Challenges of Net-Gen Students
In addressing the unique needs of the 21 st century workplace, the researcher
focused on the administration and teachers’ awareness of 21 st century students. One
theme that became abundantly clear was the administrator’s understanding of the Net
Generation students in the school. During the interview process, the researcher described
the generation of students currently in the high school as “Net-Gen.” Understanding the
values and dispositions of the students is critical in successful school reform. In the 21 st
century, Net-Gen students bring various challenges to a school setting (Tapscott, 1998).
Administrator 1 did not describe instructional implications, such as authentic learning
opportunities that Net-Gen students need in their learning. A1 instead described
disciplinary concerns that are unique to Net-Gen students from their dependency on
technology. Administrator 1 stated: