Each generation has their own particular learning style. While reading and writing works for the Baby Boomer Generation, the Millennial Generation prefers electronic methods of communication. The instructor has to address each type of learning style to get the greatest success out of each type of student. However, at the same time, each type of student should be subject to the same rules and regulations set forth in policy. After all, in the real world, on the job, everyone needs to know how to articulate communication in an effective and respectful tone.
Michael,
Yes, that's a good point. We want to reach all students at all levels. This takes practice and good design.
Dr. Crews, as online educators,we need to make sure that the course is designed so that even those students who have a lower level of information literacy will be able to access the content and contribute to the course. That may or may not be the baby boomers, because that group could also consist of students with some form of disability/impairment. Thank you. Mike Crowley
Sueanne ,
Yes, we communicate differently with various students. We always have. Good examples. Thank you.
The age or generation of the students will affect how I communicate with them, in how much detail and how often.
Older students can have less outside distraction as kids are grown and gone. They can have more time to commit and can be more self-disciplined. They can also have a beginner knowledge of computers with an online class very foreign to them. So my communication with them is more of providing step-by-step help with coursework or computer, keeping in close contact (phone) for that classroom connection and reinforcing confidence but not so much in prodding to submit work.
The younger students are just the opposite. They can have more outside distractions and young families. They can have less time to commit and be less self-disciplined but are very comfortable on computers and taking a class online. My communication with them is more prodding to focus on the coursework and to manage their time. Any computer questions can be answered with a quick short-hand response.
Loriann,
Ah - such a good point. We do have to view things different in these technological times. Thanks for your input.
Alicia,
Excellent. The more we understand ourselves, the better we can understand others. Thanks for sharing.
I think it is also important to understand my PERSONAL generational role. I have a part in this communication process. I must understand my own strengths and weaknesses to be a successful instructor. Though I may fall into the "generation X" category, I must be able to reach all of the students where THEY are.
These are definitely different times we are in. Almost everything has changed based on the emerge of online technology. It is understood that technology has so many differences among all generations. Your average student is no longer the average student whereas students are equipped with computers and are willing to learn on the online level at any age.
Thomas,
Wow - what a timely example. Thanks for sharing through these forums.
The answer is somewhat obvious because of the assumed modes of communication generations possibly prefer. I have the advantage of writing this post, following the death of Joan Rivers. Ms Rivers who died at 81, stayed current. She possessed a blog, kept an active Twitter account and pursued other modern means of communication. I believe the generational difference in communication may fade faster than some assume.The major obstacle might be one's economic and class status. (In other words, some people might be exposed due to income disparities and ill-equipped educational settings.
Chantee ,
Great. Glad you are learning from the modules and you can find things to incorporate into your classes.
This module has been very helpful in learning about the different generational rolls. After reading I can truly agree that I have experienced working with all generations in my online teaching and can now better understand each one.
Alexander,
Right on! We are all different and we respond in different ways. It's good to know.
It is important to understand the different generations because the person will react or perform differently when technology is introduced into the scene.
William,
You bring some good generational descriptions to this forum. We have to keep these types of things in mind. Thank you.
Each generation has unique qualities and it is important to understand the difference in online instruction. Baby boomers are typically challenged by technology but are goal orientated, Generation X are comfortable with technology but do not appreciate busy work, so get to the point. Generation Y are comfortable with communicating electronically with their own language and can be self absorbed.
Kevin ,
You got that right. It's amazing how we can better focus our communication/message when we know more about our audience. Thanks!
It is important to know your audience no matter what environment one is presenting information to. When dealing with generations and generation gaps, a presenter must understand the experiences that comes with being apart of a generation. As an online faculty member, I must always be ready for questions about technology especially from generations that did not grow up with technology.
Donald,
We are all different, so learning as much as we can about our students and utilizing different activities in different modes, we can try to reach all students. Thanks!
