Rating: 
Summary: A decent read, but a wanna-be author
Review: A sorry attempt by Tapscott to be the one to coin the term that defines the current generation of children. A good read, and lots of research, but many of the kids *really* don't have a clue what they're talking about.
Rating: 
Summary: The Kids are All Right
Review: Actual Rating: 7.5 Are computers and the Internet dangerous time-wasters, robbing kids of 'real world' experience, or are they valuable tools that will revolutionize our schools and actually increase the intelligence and knowledge of our kids? The problem is that most people just don't know. Our children are exploring places where many of us have never been and don't understand, and we're afraid they're getting away from us. Can we trust them to make the right choices, to become the people we want them to be? According to Don Tapscott, we can. In Growing Up Digital, he argues persuasively that today's kids, or as he calls them, the Net Generation, are fundamentally different from and in many ways ahead of the generations before them. Digital technology has shaped them, just as television shaped their parents, the baby boomers. And it has done a better job than television, replacing a passive broadcast medium with an interactive, involving one. In short, he says, "the kids are all right." There is a danger in technology writing; authors often get so carried away with the excitement they feel towards new technology and its possibilities that their books become little more than a compendium of gadgets and futuristic scenarios. Growing Up Digital is not immune from this tendency -- sometimes Tapscott writes breathlessly about such possibilities as intelligent search agents, virtual-reality shopping and computer-mediated education. Thankfully, however, these moments are tempered by a wealth of real-world case studies, anecdotes and interviews, and a very real sense of respect for his subjects as individuals. And they are an articulate bunch of individuals indeed. Their words and actions reinforce his startling claim that exposure to digital media, especially the Internet, is creating a generation who actually think differently. Of course the enthusiasm and expertise kids have about these powerful new tools causes worry: many parents feel threatened or uneasy about their loss of control. This unease is at the root of some of the current media panic about the Internet. But Tapscott also describes families (including his own) where this situation has been used to bridge the generation gap. Parents and children can interact as equals, and in the act of educating and explaining things to parents, children gain self-respect and confidence. The book covers a great deal of ground, and for the most part it succeeds. Tapscott correctly compares the media panic about the Internet to earlier panics about television, movies and rock music. He does a good job in deflecting one of the strongest criticisms of computers and the Internet, that kids who spend too much time with them are robbed of experience in the 'real world.' He lets the kids answer, and their answer is "nonsense." In fact, most of them feel the opposite is true: they are more social, and have a wider range of interests than their peers who are not on-line. Tapscott also explores how the Net Generation's unique qualities will affect the world of work in the future, and details ways in which families can deal with fears about porn, pedophiles and pipe bombs without having to resort to heavy-handed methods such as censorship or computer bans. He also resists the tendency of many in the technology industry to see free markets as some sort of perfect egalitarian force, admitting that there is a potentially dangerous 'digital divide' forming between rich and poor. His suggested solutions ask both governments and private industry to make stronger commitments to ensuring the people are not left behind in the rush to the digital future. In the end, there's a great deal to think about. For those ignorant of the world of computers and the Internet, much in here will be eye-opening. And even for those who are already immersed in the wired world, the book provides an important and engaging look at the first generation that will grow up digital.
Rating: 
Summary: Here comes the future!
Review: And the future is exciting. The N-generation is going to change the way we all live: the way we do business, the way we shop, even where we live. Tapscott lucidly describes the Net generation and the impact they already having on society. If you will be living in the 21st century, you should read this book!
Rating: 
Summary: Tapscott doesn't realize he's a parody of himself
Review: Another reviewer called this book a masterwork. Odd indeed. To prove he's a clueless boomer Mr. Tapscott doesnt even include URL's to the few interesting points he makes in the book. Like Mr. Tapscott apparently many of the parents of these children are techno illiterate. The false conclusion tappie reaches is that this makes the children experts and masters of the technology. By the examples they give, most are merely superficial users of a technology - not creators or shapers of technology. In summary what can you expect from a book written by a boomer guided by a bunch of teenagers. Find a real teenager to talk to and skip this book.
Rating:
Summary: An Excellent Book
Review: As a part of the N-Generation I found this book intelligent and intriguing. This book gives very insightful and true information into a generation which I feel is usually mis-represented. A very informative read for both those of the N-Generation and those of earlier Generations.
Rating:
Summary: Deanna's World Review
Review: As someone mentioned in this book, I would like to say it was a great experience and an excellent book. Lots of research and time was put forth and it's obvious. My congrats. to Kate and Don.
