Jennifer,
I would agree & I've found that if I ask for their help with the technology, they really doa appreciate this & are willing to help.
Dr. Ryan Meers
John,
I agree that we have a greater opportunity to teach the critical thinking & problem solving skills & how to integrate the technology to their benefit.
Dr. Ryan Meers
Can't say I've been so unfortunate. Most, not all, of ones who clam this are actually better students in the vo-tech environment as this is where they strive for what makes them tick, hense most issues dissappear in the classroom that is lively, a good mix of generations and experiences too draw on.
I plan activities for every 20 minutes during my class. In the beginning, I have the students get out of their seats to do a review from last class. Whether they are in a circle and discussing what they learned last time or coming to the board and writing what they learned, I get them out of their seats.
Then there are small group projects where the students will have to go to the library or a computer lab to look up information and bring it back.
Assignments are usually technology based. Sometimes they have to use the Internet for research or I have them watch a YouTube video and type up feedback for the next class.
I try to integrate group work and technology as much as I can.
I believe we must be more tolerant of their use of technology and plan so they can incorporate their devices in the learning process.I do find it hard to accept that they must be in constant, instant touch with others via cell phones, etc.
William,
I love this idea!
I have started giving some of my repeat phone offenders the remote for the camera in our classroom. I find if I keep them focused on the camera during my lecture, they stay engaged and everyone makes sure they are zooming in at the right time.
I will be having a scavenger hunt tomorrow.
Thanks,
Jennie
Keeping them interested and engaged in the learning process by utilizing technology is a must.
For example, I have a "jeopardy" type review which I have used for a year or so. Usually, I just write it on the board. However, some of my younger students were making fun that it was "old school", so I found an online jeopardy application and made it interactive. They LOVE it and want to play all the time.
I feel like technologically I have to really try to be on the cutting edge if I want to keep them engaged.
I find that with readily available technology, I plan less time to teach terminology and things that would have to be memorized in the past, and concentrate more on critical thinking skills and where to find information. With Gen Y, I think the information isn't as important as is where to find it, and how to use it when you do find it.
It takes a little more time to impliment more technology into massage oriented classes.
Amanda,
it does take some time, but I also think this helps us be more effective as instructors.
Dr. Ryan Meers
Planning has to be more efficient to keep the Gen Y learners focused and interested in the subject matter.
Since Gen Yers utilize technology in so many different aspects, I feel that it is important that instructors of previous generations take classes or some means to learn the technology of today so that they can effectively teach, connect, and respond to Generation Y learners. I am not of the Gen Yers, and yet I have taken it upon myself to learn from them, which is an ongoing process for me, and then with my own creativity, I have been able to incorporate different teaching styles that engage all generation learners including Gen Yers. It seems to be working very well.:)
Definitely mixing up the ways in which the materials are presented is very important-it takes a lot of variety to keep them "entertained", and as you mention, they expect to be entertained.
Kerry,
all of this is very true & I would say if you are uncomfortable with technology ask for their help & they would love to help.
Dr. Ryan Meers
The instructor needs to incorporate many teaching styles in their presentations. Gen Yers need to be kept busy, allowed to multi-task and given feedback on a regular basis. Gen Yers also like to assist instructors with technology and find pride in helping others
WILLIAM,
I think this is a good way to let them use the technology in a controlled manner.
Dr. Ryan Meers
Deanna,
I have found that when inspired & interested this generation can show an interest in learning.
Dr. Ryan Meers
I try to have "cell phone" scavenger hunts with my students. I find that controlled phone time in class gets the students involved becasue they have their phones out and I find that they are less likely to try to pull them when they are not supposed to.
I have noticed that this generation isn't used to learning and really don' have an interest in learning. They have always had the internet and computers or smartphones at their disposal. Why would you need to learn anything when you can just Google it? It is a road block in the way of me teaching and them learning. Some things you really must learn and don't have the time to look up the answer. Technology is a good tool, but it can't take the place of an actual education.
Joel,
I agree & I think we need to strike the balance & get them more accustomed to longer attention spans.
Dr. Ryan Meers
