Table of ContentsTechnology Differences Between GenerationsDisadvantages Associated with Using Technology in the Learning EnvironmentWorks CitedMornings at my grandparents' house are a perfect example of how different generations can accomplish the same task in very different ways. My grandmother puts the mail on the table and starts making a shopping list and reminders of the things she needs to do that day. My grandfather, while reading the newspaper, asks my grandmother to print something he needs so that he can fax it back to the insurance company later. All the while, I'm doing the same tasks; only on a single portable device in one place. Even when they venture into the world of technology, it seems limited. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get an Original Essay Different generations take advantage of the technology available to them. It seems that later in life a person begins to use the technology available to them, this can determine how deeply they delve into their world. Some will use it more than others, but there seems to be a ceiling at some point where it's more comfortable to stick with what you've always known. Besides the different preferences of individuals, this also includes varied opinions on whether technology has been beneficial or disadvantageous when it comes to reading and writing. Today, studies reveal that technology has impacted the reading and writing habits of many Americans and they are choosing to use what new technological advances have to offer. However, there appears to be a difference between older and younger generations in their preference on whether or not to use technology for reading and writing purposes. For the purposes of this essay, I will classify older generations as ranging from the “Silent Generation” to “Generation X” (born between the years 1925-1979). I would classify the younger generations as ranging from “Millennials” to “Generation Z” (born 1980s-2012). Technology Differences Between Generations The majority of Americans today use technology to some extent; it is reported that almost ninety-five percent of the population owns a smartphone in 2018 (Pew Research Center). Despite the large portion of Americans using technology, it is important to recognize that not all individuals, and even more so all generations, use it in the same way. “Each generation has its own characteristics, including the way they use technology. While technology innovates at breakneck speed, the generation gap also impacts how each age group uses different technology platforms to make their lives easier...” Furthermore, the article deepens the analysis of different generations and generalizes the technologies they use mainly in terms of reading and writing for communication. People born between 1965 and 1979, known as “Generation X,” primarily use email and telephone to communicate with technology. “Millennials”, those born between 1980 and 1996, mainly use SMS and social networks to communicate. People born after 1996, “Generation Z,” primarily use handheld devices to communicate. One aspect that really sets generations apart when it comes to technology is how they prefer to readinformation and other current events. Older generations, like my grandparents, grew up reading the daily newspaper delivered to their door; and despite all the technology available today, it can be said that they still prefer their original reading and writing habits. In a study conducted by the Pew Research Center, different age groups were asked their preference on whether they read news in newspapers or online. The results of this study support the theory that younger generations are more likely to take advantage of what technology has to offer, such as news apps on a mobile device or websites on a computer, than older generations. In the age group comprising individuals aged eighteen to twenty-nine, ten percent said they preferred to get the news by reading the newspaper, and eighty-one percent preferred to read the news online. In the age group comprising individuals aged thirty to forty-nine, thirteen percent preferred the newspaper and seventy-two percent preferred reading the news online. In the fifty to sixty-four age group, forty percent preferred the newspaper and forty-one percent preferred the Internet. Among people sixty-five and older, sixty-three percent preferred reading the newspaper and twenty percent preferred reading the news online. To summarize, younger generations simply prefer to read news via online platforms and older generations prefer their initial habits of reading the newspaper. Another important factor to analyze is whether or not technology has been beneficial to the younger generations growing up, more so in regards to student development and the learning environment. In a study of more than 3,000 American students, eighty-one percent agreed that technology improved their efficiency and grades. In such contexts, technology has much to offer and, when used responsibly, can greatly benefit students. Interactive learning and study tools found on the Internet and applications available for download are statistically favored by students enrolled in college courses. Not only has technology changed the way we learn and develop on college campuses, but also in elementary schools. “The impact of technology on today's schools has been very significant. This widespread adoption of technology has completely changed the way teachers teach and students learn.” Indeed, learning through technology has been shown to pay off. Students believe they retain more information, are able to learn at their own pace, and overall it makes learning exciting. Disadvantages Associated with Using Technology in the Learning Environment When technology is not used properly for educational purposes, distractions pose a threat and hinder learning. the ability of students to retain information and fully assimilate what is taught to them. Due to irresponsible student use, it can be discouraging for teachers to allow technology in the classroom. Likewise, computers cannot fill or replace the role of a teacher or provide the necessary classroom experience. “Computers cannot replace hands-on experience with art supplies, science equipment, or musical instruments.” Older generations had an extraordinarily different learning environment.