Generation clash!
I am an older student(Gen-X)who attends college with Gen-Y and has baby boomers for Professors. This combination of individuals also exists in the classes I teach. It is true that understanding the way each group communicates in general is a great help. Instructors have to get them to see how much they can learn from one another versus what each group is lacking.
Suzanne,
I relate to the pioneer feeling. And, you are right, we have to let our students know that just because a class is online that it is not easier. Thanks for your insight in this forum.
Dr. Crews:
I agree! I have been teaching online for about 25 years - yes, I am a pioneer. :)
There is still the misconception that it is easier to earn a degree online. I find it takes much more of an effective communication style to succeed with online learning. I also teach F2F and find that students can attend class but not really participate or contribute. Often they complete their homework IN the classroom while I am facilitating discussions. Multi-tasking is not efficient in the long run as it draws away attention from all activities. Expressing responses to discussion questions in a F2F environment can be less focused and less prepared than that which is required in an online classroom.
Suzanne
Breezy,
But, it's not many times easier to get an online degree. I think students have many misconceptions about online learning. Thanks for your input.
As an online instructor that are many different ways that students are willing to obtain their degree. Within this day and time many people find that it’s easier to earn their degree via online. This is a rise for the older population who wish to go back to school. I think that it’s very important that as an instructor that you work with the student who are being challenged with such technologies. For example, you might have to make yourself available for at least 30mins to develop or send out screen shots or just to call the student to walk them through a certain part of the course.
kelia,
Sounds like you are interacting with many generations. It's not uncommon. We do continue to learn from each other. It's a good thing. Thanks!
