Randall,
yes, there is definitely a certain "price of admission" regarding technology for this generation.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
Connie,
and this is where we have a great opportunity to recognize the value of some of the information available on the internet & also help our students realize the value of information still stored in books.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
Due to the their tech savvy nature, technology can be both helpful and a hindrance. Through technology we can "speak" to the Y's in a way that is both familiar and desired. However, I often think Y's take this for granted as well, and perhaps look at digital knowledge in the same way one might look a "spam."
It is very helpful for me to use technology to distribute class information, assignments, and projects using technology for this generation. They appreciate the ease of accessibility.
I am very optimistic about the use of technology in the classroom as provides an effecte way to teach students. It does have an impact on how the structure of a class does run but mainly technology has caused difficulty for the instructor/teacher. Educators learn to teach primarily by observing their predecessors, later they learn how to refine or modify their own teaching style but generally teaching has stayed the same until know. Currently, with the accessibility of technology and the dependency, teachers can not rely on old teaching methodology's which came from their grade school or post-secondary teachers; They have to completely reinvent their style and teaching approaches. The impact of technology is definitely good but has posed mostly challenges for the instructors.
My son is a GenY student. I become very frustrated with him because he wants information quickly and does not realize sometimes it takes research. If he can not find it on the internet immediately, he blames the search engine (calls it dumb) and gives up. As a boomer myself I have many books in the home but he scoffs at them and says 'why should I look in them when I can use the internet'. If our technology ever fails the people in this genetation that are similar to my son will have no idea how to find the information in a book and ut it to use.
I write notes on the board for tests and tell my students that if copy the notes they will remember it better from actually writing it, nope they wait till I'm done writing and get out their phones and take pictures.
It is an integral on nearly all levels. The 3 hours class of straight lecture does not resonate with Gen Y. Learning to incorporate technology into the class is a way to greatly connect with this generation.
I think that in some ways technology has helped Gen Y students, they can find information easier and are more informed. The down side is that they don't need to retain the information so if the technology fails they will be lost.
Charla,
I agree with your statements regarding the challenges & the positives. I've found that students really have no "out" anymore regarding "I didn't get the assignment" when it is posted & communicated in a variety of forms.
Dr. Ryan Meers
On the positive side technology has made it easier to stay in contact because they always have their phone with them and it is usually a smart phone. They can let me know if they are running late or need to clarify something about an assignment. On the negative side, since the phone is always with them it is difficult to keep them off of it during class. It is almost a physical addiction like nicotine or alcohol. They have withdrawal and soon as I call a break...out they come.
Felecia,
yes, they are very aware of how to use the technology, but as you said, not as strong in sticking through the difficulties.
Dr. Ryan Meers
Technology has impacted the learning process of Gen Y students in a negative and positive way. Most Gen y students rely on technology for everything and don't want to read or study.On a positive note, modern technology has made research for assignments a lot easier.
bobbe,
yes, requiring a good reference list, to me, is essential. I also like to require them to have a variety of sources: some internet, some journals, some books, etc. This way they learn there are a variety of resources available.
Dr. Ryan Meers
The use of technology has both positive and negative effects with Gen Y learners. Positive in that information is readily accessable. When a student wants to discuss a hairstyle they really like they can pull it up on their phone or internet and as a class we can discuss the image. Technology has impacted the Gen Y learners in that many do not have patients when it comes to waiting for things, always looking for a faster way to do things.
I agree with you. However when an instructor wants specific information or essays, whatever, they should (student) also have to include information of where and how they got said information. An essay requires a certain amount of words or pages, and they student would be forced to read perhaps several articles and other reference work and must validate their references as part of the assignment.
When I used to read on certain subjects, I went for any shortcut I could get. (outlining it) or check out the first sentence on all paragraphs and come up with facts. They can just do it faster, but I think they are still getting it.
Miriam,
and this is a great way to teach them "responsible" use of technology as they can learn to be good consumers of the information & not just take everything they read.
Dr. Ryan Meers
I really enjoyed the class. I still am so boomer that I just started texting a few months ago. Even facebook has been a challenge. But just being able to talk with my students about the technology has been a bonding experience. They seem to enjoy sharing their knowledge with me as much as I enjoy sharing medical knowledge with them. We are limited in the classroom with access so it is still in its infancy with me. I do give the students grades for their personal use of technology as it applies to our daily topics. I encourage their ownership of expanding our knowledge through information gathering.
Julie,
I agree with you. I also find your observation about the being up all night interesting. I do think that this generation seems to be overstimulated & as a result find it hard to wind down.
Dr. Ryan Meers
Kerri ,
I completely agree with you. I try to really help my Gen Y students in this area as these communication skills continue to be in high demand regardless of the career path.
Dr. Ryan Meers
I think they grow bored faster, and they have a hard time giving up their time away from their social networking. I also think they don't get the kind of rest they need as they are up all night on their social network.
Because of their fix on digital communications and technology, they expect everything to have a "wow"factor, and they want to Know everything right now.
