Technology+Leadership+Book+Summary





//Grown Up Digital // //How the Net Generation Is Changing Your World // by Don Tapscott  Though //Grown Up Digital// is a sequel to //Growing Up Digital//, it also serves as a catalyst that causes the reader to re-evaluate the way they view the Net Generation. Tapscott states, that the book “was inspired by a $4 million research project ‘The Next Generation: a Strategic Investigation’ funded by large companies.” (p. 2) Tapscott wrote that, “In this book you’ll learn that the Net Generation has arrived. And while there are many concerns, overall the kids are more than alright.”(p. 6)  It is useful to understand why Tapscott calls them the Net Generation (Net Gen). Tapscott wrote, “they were different from any other generation because they were the first to grow up surrounded by digital media. ‘Today’s kids are so bathed in bits that they think it’s all part of the natural landscape.’” (p. 2) In the first section of the book Tapscott introduces the reader to the Net Generation and gives us insight into them. He uses statistical data to show how the Net Generation is a larger echo of the Baby Boom. In chapter 3 Tapscott examines “the eight Net Gen norms” (p. 73) which are freedom, customization, scrutiny, integrity, collaboration, entertainment, speed, and innovation. He uses these norms throughout the rest of the book to examine how the Net Gen. relates to the rest of the world.  The second section of the book looks at how the Net Generation is transforming institutions and in the fifth chapter educators gets guidelines to the Net Geners as learners. Though critical of what is going on in schools today, he also provides a new model of education. Tapscott wrote, “Instead of focusing on the teacher, the education system should focus on the student. Instead of lecturing, teachers should interact with students and help them discover for themselves. Instead of delivering a one-size-fits-all form of education, schools should customize the education to fit each child’s individual way of learning. Instead of isolating students, the schools should encourage them to collaborate.” (p. 122) In this section Tapscott further examines the Net Generation in the workforce, as consumers, and as members of families. Tapscott dispelled the notion that the Net Generation was unprepared for the workforce when he wrote, “In fact, the vast majority of employers in the survey felt that college students were actually //well prepared overall// for work; it was high school students who fell short—less than half of the employers surveyed thought that high school grads were well prepared overall.” (p. 152) As a piece of advice for marketing professionals, Tapscott wrote, “Bake integrity into your corporate DNA and marketing campaigns.” (p. 217) In advice the Net Generation families he wrote, “Get involved beyond the daily lives of your family; prioritize spending quality time with one another.” and “Play. Get down on the floor with your children and let out a hearty, full-bellied laugh at their silliness!!!” (p. 241)  In section three, Tapscott looks at how the Net Generation is capable of transforming society. He tells our government leaders to, “Embrace Democracy 2.0. Don’t broadcast to Net Geners. Think interaction, not unidirectional communications.” (p. 268) To civil society organization he suggests “Don’t be afraid to get them involved in a hard issue that’s hitting people far away.” Finally he included advice for the Net Geners, “Don’t give up. When adults criticize your generation, don’t take it personally. You are the smartest generation—really. You are the first global generation. You have a better world within your grasp. Reach out; hold on; make it happen.” (p. 311)  This book serves as a guide on how to interact with the Net Generation, whether they are your students or your children. References  Tapscott, D. (2009). //Grown Up Digital//. New York: McGraw Hill.