Understanding the role generations of my students helps me customize the communications I present to the individual students. In the first week we can usually identify what students are proficient in email and other communication methods and which students need more support. These students are best contacted by phone to get communications started and they can be coached into more electronic communications as the course progresses.
James,
Love your analogy. You bring new light to the forum. Thanks for your input.
If you don't know your audience, how can you tell if they got the joke? If you can see Jim Jones through Jim Jones eyes, you can sell Jim Jones what Jim Jones buys. Sorry, I am dating myself. I believe that understanding the generational roles of your online students is a great way to enhance and encourage active participation. This opens the door to s-s interactions and at the same time allows the instructor see what types of students he is teaching.
Darakshan,
Yes, we need to understand our students as they are all difficult. Not every person in each generation will be exactly as described but in general, these are generation characteristics. Keep that in mind as well. Thanks.
It is important to understand the role generations play in communication in the online community so as to ensure the students are successful in the course. Each generation has their own pros and cons and therefore it is essential for the instructor to understand these pros and cons and use them to help students succeed. Since Baby Boomers lack technology skills, then may need more help with navigating the modern day technology tools. On the other end, Millennials may not need this extra help.
Donielle,
Every individual student is different. We have to make sure we understand them best we can so that we can communicate to them effectively. Thanks for your input.
When working with different generations. You must understand what is the best method of communication to each generation - that they all have a great understanding.
Khal,
Communication guidelines being explained in the syllabus is important. Frequent and prompt communication is important as well. Thanks for stressing that. Thanks.
Dr. Crews,
It is important to understand the role different generations play in online communication. This would enable the instructor to develop and delegate effective communication guidelines in order to reach out to all generational groups.
These guidelines should be spelled out and explained in the syllabus and in other course materials. Furthermore and most importantly, the instructor must model effective communication by providing prompt and frequent feedback.
Stephanie,
If we (or the students or any individual) doesn't understand our own weaknesses, how can we improve. And, you are right, we adapt. We provide content in a variety of ways, we communicate in a variety of ways, etc. Thanks for your input.
It is important in order to understand their own strengths and weaknesses and how you approach a particular student. If you have a class full of Baby Boomers, you need to make sure to have extra support on hand (through "how to" documents, etc.) for technical issues or technical aspects of the classroom. These students will be social and have a drive for success so discussions would be lively and not require you to draw them out as much as you might have to with a class of Generation Xers. These might not join the conversation readily so finding ways to engage them is key. Basically understanding the roles each generation plays means we adapt as instructors, especially in the way we communicate in order to deliver and elicit effective communication.
Jacqueline,
Super! Glad the suggestion was helpful. Let me know if you have other questions.
Take care.
Willie ,
You hit the nail on the head. We do all learn differently no matter what generation we are in. We can be in the same generation and still have differences. We have to continue to provide content in a variety of ways to help all students. Thank you for your input.
Jacqueline,
It is good to try to work with all students/generations and try to understand them the best we can. Keep trying with the Millennials. We all struggle with something. ;-)
Dr. Crews, thanks for this suggestion. I have provided written examples, but never thought to record my voice. I will try this soon!
This makes perfect sense. I've used audio to explain flowcharts, etc., but I've never thought to use audio to assist with helping students properly write.
Jackie
No matter what the generation, there is likely to be a gap between learners and educators in an online environment. Learners and educators often have different styles within the classroom, including those that hinge upon introversion and extroversion, as well as varying levels of comfort with informational abstraction. Many educators today perceive a gap between their technological expertise and that of their students. Children raised with computers think differently than those raised without. However, I believe that the challenge for educators is to incorporate the tools and techniques discussed in the previous modules and media of the information-age to maximize the learning opportunities for todayʼs learners and bridge the generation gap! :-)
Hello Everyone.
It is important to understand the role generations play in communication in the online community because each generation communicates differently. If we as instructors understand each generation, we are more apt to facilitate communication. I am a Generation X, raised by Baby Boomers. I have a mix working! I really have had to work with communicating with Millennials because of what I and others perceive as a lack of social skills.
Jackie
Sandy ,
Yes, it does affect our approach. The better we know our audience, our students, the better we can communication, design effective interactions, etc. Thanks for your input. We all have different experiences with different generations.
Sandy ,
If we want professional communication, we have to model professional communication and grade the students on it as well. Nice job.
Sandy and Dalene,
Thanks for continuing the conversation. I like to hear that others are continuing to emphasize professional communication, not texting language, in the discussion boards as well. Nice job.
