Trying to find myself in this.
Since I was born in 1980, I'd be considered a Gen X-er, though I feel I could easily fit into Gen Y. Are there sub groups of generations that don't have such a broad date range?
Gen X defines me, but the differences within the same generation are truly significant, as I have colleagues, close friends and family members that are clearly defined as Gen Y. I just don’t feel the need to communicate my every movement to everyone. I also find it very hard to understand why I can’t pick up the phone and talk to people rather than sending a text or IM. While it expedites some things people just don’t know how to have live one –on- one conversations. More and more individuals don’t know how to act in social settings that require verbal communication. I also can’t understand why I get emails from my colleagues if we are in the same office and all I need to do is lift my head and answer their question.
I was born in 1968 and was raised by veterans while all my brothers and sisters were boomers. I have many of the ideas and values that the veterans have. Since I am Gen X, I remember the one required computer class to graduate was to write a computer program. I waited almost 10 years to go back to college and did find a change in teaching style with power point but many still had the overhead.
Alicia,
I would say that you are typical of a "later Gen Xer." While you are comfortable with technology, it does not drive your life, the way it does for the Gen Yer.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
Hi Stephen,
I was also born in 1980 and along with you, I also struggle to see where I fit in the Gen X vs. Y debate. I remember a time when technology was relegated to Nintendo and being enthralled when I got my first cell phone (must have weighed 2lbs!) However, while I can't imagine my life without the handheld technology that we have now, I also have no interest in engaging in every social media venture that a traditional Gen Y'er seems to covet. Going to school in the 90's, an overhead projector was as savvy as we got in school. Rarely was PowerPoint used even when I was in college. I wonder if we can create a new Generation X 1/2? Any thoughts?
Edward,
unfortunately when a group becomes accustomed to learning in a particular manner we have to take the time to see how we can best reach them in their preferred method.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
I was born in 1964 and I've been called a "Boomer" and a "Gen Xer". I never really gave it any thought. I don't understand the Gen y'ers, I can really only blame my generation, because we are the ones that raised them. Why do we need group hugs? What was wrong with "Sit down and shut up"? I don't want to catagorize or label, I just want them to learn the information.
I was born in 1958 and see myself as a technology crossover, but my values are definately boomer. I am very conservative in my thinking, and as a result expect a fair amount from my students as far as responsibility. Therefore, I have come to the conclusion all of us are crossovers in our own ways and learn from each of them.
I completely agree. I was born in the latter part of the Gen X time frame and I feel like I could have been from either generation - X or Y. I agree that there are sub groups of generations that could possibly roll from one group to another.
Amberly,
this is a great observation. I've been shocked at the abruptness of students in person & via technology.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
I agree. Many gen y students lack respect but I think part of that is because they lack face-to-face socialization skills. I tend to see students struggling to communicate effectively face-to-face but they have no problem sending an email. They interact so much digitally that it can effect their social skills when not communicating via technology.
Jeff ,
this is a good point & I would agree. I believe part of the problem is the affluence in which many in this generation were raised, leading them to expect those same comforts now that their parents have worked for 30 years to attain.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
I would agree with Justin that there appears to be a rise in the sense of entitlement within Generation Y. Speaking, also as a member of Generation Y, this can be seen not only on a professional level, but from a personal level. Those who I know personally as well tend to reflect feelings of things they are owed. I feel this becomes a tremendous professional liability in a current job market that deeply thrives on competition amongst job seekers. Without the hunger of going out to earn something, you are far behind the market. I think what will happen eventually and unfortunately is that as the generation struggles, they will find value in hard work, much in the same way the Depression era generation did. They'll just have to learn the hard way.
Thomas,
you are a good example of someone who was born more on that bubble & so identifies with the next generation.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
Having been born in 1980, and having been exposed to computers from an early age, I am definitely more of a Gen Y than a Gen X
Ted,
good question & for fear of sounding relativistic, they all are. In researching the content I found that there are many ways that the generational boundaries are divided, but most within a few years of each other. I selected one of the more common groupings for this course.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
I have seen charts that have the generations separated in different years. Ex: I was told that boomers are from 1946-1964. I wonder which is right?
Is it Parenting...Maybe..but classroom management, creating compelling learning that appeals to this generaltion might be a better direction then hoping for parents (who work and are exhasted and are wondering why their kids act this way)help- well- you probably will still be waiting.
Justin ,
there are definitely many challenges with Gen Y'ers that can be traced back to home life & upbringing. As much as we can, we should try to help them see the reality of life.
Dr. Ryan Meers
According to this module I am technically a part of Gen Y, being born in 1983. But I do remember reading that, "if you can remember getting your first computer that one could be possibly considered apart of Gen X". This is something I do remember. The majority of students that I do teach are a part of Gen Y, just like Mr. Hall. Our Military students by far have the most respect. I see the most lack of respect in any aspect from my Gen Y students. Technically being a part of Gen Y myself, I can definitely say the problem is not technology. It's the environment, household, and parents that a person grows into that is lacking. As time passes, the majority of people in our country are more and more getting this feeling of "entitlement". Gen Y'ers are not being taught that hard work is neccassary if you want to get somewhere in life. People nowadays just think everything should be given to them. Remember I am technically a Gen Y'er according to this module.