Rating:
Summary: Gen X perspective on the N-Gen phenomenon
Review: Being in the "Baby Bust" generation, and seeing what is on the horizon for the next generation, I was compelled to read this book. Overall, I was frightened. Frightened because I see a lot of what Tapscott describes coming true in today's companies. What I liked most: I liked the fact that this book relied on actually interviewing the N-gen crowd and finding out what they really think versus creating theories based on what we "think" these n-genners believe. For instance, with increasing demands to add net nannies and additional constraints in order to "protect" our children, we have to think about what we are really afraid of. All of the thinks like pornography and net stalkers do exist, but today's n-genner is much more intelligent and not as interested in these things as the baby boomers would lead us to think. In our doctoral program, we focus on social learning. Increasingly I see that being infused into the work world. Tapscott talks about the N-gen as being interested in communication, interaction, and having their opinions heard. In highly creative youth filled companies, there is room for play, open expression of ideas, learning from one another in terms of mentoring and OJT skills. Contrast this to the "normal" hierarchical corporate culture where training is limited, people sit in cubicles, and fraternizing is seen as wasting time. Increasingly, as more n-genners enter the workforce, social learning will need to become the standard, or good talent will go elsewhere. While I started learning to program computers in junior high on a radioshack TRS-80, what I learned was nothing compared to what these kids are learning. Two year olds are using computer games. 14 year olds have their own web companies. 18 year olds have their own multi-million dollar companies. What becomes increasingly frightening is how we can teach people whose knowledge and abilities often times surpass what they will learn in school. Tapscott talks about the fact that most students will know more about, and how to effectively use, technology than their teachers. What moves do we need to make in education to accomodate this? Overall, this was a great book to learn about how technology affects the future, especially considering the generational lags. The only thing that I would disagree with were a few things that seemed a little "pie in the sky" for my tastes. I think there was a lot of good research done, but it doesn't seem that everything would work out as positively as he described.
Rating:
Summary: Gen X perspective on the N-Gen phenomenon
Review: Being in the "Baby Bust" generation, and seeing what is on the horizon for the next generation, I was compelled to read this book. Overall, I was frightened. Frightened because I see a lot of what Tapscott describes coming true in today's companies. What I liked most: I liked the fact that this book relied on actually interviewing the N-gen crowd and finding out what they really think versus creating theories based on what we "think" these n-genners believe. For instance, with increasing demands to add net nannies and additional constraints in order to "protect" our children, we have to think about what we are really afraid of. All of the thinks like pornography and net stalkers do exist, but today's n-genner is much more intelligent and not as interested in these things as the baby boomers would lead us to think. In our doctoral program, we focus on social learning. Increasingly I see that being infused into the work world. Tapscott talks about the N-gen as being interested in communication, interaction, and having their opinions heard. In highly creative youth filled companies, there is room for play, open expression of ideas, learning from one another in terms of mentoring and OJT skills. Contrast this to the "normal" hierarchical corporate culture where training is limited, people sit in cubicles, and fraternizing is seen as wasting time. Increasingly, as more n-genners enter the workforce, social learning will need to become the standard, or good talent will go elsewhere. While I started learning to program computers in junior high on a radioshack TRS-80, what I learned was nothing compared to what these kids are learning. Two year olds are using computer games. 14 year olds have their own web companies. 18 year olds have their own multi-million dollar companies. What becomes increasingly frightening is how we can teach people whose knowledge and abilities often times surpass what they will learn in school. Tapscott talks about the fact that most students will know more about, and how to effectively use, technology than their teachers. What moves do we need to make in education to accomodate this? Overall, this was a great book to learn about how technology affects the future, especially considering the generational lags. The only thing that I would disagree with were a few things that seemed a little "pie in the sky" for my tastes. I think there was a lot of good research done, but it doesn't seem that everything would work out as positively as he described.
