This is so true and I find that it happens all to often in the classes-especially in open discussions.
I think this is a question that goes along with teaching and learning styles as well. You have to understand the student and their individual needs in order to reach them and give them the opportunity to understand the information that you are providing.
I think it is important to have an understanding of how the generations will be diverse in the online environment. I do not think, however, that I need to categorize or arrange students by their generation. Digital divides, especially with technology knowledge and access, are more likely to be a result of economics or social class than age or generation. Understanding the skills each generation could *potentially* have helps me to consider how to address communication challenges in the classroom. It's an awareness to use as a tool to engage the whole learner and not just one aspect of the learner.
Erica
It is important to understand the role generations play in the online community because each generation is equipped differently with respect to the available modes of technology present during part or all of their lifetimes. Older generations may have communication skills that are less dependent on technology while younger generations may be able to more easily utilize various current modes of technology used for communication. As instructors, it is important for us to understand our audience while it is equally important that our audience understands us. This means that we must communicate in a universal mode that is easily understood by all generations so that effective communication is not only achieved by the instructor, but is also achieved among classmates regardless of their generation membership. It is our responsibility to encourage and facilitate such communication to ensure the best online education experience for all students.
Lori,
Yes, the more we know about our students, the more we can communicate at a higher level and provide assistance to help them all succeed. Nice job.
It is important to understand the students in your classroom because not every student comes to the class with the same skills and/or the necessary skills needed to be successful in an online learning environment. Knowing your students and their capabilities and areas that need improvement will benefit both the instructor and the student because the instructor can provide additional assistance to those in need in order to prevent them from failing or dropping the course.
Russell,
Definitely a two way learning process. Every time I teach, it's a two way learning process. Thanks!
Simone,
Yes, continue to promote professional communication.
Dr. Tena B. Crews
Lisa,
A variety of students leads to a variety of communication styles. I like the emphasis on the "WE" but the students have a responsibility of communicating professionally when asked to do so or when in a situation when professional communication is called for. Thanks!
David,
ICK - I don't need to know about the medical ailments. Let's all keep our communication "clean." ;=) It is interesting to see what differences you have seen.
Cheryl,
Right - we all communicate differently and can learn from each other through the process. But, understanding your audience - your students - is so beneficial in communication effectiveness. Thanks!
Jill,
The foreign country/foreign language analogy is excellent. It brings the point home. Thank you.
Lisa,
Right - as we communicate with students we need to vary the way the communication occurs. Thanks!
Stacy,
It's the basics of knowing your audience. Your students are you audience. The learning curve is not the same for any two students. You are right.
It's important for us to understand the generational roles and also realize the role our generation may be playing in our communications with students. So, I see the communication as a two way learning process. I learn from the students' differing communication styles and trust they learn from mine as well. I try to encourage the students learning from each other on our discussion boards. It's always fun to see when conversations among different generations emerge on the board. Both sides gain insights, and I do, too!
Russell
Hi -
Each generation communicates in a different way. WE need to play on their strengths while still reaching the entire class. By creating a variety of ways to communicate with each generation, we will be able to reach the entire class and not leave anyone out.
Lisa
Dalena,
I too find myself dealing with the Millenials who write/type as they speak or would text. I have to constantly remind them to write scholarly or collegiatically (did I make that word up?).
Sometimes in my live chats I give pep talks on what separates the students earning a degree versus those that have not. We must conduct ourselves accordingly both verbally and in writing.
Simone Branham
There have been some excellent replies on this. In my opinion it is important because you can really understand the context of the message more.
If a student is more prone to use L33T speak (the use of texting lingo that one would find during instant messaging, etc) then it is very likely we either have a Gen Y student, or perhaps a Gen X student working to 'fit in'.
I too have found that some Baby Boomers are more prone to seek forgiveness and more readily share unsolicited medical ailments. :-(
It is important to recognize generation differences with students because it can affect the tone of conversations within discussions on DBs. I find that older generations might not be able to pick up on the nuances within discussions or might have feel that they are experts and feel they have to point out everything that is wrong or right. So you want to make sure that you keep these students focused on the subject and get them to see things in a different light.
Understanding role generations is essential in order to communicate effectively. All of my students are Gen X and I am Gen Y. Not knowing how they communicate is like going to a foreign country and not speaking the language. It doesn't work very well! I have to be able to speak their "language" in order to teach them how to properly work in an online learning environment.
