving skills.  Researching for a paper is still done, just on the internet rather than in a book.  We still gather information and apply it to our topic.  I noticed a few people using phrases such as "general education classes don't matter to me...I'll never use this..." and "it's a lost cause."  I find it scary that some people think that learning general knowledge is pointless.  I think that learning is the most productive thing that a person can do.  Knowledge is such a powerful thing to have.  If someone is lucky enough to have the opportunity to receive a college education, they should be grateful and soak up as much as possible.  Does anyone think that a college education is a waste of time?  I think that a comment that a student made in class today was very interesting.  She said that in the interview, Bauerlein's only arguments are based on statistics and that really doesn't represent the entire generation.  There are plenty of adolescents that don't fit the stereotype whatsoever.  There is a difference between texting a friend to plan a face to face bonding event in which strong personal relationships are formed and just having long meaningless conversations over texting.  I think that he is assuming that just because teenagers are on their phones all the time, they are constantly doing something unimportant and don't socialize personally face to face.  He makes a lot of generalizations and assumptions that are a bit unfair.  The quiz that we took in class today was a big wake up call and it opened my eyes.  It made me realize that we do need to be more aware of the world around us, even though some of the statements made in the video and by students were just a bit harsh. Here is an article that I found very interesting. The Net Generation Tapscott makes some good arguments about the constant rise of IQ scores and the number of students not drinking alcohol and taking drugs.  He also discusses how they approach work in a different and more productive way.  I think reading this article will get you thinking a little more about what our generation is really all about.  Thanks for reading and I look forward to hearing some other opinions!