Millennials vs previous generations

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Millennials and previous generations are exposed to different kinds of media. Previous generations that include Baby Boomers and Generation X are exposed to basic type of mass media which include television, typewriters, memos, video games, computers and e-mail. Millennials on the other hand is more exposed to current type of media such as the Web, mobile devices, Instant Messaging and text messaging. Despite the differences in the types of media that both generations are exposed to, the way they use the media also differs. While previous generations use the media as an entertainment provider and as a basic source of information, the Millennials uses the media in a more sophisticated yet complicated ways. For instance, the Millennials use the media as a means of communication. Through media, they make a lot of new friends and get involve in many social activities that are provided by their social networking society. Furthermore, the Millennials uses the media as a platform for them to access and participate in Youth Culture and Youth Subculture. They will be able to access the most current fashion and trend through the media. Hence, this will prevent them from feeling neglected or rejected by their circle of friends.

The Millennials oftens present their teachers and educators with challenges. One of the reasons why this is happening is due to the fact that the Millennials are Digital Native while their teachers and educators are mostly Digital Immigrants. Thus, the teachers and educators will never be able to understand or use the technology in precisely as the Millennials (Digital Natives) do. This situation creates a big gap between these two generations that is identified as one of the challenges to the teachers and educators in educating the Millennials. Based on this challenge, in order to better engage the Millennials as learners, the teacher should strive to be a role model and act as a leader. The Millennials is a generation that respects intelligence. By acting as a leader and a good role model the teacher will seen as a respective figure in the classroom, thus will encourage the students to be better learners.

Another reason why Millennials is a challenge to their teachers and educators is because they are a different kinds of learners if to be compared to the previous generations. They are used to multi-tasking activities that they will easily get bored if there is nothing to be done. Furthermore, they study not for the sake of learning and thrill of knowledge, but to merely pass the past because they very achievement oriented and practical. Thus, in order to better engage the Millenials as learners, the teacher should encourage collaborative learning in the classroom, ensures that the activities are varied and the learning must be relevant, engaging and meaningful. This is to accommodate the Millennials' characteristics that are team-oriented and achievement-oriented. Hence, when their natures are met, they will be engaged with the learning process.