English Language and Literature Commons^™

Technology In The College Classroom: Crisis And Opportunity, Theresa Conefrey

English

The 21st century classroom is large, diverse, underfunded, and populated by students weaned on digital devices espousing a consumer mentality looking for a good return on investment (ROI) on their education. These students, the so-called "millennials," and the coming Generation Z, who have grown up in the digital age, are more pragmatic than previous generations of students and are less amenable to traditional teaching approaches. While some lament this "crisis" in education, it can be seen as an opportunity. As "digital natives," students are immersed in the newer technologies both as consumers and producers and anticipate remaining plugged in during …