Generation Always-On refers to the students from their teens to mid twenties. This generation has grown up with all kinds of technology right at their fingertips. This generation has grown up with the internet just a click away, ready to search any subject or keyword they want to know about. This generation has grown up with access to every subject they can think of just a click away on their computer, tablet, and even cell phone. To quote the study, "They have grown up in a world that has come to offer them instant access to nearly the entirety of human knowledge, and incredible opportunities to connect, create, and collaborate." This generation has grown up learning impatience, intolerance, and a lack of social skills and common courtesy. This generation is always on something.....a computer, a tablet, a phone, an iPod, or any other piece of technology they can get a hold of. I see this generation being affected educationally in a number of ways. They are unable to research in a library, they are unable to think cognitively or deeply about most topics, and quite personally they are unable to focus on their physical education. Students know they are not to bring devices to my class as they are nothing more than a distraction and hindrance in learning and participating. I mean seriously, how to do you participate in a badminton unit or a weight training unit when you have a phone in one hand and an iPod in the other? Students are unable to disconnect for even the shortest amount of time. They are hyper connected as the report said and I believe they experience a sense of withdrawal when they have to be away from their devices. I am happy to be a part of the ever changing technology and it is amazing what can be done these days, but too much of a good thing is not a good thing at all. I am worried for these kids,they want to be on their devices as much as possible with no regard to personal interactions with family or friends or movement! Most of what I witness my students engaged in has nothing to do with advancing their education. I am concerned for Generation Always-On and what all of this technology is really doing to their brains, intellect, social skills, and their overall ability to function.
http://www.scoop.it/t/physical-education-by-sharon-moore-pulsifer
http://www.scoop.it/t/physical-education-by-sharon-moore-pulsifer