Get Your Students Hired
Hi Victor,
I absolutely agree that cultivating best practices for online research is one of the best skills we can teach our students. At times, it's been challenging trying to steer students away from Wikipedia and toward more credible sources. Even just reviewing some important things to look for in sources can be tremendously helpful for students. For example, with certain fast-changing fields, it's extremely relevant that the publication date is listed, as well as the author's name, credentials, professional experience, educational background, etc.
I think the term "nomadic learner" is great! It really captures the mobile and flexible learning style of today's college student. The fact that students know have the full extent of human knowledge at their finger tips at all times is shocking. However it also allows students to be mobile and flexible in their approach to learning. Therefore they are nomadic learners. As instructors we need to understand this style and adapt our modes and methods of instruction to meet their needs.
Josh,
Very true - nomadic in the sense that there may be geographical distance but also that the learning comes from a variety of sources and inputs. We used to call that "distance in time and space" but now it means even more, given the diversity of inputs and interactions.
Dr. Ruth Reynard
I think they are referred to as nomadic because they don't have to get their information in one settled spot like a traditional college campus. Instead they can move all over to receive their information/education because they have access to the internet. To demonstrate that point, I'm currently completing this online course in my car while driving from Delaware to Virginia! My wife is driving. Not me. :)
I also thought calling students nomads was such an interesting term because it made me think of hunter-gatherers. I think that would describe a lot of the research and learning of my students where not a lot of substance is found and used...just enough to get by. Just enough to survive!
Christina,
Interestingly...they also don't use the word "technology" to mean the same thing as my generation would. It simply is the use they describe.
Dr. Ruth Reynard
Nomadic learners are the younger generations of today and tomorrow using mobile technologies for entertainment and socialization. These learners are accustomed to being continuously on the move while having all information at their fingertips at all times. These new generations of learners do not see technology as something foreign. They readily accept technology and consider technology to be part of their lives. As learners move from one location to the next, they want to use the infrastructure in the different locations to access information upon demand.
Bill,
Yes, the constraints of the physical environments are non-existent and connectedness is ubiquitous.
Dr. Ruth Reynard
The term nomadic learner is utilized because there are no boundaries. The student is not actually wandering in the standard definition of the term, but he/she can utilize information from wherever he/she is and usually anytime the learner chooses.
Sandra,
Good point, however, exploring or "browsing" may lead to much information, instructors should still coach students as to how to use this information well within the context of the course.
Dr. Ruth Reynard
Excellent comment Victor! I find most students have a great grasp for researching with technology. Our goal should be to continue to encourage this skill for creative problem solving solutions in class and out in the field.
Mia,
Good points! Yes, the barriers of location and time are now non existent unless we still impose those lines from an administrative or an accreditation standpoint.
Dr. Ruth Reynard
Well, when I think of the term "nomad" I think of a wander; someone that does not have a home. So then to equate it to today's learner, I just think that it means there are so many different areas and methods to obtain information to learn from they have no singular methods that they "have" to use anymore. Like when I was a kid in school, we HAD to use encyclopedias to complete research papers; then as I got a little older microfiche was introduced. Today, students have so many references and resources readily available to them that they can use SMEs, books, videos, etc to complete their work. They can wander all over the world wide web!!
Linda,
Very true - life is fully connected for most people in western societies. This means that there is an expectation of connectedness even in a learning environment as well. Mobile connections help maximize flexibility and connectivity
Dr. Ruth Reynard
Students today must be available to family and friends at all times. This means that they will have electronic devices that use the latest technology in order to stay informed and in contact with people that are important to them. Students also want to be able to surf the internet and do on-line coursework with hand-held devices as well as a laptop computer. Having the capability to be mobile and on the move is why they are called nomadic learners.
QUINTIN,
That is true which then also means that their expectations are for continual access.
Dr. Ruth Reynard
They have so many ways to access information, there is no one home type of access that they rely on. It is like they are all over the place, like the nomads of old...
Paula,
Yes, and instructional designs must remain flexible and customizable in order to maximize the nomadic opportunities and expectations.
Dr. Ruth Reynard
A nomadic learner refers to a student (Y Gen) who is mobile and can access information from anywhere at any time. This type of learner thrives from learning in a climate where information is accessible at all times. This challenges instructors to create meaningful learning opportunities while the student is with them and when they are not.
Paula Bordenkecher
Good points. So, then, the information is not from one perspective but has varying insights and applications which, in turn, not only expand the students' knowledge base but also increases their holistic understanding of the issues.