The Dumbest Generation Episode IV: A New Hope

"We had a four year pilot laptop computer program which investigated the benefits of a laptop computer environment from both practical and pedagogical points of view. The results are clear, our laptop students are completely convinced this is the only way to go!" Since this is what we grew up with, it only makes sense that computers would make it easier for college students to success in the highest level of education. I know that next year when I am in college I will get a laptop for myself. I'll be able to research for my classes, write my papers, stay connected with what's going on around campus, and even keep in touch with my family and friends from home. I found it interesting that even though we are supposedly the "Dumbest Generation", colleges are looking at their students for feedback about how to use technology in their classrooms. They are supposed to know more than we do, that's why they are teaching us, but they are allowing us to form the classroom environment and dictate how classes are taught. I think it's great that more college are using the internet and other forms of technology to help teach. For me personally I know it will make things easier. I am so used to the internet and interacting with my lessons online that it will make what I learn more meaningful if I can manipulate it. This sort of thing is already done in my Psychology class. We run through Psych Simulations in class as a way to get a hands on feel with the material that we are learning. This makes it very easy to understand and even fun to learn about. Our generation is very visual because we spend so much time around the TV and computer that when we have the opportunity to learn by seeing how things are played out such as neurons firing in our brain, or even watching the steps a computer would take in order to solve a math problem, it helps more than people above the age of thirty would believe. I understand that they are concerned for their future since in a few years we will be old enough to vote and take control of major corporations, but they need to learn to trust us. Just because we grew up on Facebook and our high school projects were posted in blogs open for everyone in the world to see doesn't mean we didn't also learn the lessons they taught us. If people have faith in the Dumbest Generation, I'm sure we will turn out just fine.