I feel this generation has no cell phone etiquette. They feel they can use it whenever they want despite any rules. I have had students challenge on more than one occasion as to why they can't be texting in the middle of my lectures. They are addicted to their phones that as soon as they go on break they must be out and not for educational purposes but to check their facebooks and pinterest accounts.
Brandon ,
I completely agree, but I think many non Gen Y adults are also addicted to their devices.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
Gen Y students are definitly addicted to technology. Its hard to get them off thier cell phones during lecture. They often try to sneak a peak.
For a majority of my Gen Y students, their use of technology is a driving force in their lives. I agree with the comments of many others that they seem incapable of disconnecting themselves. Even the modules assertion that they can multi task is questionable. Maybe posting on Facebook and surfing the Internet at the same time qualifies as multi tasking to someone. As far as the impact in the classroom, turn it off and put it away or leave.
They seem to view their phones, computers, etc, as absolute essentials. If these items aren't working for whatever reason, they are often at a complete loss as to what to do without it. All of the students have a text book that goes along with all of the classes and course guides. It seems that very few of the students even open the book during their time in school. A lot of the students seem to think if the information is not verbally given or presented on a computer screen, it must obviously be outdated and unimportant. Very little, if any, concern or thought seems to be given to the fact there is more information available than what they can see on their phone or computer screen.
I do have students who have OCD's about use of smartphones. On the other hand, they use Facebook to find study partners, text me when running late for a class or are ill, and use their iphones to follow moving illustrations of bones and muscles in our anatomy class. Regarding the latter, the students help both me and themselves when I ask them to find me the best websites. Students can still get enthused if you ask them to help you. Overall, we have used technology to bring us closer.
I had a student time out because a new video game came out and he had to stay home and play it. When talking to the student about his absence it was clear that we had different views and it became clear that I valued his education more than he did.
As a necessary and foundational part of communication in life. How could you communicate without it?
I think this area may fall mostly to parents, however as educators...I do cross this line with some of my students. I mean I will tell them they are being rude and to put it away etc. If done in the form of "us older people see that as disrespectful" and it will benefit you to act in this fashion when you are dealing with employers etc...hopefully they get the message
I think a lot of Gen Y-ers are "addicted" to the feedback and instant interaction they get from their computers, and smartphones. But I have also found that many also think its "silly" and/or a waste of time when used the wrong way. Technology in the sense of apps for phones and ipads and laptops can be beneficial when starting in a new field.
April,
yes, great observation. Humans tend to be prone to addictions & compulsive behaviors, for this generation it's technology. How can we help them & work through this is worthy consideration.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
I agree with you Professor that I hope that this is "fixable". Perhaps because these students are used to being constantly "in network" in other words knowing exactly who is calling/texting/emailing at all times, it can be difficult to turn this of. I mean this can be similar to if we think about a game that we are playing or a book that we can't seem to put down, it is all about knowing the limits and when it should be turned off and when it is appropriate. I do believe that if students understand and even see how this is affecting them professionally and why it is considered rude, the behavior may change.
They view it as integral to their daily lives. It is almost an extension of who they are, and it is obvious that the need to stay connected creeps into the classroom creating a challenge for the students to stay focused on the lesson.
It almost seems as though they live in the present, and so, need to know what is going on at that very moment in their friends' lives. Also, this plays into their view of education as they look for a direct and present connection to the material. If the lesson is viewed as something that "may" be useful in the future, they will disconnect. These students want to see the practical applications of the knowledge now.
James,
we need to help them realize that they can acquire information & think deeply at the same time.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
Gen Y students are accustomed to receiving information at instantly. If these students have a question or a problem, they can simply perform an internet search. Yes, they are tech savvy and may feel as if they are "well informed." Instructors may help maximize transfer of learning amongst their students with the Socratic Method and experiential learning theory, prompting collaborative inquiry.
As digital natives how do Gen Y students view technology?
At no time in our history has technology changed the way we live since the industrial revolution. Generation Y has seen the death of many technologies we use to use on a daily basis, Floppy disks, VHS, Cassettes. Generation X saw the death of the slide rule for the portable calculator.
Generation Y sees technology as an evolving force, they are always waiting for the next new thing. Generation Y are consumers they by the newest and throw out the old without a second thought. They are also the first generation to know about the technology of their world than their parents. Thus they treat technology as something to be used rather than feared.
More importantly Generation Y is much better at processing the information that technology flashes at us every day. They read headlines rather than the entire article. They won’t read a book or an encyclopedia because of things like CTRL+F. The amount of information they have at your fingertips could be bigger than all the libraries in the world combined.
Lastly you have to keep in mind that Generation Y views technology as a toy and a tool. Non Digital natives tend to view technology as just a tool a dangerous tool at that. They are afraid they will cut themselves, digital natives are not afraid of a few cuts. Because they always have CTRL+Z.
Every piece of our world works this way. Remember that technology isn't just cell phones cars, elevators, and refrigerators. We rely on t
How little work would you get done if the internet was down I could not even post attendance. You could not be taking this course if the internet was down.
Diana,
I do think one of the important lessons we can help the Gen Y learner with is that the constant use of technology is a rude behavior & they need to learn when it is appropriate & when it is not.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
In my classroom, Gen Y views technology as a need; like air food, sleep or something to drink. They are constantly checking email, Facebook, texting and don't understand when I tell them to put their laptop screens down or put their phones away.
Students in my classroom learn when they can use the technologies they have and when they can't because it seems rude to the person presenting information to them.
Gen Y's consider technology the norm and cannot survive without it. Without access to the their cell phones or the Internet they are unable to function. It would be interesting to see a Gen Y in the library looking up information with only the Dewey decimal system available for help.
