When I talk to students and teachers, I enjoy asking them about how they find information. Specifically, how did they do their homework when they were younger? If you’re an older person, finding information can be a multi-step process, like getting a catalog of cards, etc. , requiring library visits and hours of due diligence. As a child, I learned to look up any questions I had, spending hours flipping through pages to find information.
As a Millennial, I am on the cusp of multiple avenues to access information. I grew up with physical encyclopedias and CD-ROM versions of Encyclopedia Britannica. When I used to look for information directly from sources, I always used search engines. Therefore, I would argue that Millennials could also be called the “Google Generation” because search engines like Google and AskJeeves play an important role in how we find information.
Additionally, during my school days, computer classes were considered an important part of the curriculum. We have learned different ways to find accurate and reliable information through Google and research databases. My teacher emphasized the importance of differentiating between different types of web domains, such as .com and .edu, so that I can identify reliable sources from other sources that may be untrustworthy. I’ve heard lectures over and over again reminding me that “on the internet, no one knows you’re a dog” and that it’s our job to sniff out communication catfish from the real thing. I’m here.
