Katie Butkiewicz

ISTC 301-005
September 8, 2015
21st Century Learners
Born shortly before the millennial years, I have always had the benefit of being a twenty-first
century learner. I was placed into a society where the common usage of technology was, and still
is, considered the norm. Although I am a millennial learner, it is impressing to learn that the
technological and digital era is transforming the lives of all people, young and old. It is also
interesting to note that the children learning within the millennial generation are learning the
same, if not similar information, just in a different style. Learners today are likely to refer to the
internet as a major resource, whereas older generations find more comfort in using data found
from a book. The usage of technology within the classroom or the workforce is associated with a
list of pros and cons; however I do believe it will be beneficial. When using technology, it is
imperative to apply an appropriate and readable tone and to not erase the origin of social
interactions.
The purpose of education should remain the same; however since society is rapidly changing,
the tools and resources should be adjusted in order to effectively meet the needs of each student.
While teaching in a classroom, especially with millennial learners, teachers should incorporate
the usage of tablets, calculators, Smart Board, and the internet as appropriate learning tools.
Although more and more teachers are beginning to apply technology within their classroom, I do
not believe it is being placed into effect enough. During this era, students should be given
computer assignments for classroom and homework time if the resources are available to them,

and teachers should resort to using online grading systems and perform their daily lesson plans
by using digital devices.
As a millennial learner, the needs of todays students are remarkably understandable. I,
myself, learn best when class notes are posted via PowerPoint and/or are placed onto the internet
as a reference. Without the usage of technology incorporated within my learning, I believe that I
would still be able to process the same amount of learning, however I think it would be
approached at a much slower rate. My perception of teaching todays society was altered, as I
was unable to envision a classroom without the usage of technology. Since I was raised into the
millennial years, I believe that it will be easier to teach other millennials, rather than if I was
born in previous generations. Feeling confident in my teaching within my potential classroom, I
think that only constructing a learning target would require a need for additional practice.