The Nomadic Learner
Why is this generation of students often referred to as "nomadic" learners?
James,
Great points! Yes, so flexibility and mobility of access and contribution is central for the nomadic learner, however, the instructor remains key in the process so that students are guided and coached as needed throughout the process.
Dr. Ruth Reynard
Hello,
To my understanding, nomadic in this sense means “on-the-go,†so nomadic learners are ones who are able to learn on-the-go, thanks to the proliferation of mobile devices and technology now available to this generation of learners. Nomadic learners no longer have to be in an on-ground classroom at a certain time and date to access input—in a synchronous environment-- because they can access information anytime and anywhere—in asynchronous environments. Further, students can access various units of information as their scheduling allows. For example, if a student only has 30 minutes to devote to course access, then the student may wish to participate in the week’s discussion board. If a student has a couple of hours, he or she may wish to review key concepts in the textbook and take the weekly test.
-James Brad Maroney
Jeremy,
Yes, not confined to one location and also accessing information from a variety of mobile sources. All of this changes expectations and should influence instructional design.
Dr. Ruth Reynard
Because they are mobile and on the move. A lot of things about them are no longer stationary. This includes friends, jobs and education
Suzanne,
Yes, mobile technology has maximized the flexibility of location and connectivity.
Dr. Ruth Reynard
Today students are considered nomadic because they can engage in classroom activities and learning in many different locations. Thanks to wifi, hot spots, lap tops and tablets, students can set up their classroom almost anywhere. Gone are the days when learning took place in the classroom, library and at one's desk at home.
Karyn,
Very true - the idea of constantly moving also reflects the mobility and various connectivity options available through newer technology.
Dr. Ruth Reynard
Today's generation of learners is coined "nomadic" because they are well adapted to technology that allows for access at any time or any location. These students are flexible and adaptable, no matter the location.
LaShanta ,
Good points! Yes, the expectations of students are changing as society is changing and the ubiquitous use of technology in every area of life.
Dr. Ruth Reynard
In today’s world, people are on the move and are demanding access to learning materials and information anytime and anywhere. At the same time, there is increasing use of mobile technology in different sectors of society to meet the needs of people on the move.
LS
Cynthia,
Yes, always connected and always accessible - two core expectations of current students.
Dr. Ruth Reynard
Picture the image of so many today walking while holding some type of mobile device and ‘typing’! Mobile technology is simply the ‘normal’ form of communication today for so many levels of ages and categories of communications. Students today use social media to share personal experiences and are therefore expecting instruction to be ‘up to date’ in these same areas of technology.
Penelope,
Good points! I would guess you also like your learning to be "on point", efficient, and engaging so these impact the overall design and delivery as well.
Dr. Ruth Reynard
They prefer to learn online and on their cell phones and anywhere and anytime. I am Gen X and I also like to be Nomadic. It is freeing.
Lanny,
Great points! Yes, I agree. The expectations of today's students are increasingly to be fully connected and have direct access to information, other students, and instructions at all times and from anywhere.
Dr. Ruth Reynard
The term "nomadic", as it applies to today's generation of students, refers to the increasing reliance and use of mobile technology for communicating and exchanging information. Most of today's generation "talk" exclusively by text messaging on their cellular phones. The mobile phone has evolved into a multi-purpose device that most of today's students cannot live without. From information gathering on the internet, communicating with others, to just pure entertainment with videos and games, the mobile phone has become an increasingly important avenue to connect with today's generation. Using these devices gives today's student the ability and flexibility to stay "connected" with others from just about anywhere on this earth.
Lauree,
Yes, and those "boundary less" expectations mean that we, as instructor, must accommodate these expectations within our classes through open-ended projects and wikis etc.
Dr. Ruth Reynard
The Nomadic generation is known for having no fixed home and moving accordingly to the seasons from place to place in search of food, water, and grazing land.
Since the breakdown of family and the slowing of the economy, I believe our new 'nomadic learners' are adapting in the best way that they can. And technology is allowing them to work, live, and go to school at various locations at varying times.
The 'Nomadic Learner' uses his laptop, Ipad, &/or smart phone to work at his office, on the bus, outside at a park, OR at a coffee shop to complete his course work. "Any time, any place - whatever works!" is the theme of the Nomadic Learner!
Edward,
One suggestion would be to outline "level" or "tiered" research. First level: general information (Wikipedia could already be identified in this along with other information sources); second level: critical comparisons; third level: applied ideas. This teaches the various levels of research as well as helping student recognize the uses of different sources. I have added this to the Teachers Lounge forum I facilitate. Please respond there with additional comments or suggestions to this outline. Thanks!
Dr. Ruth Reynard
