kisha,
this is a great point & I think one we can emphasize to our students; appropriateness & maturity.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
Facebook is their life. I think I may allow a 5 min ute part of class to allow everybody to share the most interesting thing they saw in the past 24 hours.
I feel these person to person interactions skills are first learned at home then in grade school. Later in life as we become older we learn about tech tools and then is when we learn to used them as tools of inhancment. As we mature we learn the right time and not so right times to use technology.
Good points, Miriam! The etiquette of interpersonal communications seems to be shifting somewhat to speaking on a bluetooth in a store or even at a resturant. Also, listening to an Ipod and ignoring everyone else.
I am not sure what effect this is having--but I suspect reduced ability to concentrate is one--another, reduced interpersonal communication skills (at least face to face). It had another distraction in face to face communication.
Thanks for your comments!
Tom
Robert,
Thanks for your comments. I hadn't thought of the cheating aspect. I will start looking for this. Any ideas on how to avoid it?
Thanks!
Tom
Michael,
I have noticed this as well. There does seem to be a strong emphasis on socializing--some of them seem addicted to their iphones. I like your idea of having periodic social times in class. I have done this a few times and it seems to work quite well. Then they don't have to try to squeeze in socializing during other times in class.
Thanks for your suggestions and thoughts!
Tom
It keeps them up to date and instantly connected with theirs peers. It is one of the main lines of communication.
I agree with you. I think that technology is a great tool but students need to understand that there is a time and place for it. And evethough is very easy to find the information you also have to be concious to find out if the information is reliable.
i think it can be a double edged sword, it can be a great way to get learners excited about class but also can be a great distraction.
Jonathon,
yes, there really are good uses of the internet if we help them learn to become good discerners of the information.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
Jessica,
yes, they have to realize that we are trying to prepare them for their careers.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
Students can use the internet to help research, or participate in a forum to search for an answer to a question or problem.
Social networking ingluences students from Gen Y by allowing them to have access and information about a larger social network than prior generations. It is not always a positive experience, but without ongoing access some Gen Y students feel out of touch and vunerable when they are not connected.
I agree. In Dentistry you can not stop working on a patient, remove PPE's to check a text message.
Amanda ,
I agree that Twitter can be a useful tool; however, as you point out, we want to be very cautious in any kind of use during an actual class as the students will quickly become distracted. (Also, goes without saying, make sure you are not violating any school policies.)
Dr. Ryan Meers
Miriam,
this is so very true. We need to help them learn & maintain good, interpersonal com skills.
Dr. Ryan Meers
Of all the social networks, I really think Twitter is the most effect form of learning in Gen Y students. When following academic and news related twitters one can really learn a lot on an every day basis. In general, these social networks influence Gen Y's to be connected at all times, during the middle of the night, during class, whenever. For the most part it enhances the learning, but in some cases Gen Y students can become distracted.
I am finding that with my own children. They are lost when faced with conflict resolution or even asking a teacher for help with classwork. They can text or email but face-to-face, they don't know what to say. Plus, they want me to handle it for them!
Miriam,
unfortunately the value of technology has diminished the emphasis on good interpersonal skills & just plain politeness.
Dr. Ryan Meers
I agree. It has become acceptable for people to talk aloud in the store on their bluetooth. It is OK to igore everyone around you while listening to your Ipod. However, in the medical field it is vital to be able to effectively communicate and "read" people. This just can't be done while "connected". Also, there is junk on the internet. Students and really everyone needs to be able to determine what is valuable, real information and what is not. Rumor by word of mouth or online or tweeted is still rumor, not fact.
