information and Interaction today is in real-time We only dreamed of having the information "right now".
Very true, Gil. This has great implications for teaching and learning, don't you think? What has influenced your teaching methods the most as a result of the nomadic characteristics of current students?
Technology enables student to be access information almost anywhere, at any time. They know how to "create" community without having to be face-to-face. Place and environment are not relevant as long as there's an internet connection.
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Donna, do you think only time is the main benefit or anything else as well?
These developments allow students more control over when they debote time to learning. Without these, students might not be able to fit learning into their busy schedules.
Yes, Donna, and the combination of nomadic characteristics of students and the connectedness made possible by mobile technology, everyone can still fully participate regardless of time or space. What do you see as the main benefits to learning of these developments?
...and of course, Anwar, students have always found ways to cheat, unfortunately. As instructors, our focus must always be the learning process for every student so that we can recognize those students who are struggling, those who are cheating, and those who are doing well.
Hello Harry, I totally agree with you on this posting. However, there is very little or nothing we can do about this. We are into the 21st century and part of gigital generation and we as teachers have really no other options but go along with the flow. My curricum is mostly fixed, however, I do have some flexibility to make some adjustment to a certain point as long as I don't change the Terminal Course Objectives which is better known as the TCO.
Today, majority (especially younger student group) students do have tendency to cheat as everything is readily available on the internet. But even then, there are students who really don't get it and we have literally have to spoon feed tem.
Since I work for an Online division of a college, I embrace the concept of the "nomadic" learner. I understnad the value first hand because I recently took some courses toward an advanced degree through another online school. I appreciated the freedom that it allowed--not only to focus on class when my schedule allowed but also to be able to "attend" class even if I were in a different geographical location.
The "nomadic" concept can be expanded to the workplace. With the aid of my Blackberry and my computer, my office can be in various places according to my needs or the needs of my employer. I'm not tied to one location to learn or to work.
I see the "nomadic" concept helping students and workers to maximize their time and their potential.
Yes, John, the technology should support the learning process which must be driven by learning outcomes rather than tasks. How do you make sure the learning process is being supported in your classes while using technology?
It is true that a wider opportunity has been open due to going wireless and mobile, but a disadvantage has come to light in that because the answers to questions are provided without thinking through the circumstances that created the question, does not provide a true learning environment. In the automotive field trouble shooting is essential in order to complete the repair. This can only be accomplished through deductive reasoning and extensive testing.
I couldn't agree more. We need somehow to get real words back into everyday communication for our students. Texting seeems to be kind of a secret way of communication that cut out the need for voice so people can do it on the side at a time when they should be doing something else. I'm not a fan.
Yes, Scott...using the "classroom" to represent the "home" in this analogy means that today's students are quite familiar with having no real home and referring to various contexts and communities within which to learn new ideas and concepts. Does this challenge your role as an instructor?
This is a good way to describe some students as nomads (no home). I think this generation has grown up with the ability to access information anytime, anywhere and yes learns on the fly - not always in a classroom.
I don't think the term 'Nomadic" is descriptive of what I see. The current generation is in the instant answer age. It has made them lazy. If they can't find the answer on their own, fast, they give up and want it handed to them. They go through a computer course like it is a x-box game,clicking furiously to find a way through. I think the term 'Lost' fits some of them better. My curriculum is fixed. I can't change the web courses all I can do is to try and guide them through it better.
This is important for all learners with or without technology. Trying to shortcut information gathering or the learning process diminishes the experience. What strategies do you use to intervene with students who do this?
This is on of those advances that can become a major block for student learning if it is used in the wrong way. If they use technology to shortcut to the information with out understanding it, it won't premote learning, but using it as an additional tool to grasp the information can be a great asset.
So, Afrodite, the challenge then for instructors is to provide students with learning opportunities to develop the kinds of skills they will need to find good information. How do you approach this problem specifically with your students?
Students of generation Y are often referred to as "nomadic" due to their high usage and feeling of necessity of staying interactive and connected. Generation Y students feel the need to stay connected at all times of the day. They like to have any information they need at there fingertips. One causalty of this is that I find that they rely on the internet for sources of research without checking out there sources for credibility.
I like your discussion here, Jeremy, and the examples you use. Do you think the ability/tendancy students have to move quickly and "survive" the immediate environment is maximized in most courses? How could instructors build on these new and flexible skills more effectively?
