The Death of Email

If you were lucky enough to attend our tech conference this August then you to hear Ian Jukes wax about the difference between students (digital natives) and us (digital immigrants). The argument follows that we (immigrants) use the phone and they (natives) use email. Well, research shows that the gap might just be widening. Just about the time email becomes second nature to us something else comes along that broadens the gap. The Slate reports that today’s younger generation no longer bothers with email….instead they prefer to text message, instant message, twitter, or post to Facebook. I’m sure you have heard about Facebook, but perhaps you haven’t heard of Twitter. Twitter is a site where you can post almost minute by minute what you are doing. Not only can you access the service with the web you can also tweet with a cell phone. So, if you want to keep up with the younger folk, you need to start using some new services such as Facebook and Twitter. Several Middle School teachers as a way to reach their students have created Facebook accounts. I would certainly recommend that any adult (parent, teacher) get a Facebook account just to tap into how our learners are using technology as well as their free time.

http://www.slate.com/id/2177969