Info over load
I have noticed that even though these gen y students think that they can do it all, the ones who are multi tasking with their electronics do not get all of the information needed when doing theory. They basically get all of the electronic info, but loose out on good old listening
I too find that many students don't analyse the information they research with much depth. They
often just rush to get the task done rather than really confirm the information is the best they can get. This to me is the bigger issue with Gen Y. I don't find their cell phones and web surfing
to be that much of a problem in the big scheme of things, but the ability to analyze and thus make good decisions will profoundly impact their success in life. I am still struggling with finding ways to counteract that tendency in my classes.
Annette McCarthy
Nothing replaces human lecture and teaching. The teaching can deliver real world experiences.
I use current technology to emphasize the fundamentals and theory. I use real world examples and training equipment to "prove" those fundamentals. I try to keep it simple. They only know what you tell them. There are some who gather information from the web but they typically have trouble comprehending the information. That is when I welcome it and help translate so they can comprehend. It tells me they are interested.
Billie,
I agree; one of our key jobs as instructors today is to help our students learn to process, analyze, & sift through the vast amounts of information that are out there.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
one of our instructors tests students at the beginning of class and then at the end of the lecture. this encourages students to actually come to class prepared for lecture.
Charles,
I agree. I feel that sometimes when there is too much information available on the web, it leads to less analysis on behalf of my students. It is always a balances trying to coordinate both in the classroom.
Billie
Yes students may need to be connected, but I think they sometimes choose shallow virtual connections with people over rich real human interactions and lessons. Maybe as a way to avoid conflict.
Patricia,
this is a good reason why we should emphasize to our students to make sure they are paying attention in class as well as potentially using the internet for further help.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
Agreed. I think they know that they can use the internet for any additional missed information. However, they don't always check the internet references. It might not be valid or recent information and they lose out on really making a connection if they aren't listening.
Yes research has shown this, yet this is how this generation was born and raised. The challenge is teaching them to be aware of the pitfalls of multi-tasking and for them, the challenge is learning to go agains their natural inclination to do it anyway.
richard,
I agree & would also encourage all to incorporate a variety of techniques into their instruction. Educational best practices show us that if all we do is lecture this is not as effective as mixing in discussions, case studies, hands-on, presentations, etc.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
I think following a well planned syllabus and learning individual topics in lecture is more successful than too much multi- tasking.
Absolutely! If the students have already had some time to think about the topics and the information, then the discussions and activities in the class can be much more in-depth.
Eva,
I really value the idea of encouraging students to research info ahead of time or to assign pre-reading as this provides a much stronger foundation for discussion.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
The good students that come to lecture will have already looked up all the info the instructor is about to lay on them, while the rest loose focus. Some students know how to use technology to their advantage while other miss out on valuable information. Some become too dependent on it & cannot function properly without it.
Also, with the information gathering on the internet is not always fact and the Gen Y students do not bother to look up their resources.
Charles,
Yes research has shown that multitasking is not efficient or effective.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
