Lindsey,
I like that you mentioned that there are different approaches that various students may take to work toward the learning outcomes. Thanks!
George,
Yes, the better we understand our students the more we can help them be successful in the course. Thanks!
Richard,
Good point. Students will have various experiences with the technologies. Thanks for your input.
An instructor need to understand the importance of the generation of their students so one will know how to approach and/or communicate to that generation in my opinion. For example the baby boomer generation may lack technology skills, etc vs. those of another generation who were raised with technology. So one would need to know how to approach.
It is very important to understand various generational cohorts in an online environment because their levels of comfort may vary for technology based communication. There are still standard expectations for an online student but it is important to note that all learners experience the learning process differently.
This goes back to the first discussion on considering the ease of use with technology. For an older adult who is uncomfortable with the computer, a difficult program could prove detrimental to their learning process.
We all use computers in almost an everyday mode. Either with a smart phone, tablet or via email. I had an older student who had no experience using internet, emails, computers and the course was a traditional course with a online resource platform for the students.
It's hard to assume that everyone owns or knows how to operate a computer regardless of age. Certain age group will have more difficulties trying to adapt to technology.
Denise,
Yes, we do all learn differently and the more we understand that and our students, the better. Thanks!
It is extremely important to learn who you students are and how each one learns best. Different generations will have different approaches on how to learn the material. I feel that the instructor must have user friendly technology tools to best assist multiple generation learners.
Aundrea,
As we are all different, we have to carefully consider the generations and the best way to communicate and engage each one.
It is important to understand the role generations play in communication in the online environment because each generation has learned distinct communication skills. If the instructor is unable to grasp the best way communicate with each generation, the online community is threatened by a breakdown in the learning process. The difficulty of a Generation Xer to communicate with a Baby Boomer can be as frustrating as a French speaker to communicate with a Spanish speaker if one or both parties fail to take time to understand the background of others, and use the necessary methods to communicate effectively. Without effective communication, we have a disconnected and frustrated community.
It is important to understand the generation roles because they all learn differently and all of them understanding technology differently. You need to be able to meet all the needs of the generations and understand how they learn.
Heather,
Thanks for the descriptions. Sounds like you have some experience working with different generations.
There is a big difference in the generation role when they are communicating in the online course. The older generation has difficulty using the online community, where the younger generation has difficulty communicating and with grammar. The younger generation is used to texting and they use it in the online classroom.
Angela,
It's just like the old saying goes. . .the more we understand our audience, the better our message will be received. Because, we set it up properly based on audience needs. Thanks!
Valerie,
Great examples of how the generations "play out." You are so right in that they can totally compliment each other.
Thanks!
If you do not understand the different roles generations play you cannot meet the students on their individual levels and play to their strengths to help them succeed. It is important especially in an online environment to adapt instructional practices to meet the needs of the individual learners, especially those that may not readily communicate what they need to be successful.
Generational roles are very important in the online community. I see it in my courses I teach. The Boomers may be hindered technologically, but they have great time management skills and usually bring wonderful life/work examples with them.
The Gen Xer's sometimes, are the wall flowers and do the minimum required. The Gen Y tend to understand technology and all that goes with technology.
These generations together, if handled correctly, will compliment each other. They will learn from each other and make the discussion process really interesting.
Valerie Miller
Maureen,
Your are right. Especially in the online classroom, we need to communicate those guidelines/rules. Thanks for that input.
Students need to know there are guidelines and rules. They have to have the respect that was we of older generations just considered it a given. Now, they have to be "gently" informed that they have to be "diplomatic".
If every instructor "acquainted" students with being kind and constructive to their fellow student, by the time they are through college, they would continue it on to their career. Hopefully.
Coleen,
Thanks for the examples. We have to carefully consider the learning personalities of all students. Nice job.
