The Contemporary Learner

Gen Z learners would find engaging in the situation shown in the traditional classroom snippet difficult because it does not align with their learning needs. In the video, the teacher is standing at the front of the classroom and is simply talking with no enthusiasm or use of ICT . He is asking questions; however, he is not receiving answers and the students are not working with him. Gen Z students engage with learning that involves thinking in 4D, communicating with images, short bursts and hands on activities.

I think creativity is encouraged during school as long as it fits in to the overall framework of the unit. Art and music are two subjects which stand out as being the most creative as students have less restrictions holding them back. Listening to Sir Ken Robinson's story about the young dancer was awesome and showed the benefits of thinking outside of the box and celebrating individual's talents. English is one of my selected subjects and one of the reasons I like it is because although we have set modules we must learn, there is still the chance to show individuality through creative writing.

A curriculum that is linear, progressive and aimed at a single learning outcome for the development of both individuals and the society we live in would have a negative impact. The differences between Gen Z learners and learners from previous generations highlights the problems a curriculum like this would have. Learning needs and preferences are changing over time and diversification is increasing, illustrating the need for a curriculum which caters for a wide range of personalities. Events that occur around the world are continuously changing society which results in the shifting of certain priorities and problems.

The possibilities that ICTs provide in regard to creating a professional learning network is exciting. Being able to interact with other students, teachers and professionals provides us with a great opportunity to further our learning. Support networks such as the ALC and Studiosity are valuable members of a professional learning network at uni.