It’s important for the instructor to understanding the different ways in which generations typically communicate because this allows for the instructor to bridge the gap in lack of communication, tailor communication to meet the needs of various generations and foster communication between generations. Although students fall into a certain generation based on age I have found that depending upon experience and/or technology know-how the student may naturally gravitate to a different generation.
It is important to understand the role that generations play because it will and should become the basis for how we communicate with each student. It will also give us guidelines for understanding the level of expectations for each student and areas in which each student might excel as well lack experience.
William Huber
Christi,
Being a facilitator can be challenging, but is essential in the online environment. The various generations can share with each other to enhance the learning process. Tanks for your input.
It is important to understand how each generation communications because it can impede the learning of other individuals. It has been my experience that older adults typically speak from experiences and younger students speak in generalizations. It is important to create an environment that allows everyone to learn regardless of the generation they are from. As a facilitator, it is important for me to understand the type of communication that is common to each generator and use those communication styles when I am communication with the particular student when possible. As a facilitator when I can identify what my students need, I can tailor my communication style to meet the needs of the class.
Belinda,
Ah - I like that you included that this understanding can motivate students. We all want that! Thanks for your input.
It is important to understand the role that generations play in communication within an online community because different generations have different needs. One generation may need more help with using the technology. Another generation maybe comfortable with using the technology; but have grammar issues. Another generation may know how to use the technology and is proficient in writing; but time management is their issue. An instructor understanding the role generations play can motivate each student based on their needs to encourage them to interact within the online community.
Anthony,
Your wealth of experience is to be applauded. Your institution is luck to have you on board. The generation thing is real, but students cannot use their generation as an excuse. They still must be held accountable. Thanks so much for your input.
John,
It is good to think about all of your students and get to know their strengths and weaknesses. The better we know our audience, the better we can deliver the content. Nice job.
John,
Good point. Putting students at ease starts the community building process. Thanks for bringing your thoughts to this forum.
Kevin, we provide our expectations to students as soon as the courses begin and we must be thorough and give the details of what will be required for success. At the same time, we definitely have to build confidence in many students in the online classroom to put them at ease.
Online students come from so many different backgrounds and their ability levels will vary so much because of their previous life experiences. Our online students must be encouraged and motivated to be engaged consistently no matter what generation they came from. It is the instuctor's resposiblity to make all students feel at ease and comfortable so that they are willing to be involved. Many of the older students have proably not been in the educational environment for a long time. The younger students may need to develop respect for each other and the instructor. The instructor must understand the different personalities and wide range of past academic achievements of all students. Which generation students are from is so important, but instructors need to emphasize self-discipline and cooperation will be required for the success of any online student.
Dr. Crews,
I found this module to be very interesting and excellent at clearly presenting the different generations and communication styles. I have been teaching advanced mathematics online for over 7 years with students in my classes ranging from 18 – 60 years old.. I have over 25 years of Project Management experience at Nuclear Plants worldwide and live in a world of hardhats, meetings, conferences, and formal reports and procedures.
By nature, education, and current work I am quite “married†to very formal writing styles like “On Liberty†(John Stuart Mill), “Decline and Fall….â€(Edward Gibbon), and carefully reviewed reports to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC). I am appalled at the lack of good reading and writing skills I see in the students! Posted guidelines, policies, and expectations are almost never read. Homework assignments of more than 2-3 sentences are not comprehended. When assignments are given to find the maximum of quadratic functions, students do not know the difference between Area and Perimeter! In this situation it is very difficult to communicate to them how many different styles there are, and I am often perplexed as to whether I should be trying to “bring them up†to good and proper English, or “sink†to an IM and texting style to get through to them! It is truly a quandary.
Communication is also difficult in trying to get them to appreciate how much work is involved and how to manage their time. The courses at our online school are “accelerated†, and a 4.5 credit course must be completed in 5 weeks. Do the math. This comes out to a minimum of 30 hours a week which means 5 hours a day, 6 days a week. This is met with moans and groans…â€â€¦. but I have a full time job and three children and am a single mom…!!â€. I often post a variant of the note below in my classroom to “get them on board†with the requirements…
“Many students underestimate the time, commitment, and rigorous study needed for the course. As I have noted in the classroom, this is a 4.5 credit course and needs a substantial amount of total work (Online work, study, class sessions, assignments, group projects, discussion boards, ebook,.., etc) for the session. This work must be done day in and day out until it is a major part of your life.
This is a serious commitment that will affect your whole life, and you will need to give up many other activities during this time. You will probably not see a movie, or go shopping, or go out to dinner, see a football or baseball game, watch TV, or spend much “play†time with your family for the next 13 months while getting your degree. While you are studying, working full time, and trying to care for your family and children, there is little time for much else. However, studying and learning are very enjoyable in their own right, and need to take the place of many former activities. Going to your bedroom, or den, or the library to study for 5 hours in the evening, every evening, should be looked forward to with a high sense of excitement and enjoyment. Learning should never be thought of as “workâ€â€¦.â€
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I am told that this may be “overkill†and demotivating to the students … although many of the older students appreciate my being honest with them. Younger students will email me that an assignment will be late because they were “clubbing†for most of the night!
Just my thoughts and comments…!
Anthony Ganz
Russell and Dalene,
Generational personalities and just personalities in general have different strengths and weaknesses. If you can structure a project/assignment in which there are several components, the students can choose which ones they will complete based on their strengths. When we use people in ways in which they are esteemed, they are happy to do the work.
Russell,
The diversity you speak of is right on. Communication and expectations must be clear and allow for all students to succeed. Thanks for your input.
Camila,
We are not all alike and it's good to have an idea of who our students are. Love the building of the community.
It is important to understand the roles of generations in online communication because different generations have different characteristics and needs. The instructor must work to build a true community.
Hi Dalene,
You mentioned an important point about the actual classroom experience of the student. Do you have any suggestions regarding how to prepare these different generational personalities during a group discussion or project?
Thanks,
Russell
Included in today’s university classrooms, whether they are online or unground, are a variety of student age differences, ethnicity, and technical ability that must be taken into consideration when facilitating a course. Among the many goals of the instructor is to generate interest in the subject matter, and overall participation by each student. The instructor needs to be proficient in the different aspects of communication to suit each student type. The key to successful communication skills in the online environment is for the instructor to readily adapt to each situation and to practice patience and understanding. Students should be aware and informed by the instructor as to proper communication methods and skills. Establishing rules and boundaries for effective communication reduces misunderstanding and opens successful avenues to facilitation of the classroom and student learning. The instructor is also responsible for effective communication and to practice proper skills.
John,
David,
Each generation brings new information to the class. The better we understand our students, the better we can improve the learning process.
David,
Each generation brings new information to the class. The better we understand our students, the better we can improve the learning process.
