[Innovate.info] April-May Issue

The April/May issue of Innovate focuses on the Net Generation, a generationthat grew up with video games, computers, and the Internet. Theexpectations, attitudes, and fluency with technology of this new generationpresent both a challenge and an opportunity for educators. In this specialissue of Innovate, guest edited by Chris Davis, we examine how educatorsand educational systems can respond to the challenge and leverage theopportunity.Kassandra Barnes, Raymond Marateo, and S. Pixy Ferris introduce the issueby describing the learning styles and preference of Net Generation learnersand the implications of these attributes for educators. (Seehttp://innovateonline.info/index.php?view=article&id=382 )The technology that shapes these students' lives can seem dangerous toadults. Mark van 't Hooft explores the issue related to online socialnetworking and online communication tools by teenagers. While the firstreaction of many parents and schools is to limit access to these tools toprotect children, van ‘t Hooft argues that children can show adultsthe use and benefits of the technology, while adults can developchildren’s understanding of the responsible use of technology. (Seehttp://innovateonline.info/index.php?view=article&id=376 )Because many higher education classrooms are a mix of students frommultiple generations, understanding the needs of all generations is key tobeing effective, especially when using technology to support learning. Tomeet this need, Paula Garcia and Jingjing Qin describe a research projectthat analyzed the differences and similarities between traditional andnon-traditional students in regards to comfort with technology andattitudes about learning. (Seehttp://innovateonline.info/index.php?view=article&id=379 )To understand the consequences of Web 2.0, Dana Wilber discusses herethnographic study of a Net Generation college student illustrating some ofthe ways that online journals and social networking sites are used bystudents and providing a window for educators to consider how these toolscan be used to support learning. (Seehttp://innovateonline.info/index.php?view=article&id=384 )Of course, technology continues to evolve in ways that shape education.John Thompson describes the transition from Web 1.0 to Web 2.0 and how thisaffects learning and teaching. Where Web 1.0 provided access to massivevolumes of information, Web 2.0 provides users with the ability to becomeproducers as well as consumers of this information. This technologytransition puts pressure on education to also become more interactive andenable learners to be producers as well as consumers.(http://innovateonline.info/index.php?view=article&id=393 )The impact of the Net Generation reaches beyond the classroom. HollyPeterson discusses how to engage alumni from this generation, using a casestudy of one organization’s effort to establish an online alumnicommunity. This experience can guide anyone attempting to create an onlinecommunity; the lessons learned may apply to attempts to reach currentstudents as well as alumni. (Seehttp://innovateonline.info/index.php?view=article&id=383 )Finally, in his Places to Go feature, Stephen Downes discusses Google asthe site that most reflects the spirit and characteristics of the NetGeneration. Using the Google search results for "Net Generation," Downesreflects on how the Net Generation accesses, creates, and uses information.Just as Google represents a dramatic change in managing informationcompared to traditional forms of media, the Net Generation represents achanging approach to media. (Seehttp://innovateonline.info/index.php?view=article&id=455 )We hope that you enjoy this special issue of Innovate. Please explore ourdiscussion boards, live webcasts, and other features as well. And pleaseforward this announcement to colleagues who are interested in usinginformation technology in creative ways.