It is important to understand the role generation play in communication because this will allow the instructors provide instructions that would be on their level of understanding. The instructor would also know how to facilitate to the strengths and weakness of each generation. In other words, the instructor would know how to reach each generation and be able to bring out the best of their abilities and understandings.
Sherrilyn,
We are all different and when we understand that and understand ourselves better, it is for the greater good of the students. Thanks again for your input.
Being able to understand the role different generations play is essential to the success of the student as well as the teacher. This allows the teacher to understand what would be the best way to communicate with each generational student. It also ads the teacher if a conflict occurs with students that are of a different generation. Having a teacher understand the different roles will only help the students be successful within the class.
Gail ,
True - we can't "pigeon hole" students into one place or another, but in general we can learn a lot about them from a generational perspective. Thanks!
Alfred,
Right on! We are all different and when we accept that and utilize each other's strengths, we move along toward the learning objectives must easier. Thanks for your input.
Audrey,
Simply understanding our students better helps us teach better. This is just a beginning step. Thanks!
Dr. Christopher,
Good point about the comfort levels. Just as we have various comfort levels teaching online, students have various comfort levels taking online courses. Thanks!
I find it very important to know the role generations play as when the student has questions or doesn't understand a process you can better adapt a way to help them. For example if it is a baby boomer generation student you might not want to refer them to U Tube to watch a video to help have a visual of how a process is done as they may not have ever used it before and might not know where to go. Although, we have to be careful not to put a student in any of these categories as they could surprise us.
It is important to understand the role of generations in online communication because each generation has a different level of exposure to online technology. Older generations may not have grown up with using online technology and may need more practice with using it. Younger generations may have used online technology at a younger age but may not have the proper etiquette when communicating.
It important to understand the role generations play in communication in the online community because in the online environment we have students that are of different generations with different skill sets. As instructors once we understand the strengths and weaknesses of each generation in order to assess the best way to address the students needs.
Generations play an important role because the various generations have a comfort level difference regarding online communication. For example the net-generation has known nothing other than online communication where the baby boomer generation are digital immigrants and may be a little more hesitant or not at ease with online communication. The instructors in online courses need to understand these differences and embrace them because each generation can add to the level of learning in a course.
-Chris
Sloan,
Thanks for adding to the conversation about the generations. We all have that generation we find more "challenging/difficult" and I wonder many times if that's not because of "our" generation. ;-) Thanks!
Shirley,
As instructors, we are many times teaching 3-4 generational levels at once. It's a challenge, but one good teachers accept. Thanks again for your input in these forums.
Janet,
We are all different and communicate in a variety of ways as well as learn in a variety of ways. Therefore, the generational aspect is an interesting one to think about. Thanks for the examples you have provided. Take care.
Each generation has its own needs and skill set. The most difficult generation to deal with is the baby boomers because most of them are technology challenged. The instructor must work with them more diligently in order to bring them up to speed and avoid their frustration level which will pose obstacles for their success in the class.
This is an interesting and great question.
In the last 60 years we have had 3 different generations that have different values placed on communicating and interacting with technology, therefore the instructor needs to be more flexible and adaptable in understanding the different audiences that they are communicating with.
Dr. Chuo
Each generation has its own unique perspective and methods used for communication. It is important to understand that to effectively see where the student is coming from. This is also useful information to understand how to engage students.
However I believe that all students need to develop effective communication skills for the workplace - especially technical writing in many professions. That skill seems to be lost with some of the newer technologies such as text messaging. Good grammar and correct spelling are needed in most jobs and I believe that is one thing that many younger students lack. So I believe the course syllabus needs to set the expectations up front that proper grammar and spelling are part of the course grade - at least for most college level courses.
Christine,
Thanks for the examples for the various generations. It helps us understand them, our students, more as we continue to teach in a variety of ways. Thanks again.
Why is it important to understand the role generations play in communication in the online community?
Value systems are formed by the direct effect of outside forces and how a person reacts to them. This can be an environment, method of parenting, education, and events during one’s younger years. The same is true for groups of generations. Each generation has its own influences that affect its value system. When a person understands a generation and its value system, he or she can better relate to and communicate with a person of that generation.
For example: The Baby Boomers (born 1946-1964) vs Generation X (born 1965-1980)
Baby boomers will need more help with technology issues and navigating the classroom. They value hard work and strive for a challenge. They were taught to climb the ladder of success.
Gen X students were brought up with computers and are pretty computer savvy. Classroom navigation and submitting assignments electronically will be a piece of cake. They get bored easily will need more direction and motivation to stay engaged in the classroom.
Aldgenette,
Good point. We arer all different and simply recognizing that goes a long way. Thanks for your comment.
Dr. Tena Crews
