Generational Characteristic vs. Disrespectful Behavior
One piece of information that stood out about Gen Y was their ability to multi-task. On numerous occasions I have commented about kids out to dinner with their parents and being glued to their phone or ipad etc. I definitely viewed this behavior as disrespectful and rude. It is interesting that it is merely a characteristic of their generation.
Since this generation seems to be narcasistic, they feel entitled. They interupt and think nothing of it. I am not sure why some would consider this rude. It is totally disresptful. Why should we, as instructors not be able to maintain control and point out this as something that should not and will not be tolerated? Texting while I am lecturing is absurd, but finding a student texting in the resident's room is totally inexcusable. (Yes, student adivising in progress, however, student not quite understanding what "the big deal is".
Lance,
yes, this has proven to be very true from the research side of things. The intent in the material is not to encourage this, but to recognize that Gen Y is very comfortable multi-tasking, meaning they do this with everything. We want to be careful that we don't tell them immediately they "can't" multi-task, because they will argue they can. We need to help them realize there is a more efficient method of doing these things.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
Dr. Meers,
From my reading of the literature, multitasking is a myth and does not lead to good learning outcomes. It is good for doing several routine tasks like toasting a bagel while talking with your mom and ordering a dry cleaning pickup, but not for learning chemistry or finance.
In my classes I don't allow phones to be used as calculators because it leads to errors and to distractions. You can buy a scientific calculator at the dollar store now, so there is no reason not to require one if appropriate. It allows for increased focus.
Adel ,
sadly this is, to me, is one of the greatest myths of Gen Y: multitasking. They have become convinced that they can multitask & still retain all of the information. They can multitask, but they are not paying full attention to each task.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
I agree. Many of my students are simply unable to comeplete multiple tasks simultaneously, just as they are not able to listen and text/post to facebook/check websites while listening to a lecture or watching a demo. To make them understand that they are missing valuable information I often ask them to help with a demo or repeat part of the lecture. That way when they cannot, sometimes their embarassment prevents them from doig it again - sometimes.
Philip,
this is a good point & while I'm fine with technology, it is helpful to spend some time without. I just spent four days in the mountains with no technology & it was incredibly refreshing on multiple levels. We need to help our young people experience this as well so they become responsible users of the tools.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
Asking some of these Gen Y students to go 50 minutes without their cell phone seems worse to them than making them to complete math tests without a calculator. Then again, for most of them, they use the phones as their calculators now.
I have wondered how these Gen Y students will survive in their careers if they are not permitted to use their cell phones.
I agree completely Steve. I'm not sure we will ever see the respect we should from this generation.
Alicia,
good question. I firmly believe it is the duty/job/obligation of the parents. However, recognizing that this does not always happen, part of my role as instructor is to help prepare the students for life & so I may need to help them see this.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
I tend to agree with you Dr. Meers. There has to be some balance of technology use especially in certain settings. Just because this generation is proficient at multi-tasking does not mean it is acceptable at the dinner table, work environment, ceremonies, or at school. Is it up to the parents to teach their children about appropriate social behavior or their teachers themselves?
Hi David,
I agree that this generation is not exceptional at multi-tasking, but I don't think any other was either.
I remember when I was growing up, and had the "need" to talk with friends on the phone. I would stay hours attached to that phone... I can only imagine what would've happened if I had a cordless phone! My mother would talk to me and I would nod... Pretty much like our kids now, I had no idea what was just said.
I remember my grandfather getting into his room and using a type of radio (I can't recall the name) to communicate with people from other countries. He would spend countless hours on the search of the right frequency...
We all have gone through some type of technological advance, and were in the "need" to communicate with others... might be family, friends, or complete strangers from the opposite side of the globe!
Michael,
this is a great point & one worthy of consideration. While we want to help all generations understand appropriate behavior, there are certain things that may be rude to one generation or culture that aren't to another. Flexibility & understanding are required by all.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
It is a challenge to ascertain whether something is a cultural manifestation or "rude." I think it depends so much upon the audience. What someone of my age, 59, may perceive as "rude" behavior may not be perceived that way by the child's parents. There are times I simply shake my head at what parents allow their children to do. But, then I have to remember I am a grandparent now and parented my children in a different time and place. At the same time, I have a close friend who is much younger than I am, 26, and sometimes I feel like his "multi-tasking" is more of a manifestation of his ADD than it is a choice to multi-task. Things such as ADD are far more prevelant in today's world partially because of the increased stimuli and also because of increased awareness of the condition.
Cathy,
yes, and it is important that we continue to look for these common ground areas so we have a much better chance of reaching our students.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
This generation is so smart and advanced in regards to technology but there is a lot to be said about family interaction and holding a conversation face to face. I am in awe that my 4 year old grandaughter can navagate my cell phone better than I can but still love to read her books.
Hallelujah for not abandoning good manners in the face of progress and new technology! Our societal rules bind us together.
Don,
yes, I had an interesting discussion on this point the other day. The person commented that when we see Gen Yers engaged with their technology, it doesn't mean they are insulting us or unfriendly, because they are communicating with their friends. I'll give on that point, but when friends are together or family (as you mention) & they are not talking to each other but texting others or surfing the net, this is a problem.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
I have seen instances where an entire family was engulfed in their own cell phone and not paying attention to each other during dinner at a resteraunt. To me, this is very sad because it affects and disrupts the whole diminsion of what "family time" means. This is truly a sign where technology can be a disruption and not an assett if a person is not educated on when and where to use it and also being disciplined with it.
