What should we do as individuals?

For most of us, our adolescent brains developed in a "non-netgen" world... we live in a netgen world now, so our continued relevance as educators brings us to a choice: 

Change or Die. It is really really hard to change... really.

  Become a computer user. Become a computer learner.

 Keeping current with technology means always learning. Jim Moulton says "we need to get comfortable with discomfort." Take a look these two lists. Created about nine months apart:

The New Starting Line

Starting Line 2010 

Create a valuable product.

Small & Vorgan argue that there needs to be a "coming together" of digital native and digital immigrants. "They" have the technology skill, "we" have the interpersonal skill and empathy. They need our skills we need their skills. 

How does your audience (students especially) perceive your class? Is is a place where they gain valuable and relevant skills and experiences? Remember Tapscott says they expect:

• Freedom
• Customization
• Scrutiny
• Integrity
• Collaboration
• Entertainment
• Speed
• Innovation 

Do you have any credibility with digital natives? The IT skill inversion, is changing who has the power in classrooms. I conclude we need value and learn from the skills young people bring to the classroom community and also advocate for what we have to contribute to that community.

This requires a change in affect.