What can we learn from Don Tapscott‘s “8 Net Generation Norms?”
While watch
ing the Olympics, I was struck by an interview with Olympic swimmer Rebecca Soni after winning a gold medal in the 200M women’s breaststroke. During the interview, Rebecca commented that after years of trying to change her stroke to make it longer, she credited her coach for not trying to change her natural stroke. Instead, he built upon her natural habits and enhanced them. The result? A gold medal.
This seems to be good advice to keep in mind as we prepare for a new school year and our work with students – meet them where they are. In Grown Up Digital, author Don Tapscott shares the results of his research involving over 11,000 young people. In the book, Don explores the influence this NetGeneration is having on the rest of us, emphasizes what we can learn from them, and stresses that it is important that we understand them. The book is well researched and offers the reader great insight into the changing landscape. One interesting outcome, there are many, of Don’s work is the list that emerged of “8 Net Generation Norms” – eight behaviors and expectations identified in his surveys that distinguish this generation from others and offer all of us a glimpse into ways this generation lives, works, and connects.
8 Net Generation Norms (From Grown Up Digital page 34 – 35)
1. “They want freedom in everything they do, from freedom of choice to freedom of expression.”
2. “They love to customize, personalize.”
3. “They are the new scrutinizers.”
4. “They look for corporate integrity and openness when deciding what to buy.”
5. “They NetGen wants entertainment and play in their work, education, and social life.”
6. “They are the collaboration and relationship generation.”
7. “The NetGen has a need for speed – not just in video games.”
8. “They are the innovators.”
What can we learn from these findings? How can we use this list to think about our work as teachers, administrators, and parents? As I read the list, the following ideas and questions come to mind?
• In the classroom, freedom of choice and expression do not have to be removed from high expectations for showing mastery of subject. And being aware of this norm might encourage us to think differently about ways we create assignments.
• What does customization and personalization look like in the classroom? Can we use on-line tools at the k-12 level to individualize instruction and to identify specifice areas of struggle? As administrators, do we give teachers the support they need to customize their work?
• Scrutiny and integrity: Do we make information available to students, colleagues, and parents to put them in a position to be successful? Are we using all tools at our disposal to provide on-going communication and inviting a conversation with all stakeholders?
• And finally, how can we build on the tendencies and talents the Net Gen brings to the classroom to help them build from a position of strength?
What an exciting time. I look forward to ideas, suggestions, and comments from others as we travel this road together. Here’s to a good school year.
Cornerstone 