Students research system operations and diagnostics using manufacturers sites, various search engines, and forums to support their diagnostic process. Also you tube has helped with so many video support links from manufacturers showing operations and functions. With this they can build their SSCC chart Symptom System Component(s) Cause.
Dennis,
Can you clarify what you mean by "used this" specifically? It sounds helpful :)
Dr. Ruth Reynard
We have used this within our diagnostic process expressing the fact to use all tools available to solve the concern. In review of our lab tasks we share our results where the information was found.
Dennis,
Very true - how can instructors maximize that desire in their instructional design?
Dr. Ruth Reynard
This generation is constantly roaming and exploring all avenues of electronic media in search of information , answers, curiosity, and entertainment.
With the proliferation of mobile devices learning anytime and anywhere is becoming the norm. Students no longer are limited to a single gateway to access knowledge banks. Mobile devices with internet access (cell phones and tables) afford students opportunities to access learning materials and participate in online classrooms anytime and anywhere.
Stephen,
Yes, and continuous connectivity and mobility are now the new norm. This should affect how we design and deliver instruction.
Dr. Ruth Reynard
The Nomadic mantle is pretty accurate. The learning can come from so many different directions. Students will always benefit from being shown the way and being given 'the spark' by their instructors.
Steve
Jennifer,
Yes, I agree. I do think that they are potentially much more able to engage at various levels than conventional students.
Dr. Ruth Reynard
The textbook answer is that they have access to lots of information.
Really, they roam around different areas of input and their attention spans for any given input method are very short. They also trade ideas with one another like traveling traders, and sometimes they buy snake oil instead of real cures for ignorance.
I find this group especially challenging as their ideas of respect and value are skewed from the traditional models. It takes a lot more work to engage this group, but it is actually pretty satisfying when they do engage.
David,
Good points! Yes, mobility has changed everything.
Dr. Ruth Reynard
Kathy,
Yes, students mostly now expect there to be no constraints or barriers to learning as well as open access and multi-device access. Mobile technology has totally changed the scope of education.
Dr. Ruth Reynard
I think we all can agree that this generation of students, even older ones, are very mobile. Although they are participating in organized courses, they are able to contribute and learn from virtually any location in the world. We are seeng the proliferation of wireless and mobil devices being leveraged effectively in this area.
This generation has so much information available to them at any given point in time. They are nomadic in that they can retrieve information from various sources at any time. It's important to bring this technology into the classroom in order to keep students engaged.
zena,
Good points. Yes, continual connectivity and open access are the central characteristics of the expectations of new learners.
Dr. Ruth Reynard
Nomadic is referring to the fact that todays students are always connected wirelessly and no longer take notes on paper. As teachers we need to be able to meet them in the virtual space that they reside in and develop curriculum that reflects and uses this. If done well the possibilities are endless.
Cynthia,
Good points - so the term really refers to both the expectations of the students and the capability and functionality of the technology. New technology develops as users look for changes, so the more we use the technology in learning environments, the more we will influence its form and use to suit those needs.
Dr. Ruth Reynard
I agree, Ileana, that some students lack sound critical thinking skills to evaluate, analyze, synthesize, and problem-solve. I spend a lot of time in class discussing bias and generalizations as well as using sources to illustrate these type of statements. The focus of my course is on logical argument and creative problem-solving. I tell students that the ability to think critically is a valuable academic, professional, and personal skill. We need more creative problem solvers to reduce prison overcrowding, reduce poverty, improve public schools, stop cyberbullying, improve our economy, prevent juvenile delinquency, and so on.
Professor Armes
I agree, Victor, students need to become self-directed learners and resourceful because we will not always be there to assist them in finding the answers to their research questions. They need to learn how to do this effectively on their own. Even with information at the click of a mouse or swipe on a screen, they must learn what information is valuable and credible and what should be avoided like Wikipedia and bias websites.
The nomadic learner is flexible because they are not rooted in space and are connected. Thus, the nomadic learner demands learning and interaction which can be assessed electronically through their mobile devices i.e. Ipads, lap tops, Kindles, cell phones, etc.
Thus, today, students want to have the option to learn anytime, anywhere, and as teachers, we have to take this into account and use these technologies to further engage students in the learning process.
