Games Generation Learners: Are they different from previous generations?

Today’s learners are often referred to as the “Net Generation,” but Marc Prensky refers to them as the “Games Generation,” and discusses how the education system is not sufficient for today’s learners and economy. Are today’s learners really different from those of the past? Or do the differing requirements of today’s society and economy make it appear as though today’s learners are different? Are games the best way to gain and maintain the interest of today’s learners to ensure learning occurs?

Prensky provides a list of 10 ways in which learners are different, most of which are related to the barrage of information that is constantly thrown at them, the methods for how they process the information, and how they communicate with each other. I believe that learners may fundamentally be the same as previous generations in so far as when they first begin their formal education, they are like blank journals waiting to be filled with information and knowledge, and that they must learn the same basic skills (reading, writing, computation, etc.) that prior generations learned; however, that is where I believe the similarities end. Learners of today are the product of the environment that their parents, grandparents and society created for them. They are bombarded with so many different information inputs coming from all angles that they have been forced to learn at an early age how to handle so much information. A direct result of this information bombardment is that they become easily bored when faced with long periods of sitting at a desk while a “Sage on the state” talks at them. This is not to say that learners are not capable of sitting still and listen, but that the traditional style lecture is not stimulating enough to maintain their interest and attention.

Games can certainly demand and maintain attention. In fact, learners can sometimes become so engrossed in a game that they lose track of time, forget that they are learning something, and most importantly from the educational perspective become engaged and invested in what they are doing. On the other hand, not all games teach useful and necessary information or skills.

When it comes to learning, it is essential that one always revisits the objectives prior to determining the methodology used. Games may be the best way to teach one thing, but not another. I think what is most important for teaching the “Net” or “Games” generation, is that the method being used will maintain their interest and get them engaged with what is being learned…