Grown Up Digital - Don Tapscott

2008 – " If you understand the Net Generation, you will understand the future." That is the challenge that this book offers us.
The book was inspired by a four million dollar costing research, where more than 11,000 young people have taken part in. The researcher / author has discovered during the investigation that it is not a group spoiled " screenagers’ " with concentration problems and a lack of social skills, but on the contrary a surprisingly smart community that has discovered revolutionary new ways regarding thinking, interaction, work and to ‘socializing’. Screenagers are the first generation that grew up with TV , computers, music downloads , instant messaging ( such as MSN ) and GSM.

The book gives insights regarding the following topics :
• The way the brain of the Net Generation processes information ;
The brain of the Net Generation is shaped differently by the different way of life . The reasoning of the Net Generation is faster and does not go through the original routes ( start to finish ). Also the Net Generation switches between tasks faster and easier, but they are also easily distracted by external influences such as MSN windows. Further studies regarding memory and critical thinking are discussed in the book..

• Seven ways to attract young talent and keep them involved: design work systems so that they fit the new generation ( 1 ) , redefine the meaning of authority ( 2 ) , evaluate recruitment: initiate relationships ( 3 ) , evaluate training with a view to lifelong learning ( 4 ) , don’t banish Facebook and social networks ( 5 ), create lasting relationships ( 6 ) and let the power of the Net Generation go in your organization, listen to them and give them a say in innovations (7).

• Seven guidelines for educators to exploit the potential of the Net Generation: don’t throw technology in the classroom hoping that something good will come out ( 1 ), teach less, ask questions, let the students ask questions and interact ( 2 ) encourage students cooperate ( 3 ) focus on lifelong learning, not on learning for the achievement of exams ( 4 ), use technology to get familiar with the students and to adjust the curricula to what they expect  ( 5 ), develop curricula to fit the new generation ( 6 ) and rediscover yourself as a teacher ( 7 ).

• Parenting 2.0: the new generation needs more contact with the family and more often asks advice to parents than Generation X. Accept that in some areas your children have become an authority and have more knowledge than you . Use this to create a better relationship with them.

• Citizen Net: the way young people and internet changed democracy.
The Net Generation is involved , actively seeking " truths" and is able to activate many people over the internet.

Reference: Tapscott, Don. (2008) Grown Up Digital. How the Net Generation is changing the world. McGraw-Hill.  ISBN: 9780071508636

 

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