<p>I can’t agree more with your post, FrancescaBennett! I’ve had the same experience with many kids, not just my own but my students and advisees. This is the perfect to learn how to navigate these sites and how to dig for what you want. Despite their much-touted status as “digital natives,” kids are used to point-click-instant gratification more than they are to serious research (which this process does require). Once they learn the patterns, they can explore independently, but meanwhile parents shouldn’t assume that their kids are really finding all of the relevant information.</p>
<p>Yes… I often tease my college students that there is this magical magical place called the “interweb” and that there is a plethora of information contained there. However, they tend to think if they cannot find it easily within three clicks they think it does not exist. They do not want to sleuth for the information. </p>
<p>I am 41 years old and I have worked with card catalogs, microfilm, the periodical index, microfiche, computers with cassette tapes and 5-inch floppy disks, dos, 8-tracks, mix tapes, Beta, VHS, records, study carrels with lockable cages at the library, etc… as a result, I will dig through the digital landscape until I find what I am looking for… it is so much easier than traipsing out in the cold to the library. ;)</p>
<p>However it makes sense that the “digital generation” would struggle a bit more slogging through the logic behind the construct… remember flow charts…? Most websites seems to be built on a flow chart model. They are not difficult to navigate if you think through the logic from this model, or use the same level or tenacity it took to find the information we wanted using the periodical index and microfilm… or that we once needed to fill out a card, or make a phone call to obtain… But, many young people need a little guidance to navigate before they feel confident. They get it quickly because they seem not to be afraid of technology… they just need a little encouragement and guidance. Most websites follow a similar logic, so once they get the hang of it they seem more confident moving forward.</p>
<p>I forgot that we also used folders especially for the travel/audition part of the journey. Our folders for each school contained whatever program brochures/info we had, headshot, resume, copies of completed application, supplemental forms, essays, and audition rqmts.</p>
It would be so helpful to me to see an example of someone’s spreadsheet for a music major- instrument and voice.
We have already stated the folder strategy. I or my D put everything we have on a school already on a folder and we grab it before we leave. Like when we’re on tours etc right now. Campus map, emails with directions where to meet , brochures , curriculum, …
If anybody is willing to share either a photo or link to exactly how you set up your spreadsheets or how you organized your binders that would be absolutely incredible. I am just starting the process and need all the information and help I can get.