The+Connected+Generation+&+Understanding

**The Connected Generation & Understandng Generation Y** //Peter Sheahan//

We are moving towards faster and easier ways of communicating - communication revolution is mind-blowing. The last 15 years - developments in speed, accessibility and affordability of comm. technology. Gen. X are immigrants to this world and Gen.( old school) Y are the natives(growing up with it). CONNECTED is the Key mindset. Gen. Y are the most connected - internet, mobile phones, consumer blogs and viral marketing. They are growing up with it and what they are exposed to in the early years of their lives is what influences them most - beliefs are formed. We are in the INFORMATION AGE. The more communicative the technology, the more popular it is amongst Gen. Y. The instant hit of the internet and mobile phones is very attractive - a way to stay connected. Generation Y is addicted to connectivity. Marketing and advertising can be done through a medium they are familiar with and have access to - it is what they are constantly connected to.They have an opinion and know what they want - they have values and are willing to give opinions - support companies that support good causes. We need to learn where they are living their social lives these days and connect to them via this. Management - instead of sitting and listening they want to be actively involved - they demand a functioning communication. Gen. X is a group who are hyper-connected to each other and the world around them and we need to re-evaluate the way we engage them. || We realise that we are dealing with students who belong to Gen. Y - we need to update ourselves and make sure we are teaching to suit their learning styles by including ICT into our programme. Slowly but surely. || Using technology in a way that engages students in a way that appeals to them - their comfort zone. Open them up to this new world and allow them to explore SAFELY. We need to get Connected as teachers first so that we can communicate with them. The Gen.X natives need to emigrate into this new world of Gen. Y. ||
 * ==**Bucklands Beach Intermediate School - Professional Reading Discussion - Team A - Shirley**== ||
 * 1. Summary of the important points in the reading.
 * 2. Summary of the discussion that took place in your group after completing the reading.
 * 3. How do the ideas in this reading affect or impact on what you do in the classroom?
 * 4. Possible future directions influenced by this reading. ||