samia,
Ha! Love that old saying. You are right. I applies directly to this situation.
Thanks!
samia & Mike,
We do spend time helping student improve their grammar and spelling no matter what level we teach. Keep up the good work.
Mike, I can relate and I hear you loud and clear. Alas some of my students don't even bother with the Microsoft 'auromatic' spell check. In my feedback to MBA learners, a chunck of time is spent on English structure and English mechanic guidelines and examples.
Samia
"Different strokes for different folks" is an applicable adage here. Knowing the strengths and weaknesses, preferred communication type and style allows the instructor tounderstand the diversity of communication and participation needs, assist with, and direct learners to applicable resources and labs. This will lessen the frustration, encourage online participation, and increase student retention.
Samia
Heather,
We are all different whether within one generation or across all generations. Identifying those differences helps us all become better communicators and teachers. Thank you for your input.
Knowing the role that generations play in communication in the online community allows me as an instructor to be aware of the differences of the generations and what each brings to the online class. I can then understand and be able to assist the different generations so that all can be successful in the class.
Heather
Laura,
Glad you brought up the topics of work ethic, motivation, etc. These are important concepts that may differ from generation to generation.
Thanks again.
RICARDO,
Glad you found the information in this section helpful. As we continue our lifelong learning journey, we keep "plugging along." I do agree that they are all held to the same standards to achieve the learning outcomes, but how they get there may differ from generation to generation or student to student. So, we want to allow for that flexibility. Thanks!
It is important to understand the role generations play in communication in the online community because every generation has a set of unique mores and values which include differing definitions of "respectful" communication and "appropriate" language as well as work ethics, understanding of technology and motivating life factors. Because all of these impact our ability to engage and learn in an online environment it is critical for online instructors to understand the various advantages and challenges each generation brings to the experience.
Dr. Crews:
Thank you for your question and the opportunity to participate in the the third discussion forum. This section clearly explains why it is important to understand the role generations play in communication in the online community. Older students tend to be less computer savvy and younger students are often more comfortable with information technology; but can I take a contrarian view for a moment? I have always thought that one of the benefits of an online education is its ability to level the playing field among students. It is no longer important whether one is an introvert or an extrovert, able or disabled, tall or short, black or white, male or female, blonde or brunet or young or old. All that matters is the power of one's ideas. The idea that we should take the time to understand how different generations communicate seems to reintroduce the classroom dynamic that often limits communication on campus into the online environment. All students in my view should be held accountable to the same academic standards of communication irrespective of generation. Only then can we maintain the level playing field that is often missing from the traditional classroom. What do you think?
Dr. Ricardo Richards
Ralph,
Proper grammar is a part of professional communication and is essential. Keep up the good work! Thank you.
I am generally disappointed in the writing ability of students. It appears that the public school system has failed in teaching grammar, punctuation, sentence structure and point of view.
I start each class with an announcement that grammar counts. I caution students that academic essays are generally written in the third person. Usually I receive an email asking me what do I mean third person. I even had one student tell me she was the only one writing the essay.
I refer students to grammar web sites, the APA guidelines and books to assist.
I am usually lenient at the beginning of the class and provide as much "correction" as I can but I become more strict about adherence to proper grammar and essay format as the class progresses.
Rob,
Yes, just as we all learn in different ways, we all communicate differently and we all have different expertise. It's a great way to learn from each others - involve all generations. Thanks!
Madhuchanda,
So, how do you observe the different communication styles in your online classroom? This would be helpful for everyone in this discussion forum. Thanks!
Ben,
True. And, it's not just generations, it's people in general - students in general. Communicating effectively and learning from all students is the key. Thanks for your input.
lindsey,
We are all different and we all learn and think differently. Accepting that and helping others learn from each other and their experiences is an awesome thing to do in your classes. There are challenges, but they can be turned into opportunities for learning. Nice job.
Generations can lend us a great deal of insight on the way our students communicate, and in turn, how we can effectively communicate with them. It's important to understand that certain lapses in online communication don't always indicate a lack of interest, but could instead be a symptom of discomfort with the communication medium. I often get emails from students who have just made the return to school after a long (sometimes several decades!) hiatus; in such cases, I'm careful to try to put these students at ease with the environment and to let them know the best ways to contact me.
As an instructor/facilitator, one can easily observe the different communication styles in the online classroom.
Knowing that this may be due to the differences in generations will help the instructor/facilitator address any shortcomings in a delicate manner. Also, specific guidelines will need to be provided in the 'Expectations' section of the student syllabus.
Chanda Ghose
Different generations of people will "call" for different forms of communication.
A non-traditional student may appreciate a phone call or substantial email. A student who is right out of high school may respond better to a text, an email, or an announcement of some sort.
Each generation "grew up" with its own technology and each person's skill and comfort level will differ.
It is important to understand the role generations play in communication in the online community because you can better understand where your student is coming from and even anticipate some of the challenges that might arise. It is similar to being in a F2F environment, the more you know about your students needs, the better you are to service them and meet those needs in the classroom.
