They want to stay connected all the time. Students do not want to have to sit in a classroom at the time same every week for several hours. They want to access the course and the instructor when they need to, but otherwise they want to be able to take their learning with them and complete assignments or tasks wherever they are. I would say that I completely agree with them. I want to be a nomadic instructor. I enjoy being able to conduct class from the comfort of my outdoor patio or my sailboat. There should be no reason for us to have to go to a physical location anymore.
Harry, You have presented some interesting observations about some of the misconceptions that students my have about using the new technology. I teach an online course, and I had to redesigned by assignment list so that students would spend more time in thinking about the solution or interpretation of information. As you mentioned some of my students wanted to find "instant" answers fast and not explore time and thought in to acquiring knowledge about a specific directed question. Therefore, I added three points that the students had to write about the question and to rationalize their answers.
Nomadic students learn at a flexible and fluid pace via the current technology of today. They are multimedia and interactive focused.
Younger students are typically nomadic in that they expect to be connected and able to access information from anywhere. This is normal for them and they expect their education to follow this same pattern.
However, the majority of the information in this module assumes that all students fall into this category and for many instructors, that is not the case.
I would have liked to see some coverage in this course of how to integrate technology with all learners. Age is definitely a factor in student connectedness and how they feel about the concept of technology integration into the learning process.
This generation of learners (of all ages!) engage in 24/7 - anytime, anywhere learning!
From the reading we see it is because they are wireless, fluid and flexible and they are more into the social network and have access to more information.
But in my interpretation, nomadic also can refer to where my students physically are. With the access to wireless connections, they can access the class and additional content from anywhere (I have had students taking online classes that are abroad) and they can do the work anywhere- no longer in a library like the old days looking for books or references since it is mostly available online. From their phones, laptops or ipads, they can do work just about anywhere, as can I. So am am also a nomadic teacher.
Students are “nomadic†because they can access information literally any time from any place. Smart phones, iPads, Wifi Hot spots (even on airplanes) allow immediate and complete access to the world’s breath of knowledge and educational resources. No longer is learning a structured, set liner endeavor, but a undertaking
Everything is so readily made available to our students today. With the immediate click of a button, a student can download a tremendous amount of information in such a short time. It is important more than ever to make sure that instructors stay connected to the many new media forms.
Sheila,
Great observation! Yes, this is a result of the Internet and the self-directed skills the use of that technology develops. It does not mean, however, that instructors should not still teach skills that students will need to continue to learn on their own.
Dr. Ruth Reynard
Student today seem to want to find the answers on their own. They are not as dependent on the instructor to sppon feed the answers.
Bakhriya,
Yes, the access is increased due to the connectivity options...the flexibility of students is something that is due to various delivery options but some students need more coaching and support to become effective flexible and self-directed learners.
Dr. Ruth Reynard
nomadic increase access for new information, student are flexble with learning
Victoria,
Yes, good points! The way in which stuents currently process information is changing as a direct result of new technology. It is also changing expectations in preference of continual connection.
Dr. Ruth Reynard
Our current generation of students are referred to as "nomadic" learners because they are flexible and mobile learners; they have mastered this idea of learning on-the-go.
Our current students do not learn best in a linear fashion rather; in a more 'webbed' manner.
they are called "nomadic" learners because the are no longer confined to the traditional paths of learning
Agreed, also keep in mind that getting them to utilize that available technology to answer their questions (research) is one of the best skills we can teach them, as instructors we won't be around to answer questions for them once they get out in the field. They are accustom to using some of the best research equipment that has ever been available, if we steer their questions that direction, they will be able to answer their own questions, not just today, but, everyday of their career.
students now have a much closer connection to technology and the internet. technology is always chainging therefore so are the students and the way they learn.
The term nomadic is used to describe the college students. They are not rooted but flexible when it comes to their social connections and their virtual life.
David,
So this puts more emphasis on the role of the instructor in both designing the course and facilitating it...would you agree?
Dr. Ruth Reynard
They can access their course content and (hopefully) learn anytime, anywhere.
Studies have shown that people usually do better when presented with a limited range of choices (if they have too many they are overwhelmed and tend to disengage) so anything that helps our students feel more engaged is a good thing.
Dave