Rating:
Summary: Growing Up Digital
Review: By a doctoral student at Gonzaga University--
Growing Up Digital is a must read for educators, parents, organizational leaders, and anyone seeking to better understand the influence of technology on our society. This book takes a look at a generation (called the Net Generation, referring to children between the ages of 2 and 22 in 1999) that has grown up "surrounded by digital media." Tapscott takes a look at how this generation learns, plays, communicates, works, and creates communities, which he paints as very different from their parents. The author states "children without access to the new media will be developmentally disadvantaged." This is commonly referred to as the "Digital Divide," a topic he explores in one chapter. Most of the ideas for this book came from discussions with about 300 N-Geners between the ages of 4 and 20 over a one-year period of time. Kate Baggott (age 24) led the research. The insights are fresh and challenging, especially to adults who consider the computer to be much like a TV in usefulness. Tapscott is very positive in his impressions of N-Geners. His research seems to support that "the children of the digital age appear to be smart, accepting of diversity, curious, assertive, self-reliant, high in self-esteem, and global in orientation." He even claims that "it is not the N-Gen children who are being robbed of social development, it is those adults, through fear or ignorance, deny themselves the experience of participating in the great revolution of our times." I couldn't help but read this book with an eye to my own children. Even though I could afford very little when my children were young, I bought a computer when they first became available, forsaking a color TV (ours was black and white), a VCR, and a microwave for years. My son, age 18, has been programming for fun for years, having taught himself various languages. I could only help him with BASIC when he was 10. My daughter, age 12, has been developing websites for several years (completely self-taught), including graphics, opinion polls, discussion forums (which she administers, seeking moderators to assist her). Her most recent discussion board had over 2000 posts in a matter of days. My discussion board (my first) had 10 posts after 3 weeks (and half were mine). I have never regretted giving this educational opportunity to my children. I teach at a local community college, where my students are mostly adults who want to learn how to use computers. These adults must adapt to the digital age, much like learning a foreign language, and it is difficult. For my children, I just gave them access and got out of the way. In conclusion, I was reading this book in the month of September of 2001. On the 11th my focus turn to the news events on the TV. My children barely watched the TV, but instead turned to the Internet and found what they needed to know, many times before I heard the same news. Not only were they informed, but also through the discussion boards they were processing the events emotionally. This book is helped me as a parent and an educator to understand the N-Geners. I highly recommend it to all readers.
Rating:
Summary: Teaching in the 90's: Rising with "The Net Generation"
Review: Don Tapscott announces the arrival of the "Net Generation" or "Baby Boom Echo" in Growing Up Digital: The Rise Of The Net Generation. For the first time in history the generations are turned backwards. The children truly teach their parents and grandparents. Businesses, schools, and governments all are relying on the expertise and ease with which this generation adapts to technology; that is, if these young people are part of the economically advantaged - those with the means to have technology available in their schools, homes, and entertainment venues. Tapscott contends that the net-generation is actually more active than the tv generation. Since tv is passive, it allows for little or no participation. The net, however, requires searching for information rather than just accepting others information. In this book, Tapscott outlines ten themes: fierce independence; emotional and intellectual openness; inclusion; free expression and strong views; innovation; preoccupation with maturity; investigation; immediacy; sensitivity to corporate interest; and authentication and trust. For the most part, he outlines the advantages of each of these themes. Below find his ideas marked with an asterisk. The ideas without asterisk are arguments he fails to emphasize or note. 1. Fierce Independence Advantage: Active role in learning* Disadvantage: Separation from institutions and creative autonomy* 2. Emotional and Intellectual Openness Advantage: Self-expression* Disadvantage: Can be taken advantage of by unscrupulous entities 3. Inclusion Advantage: Students have a global orientation* Disadvantage: None apparent 4. Free Expression and Strong Views Advantage: Range of ideas* Disadvantage: Exposure to radical or inflammatory ideas 5. Innovation Advantage: Creativity* Disadvantage: Overload of ideas 6. Preoccupation With Maturity Advantage: Writing skills advanced to make it seem they're older.* Disadvantage: Predators 7. Investigation Advantage: Strong ethos of curiosity, investigation, and empowerment to change things.* Disadvantage: Exposure to too wide a range of information 8. Immediacy Advantage: Light speed* Disadvantage: Deemphasizes long-term goals, fosters impatience 9. Sensitivity to Corporate Interest Advantage: Makes them wary of intentions* Disadvantage: Lack of Trust 10. Authentication and Trust Advantage: Makes child aware of rumors and inaccurate information* Disadvantage: Knowing it's impossible to guarantee truth* Tapscott also addresses "The Digital Divide": the inequality of access to the internet. He points out that schools in wealthier communities are more likely to have internet access, and that access alone is not enough. Teacher training and increased community access are among his suggestions for improvement. Growing Up Digital: The Rise of the Net Generation deals with many of the concerns and the joys of the new age. For the most part, it gives fair evaluations of its themes. The inclusion of many personal examples helps the reader through the maze of the new technology. Charts which spell out everything from "Cyber Smileys" to internet availability in schools helps the reader visualize the information. The notes and bibliography are an aide to anyone wanting to follow up and/or to present inservice information. The best about the book is that it clarifies and puts into perspective the change that has overwhelmed most educators. It takes away the mystery and fear that have paralyzed some adults. At best, it trains a few teachers to pass the information and spirit along. At worst, it passes over many of the dangers inherent in its freedom and trivializes privacy rights anf parents' right to know what is being taught.
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