Nicole,
one of the advantages to this is that, I've found, it has forced me to get real clear in my own mind about the really key concepts I need to get across.
Dr. Ryan Meers
I like this statment; sometimes this Google mentality eliminates the rule of common sense or tends to make us a little more on the lazy side. I do like the benefits of the technology however there is nothing wrong with researching or finding answers the old school way as well!
Visual and virtual learning seems to becoming a more popular way of reaching Gen Y students because they have grown up with lots of visual stimuli.
I think technology has made teachers change from
lecture syle teaching to a more
hands on approach or even a virtual approach to
increase both interest and information retention.
I lover that they can find information so quickly and give me feedback on information i givethem that be different than what they founf on the net. this often leads to discussion and student involvement.
From my stand point of generation y myself, I believe it all starts in the home. If a person has been brought up right with responibles and with discipline, they have a different result of personality and life outlook. But most lack those key building blocks.
I see both the pros and the cons; they have short attention spans which means that you have to trim the fat of what you want them to learn. You also need to use the technology that they are familiar with if you want them to pay attention. They do not respond well to traditional learning modes.
andre,
I agree that we have to help today's students understand how to verify their information.
Dr. Ryan Meers
Mark,
yes, that's why I think one of our biggest jobs is equipping our students to be wise consumers of information.
Dr. Ryan Meers
Mark,
yes, that's why I think one of our biggest jobs is equipping our students to be wise consumers of information.
Dr. Ryan Meers
Both positively and negatively. They have immediate access to a informational treasuretrove, yet they can't seem put the damn thing down, EVER... to the point of agravation.
I agree thy seem to want the quick fix only,and if they cant get that they want to turn it over to some one else.
If it was always a matter of getting the "FACTS" quicker and easier, it might be OK, but many don't know that a Wiki is not necessarily written by a competent person with a degree or professional knowledge. Opinions on forums are not necessarily the best source if info and yet they seem to be the easiest source of info when searching the web. Gen Y doesn't seem to see the need to "waste" any time checking out the source of the info to see if it is legitimate. Just give me an answer NOW! so I can get back to my texting.
I was born near the end of Gen X and as such, I do remember getting first computer and cell phone. I even grew up with party lines in the rural area I'm from . I tend to view things like smart phones and google as another tool or resource to assist in life. More of a convenience then neccesity. Gen Y relies so heavily on technology to survive that they don't question what they read. If google said it or they read it on a forum, it must be true. Where older generations tend to comprehend and question something if it doesn't seem right and know how to use other resources to find the right answer.
Clarence,
there is definitely a balance to the usefulness & distraction elements of technology.
Dr. Ryan Meers
They are not afraid to jump on the internet and look things up. That can also be a bad thing if they are on the phone texting all the time.
June,
I agree with you and I think part of the problem is that they don't realize they are taking the "easy" route. I have found that it often does not even occur to them that this is the case & that there is another way to learn.
Dr. Ryan Meers
They want that instant gratification. They take the easy road without learning the how and why of what they are doing will work or how it came about. They lose a lot of information that brings them to the instant results they want. Should technology ever disappear (or go down), how handicapped will they be without some form of technology thinking for them.
Michael,
I would agree that this is a significant concern for me as well. My biggest concern is with the critical thinking & decision making abilities that seem to be lacking.
Dr. Ryan Meers
Scott,
I would agree that Gen Y still really enjoys the face to face & personal interaction. And they also have some expectations regarding instructors & their use of technology.
Dr. Ryan Meers
Pilar,
this is an area I have struggled in. I don't want students to memorize useless facts, yet they do need to learn & stretch their minds.
Dr. Ryan Meers
