Evelyn ,
and we can search for ways to use it effectively in our instruction if we push ourselves.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
Generation Y students view technology as a part of life. It has become a basic "need" in their lives. Technology is incorporated in every part of their day from learning to communicating to job searching, etc. It is something that gives instant feedback and Gen Y students would not know what to do without it.
I believe that students need to separate themselve from technology. Cell phones and other devices are to be put away until all documents have been presented to me. I believe it encourages them to study more.
Charles,
this is a very strong, but good point for all of us to consider. If they can't survive that time frame without checking their phones, how will they hold a job?
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
I am a late arrival to the academic world. I had a 30+ career in the corporate sector. So I don’t know how cell phones got into the classroom in the first place. They were there when I started teaching. As a teacher/professor/instructor would you let your students just leave and return to your class anytime they wanted to while you were lecturing. That’s exactly what they are doing when they are surfing, tweeting or texting during class. Why did the teaching profession allow cell phones in class anyway? What were we thinking? There is absolutely no reason for a student to have a cell phone out in class. If they can't go 50 minutes without checking up on their friends then they are not higher ed material.
I have found that students tend to view it as their right not a privilage to always be connected. I do see the need to always be aware of what is going on outside of class. I try to incorporate the phones and web media as much as possible and the students sometimes even find really cool stuff for me to show! I do get frustrated when they don't follw guidelines set out to prevent distractions and I find it hard to discipline the use. It's often an all or nothing kind of situation. Any suggestions? I am going to try and have "phone breaks" and use them as a sharing tool soon.
My students can't seem to live without it. Every break they run to the door to check what they have missed on facebook during the past hour. As a boomer, I don't have the need to stay connected. I am trying to be more sympathetc to their addiction.
Loren,
and this is really what it comes down to: the effective & responsible use of technology in the classroom.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
Wow, from looking at most of the replies about Gen Y students it looks like we as instructors think that technology has taken a bad turn on our students educational process. The students like to see technology used in the classroom as a teaching or viewing tool. I have a small class so cheating is not too much of an issue. I have been more creative by using technology to post lesson plans, Power Point upcoming assignments with colorful visuals and then throw in a recent or relevant topic in video form to get their minds refocused during a 5 hour class. All of these tools really help but we have to be firm as instructors about NO PHONES policies in the classroom. PERIOD!
Robb,
this is true, yet I would argue that the Gen Y learner does need to be made aware of certain guidelines in regard to the use of devices. I have many Gen Y students who complain about how absorbed in technology many of their peers are. While it has become a "normal" part of their existence, there is something within us as people that longs for personal interaction & I personally don't see it happening via technology.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
How did the discussion go from how GenY students view technology to cheating? Obviously some people have very bad experiences or do not manage their classrooms well.
To answer the question, the Gen Y student views technology as a normal part of their everyday existence. Not being connected for a Gen Y'er would be like a Baby Boomer not having a television. They would feel intellectually and emotionally malnourished, hungering for the meals of data and social interaction to fuel their existence.
The Gen Y student does not view the use of a smartphone or electronic device as rudeness or inattentive. They multi-task through their day looking for information, contact and answers.
My interpersonal communication class is as old school as it gets. Everybody must talk and listen, and we do it a lot. Toward the end, there is one powerpoint presentation that is required. Otherwise, it's old-school communication: talking to one person, talking (and listening) in a small group, and addressing the whole class. Nine times. Guess what: they love it. 90% say the class is too short or that it was their favorite class or that they wish there was a part II.
Maria ,
yes, unfortunately many are lost without their tech fix.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
James,
yes, the technology is great, yet we need to help our students see the limitations.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
In my school we don't allow cell phones in the classroom, student don't know how to control the ansiety of checking the facebook. They also cheat through the phone. Cell phone is a big interruption in the calssroom.
Marlene,
we really must take these type of steps to ensure that there is no cheating occurring.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
Gen Y students view technology as a "given", that is, EVERYBODY should understand it and use it. Many Gen Y students lack the patience to explain to immigrants certain aspects of the rapidly advancing technology that is being offered. As more advanced technology is developed these individuals are obsessed with obtaining it. They also fail to see the importance of the "old school" philosophy of learning and obtaining information. To be honest, I wish I had these technological tools when I was in school.......
Prior to beginning an exam or quiz,I tell my students to shut off their cell phones completely(not even on vibrate)and place them face down on the right side of their desks.Doing this prevents cheating with a cell phone.
Gen Y views technology as a life line. They are so dependent on it they seem as if they can't function without it.
Yes! I know of students using their phone to text each other answers during tests. So what I do is have them take everything off their desk, including cellphones to be put away. Cell phones are great but not for exams when they are cheating!
