I think it important to understand the generational differences because it can change our approach in how we communicate with them.
I remind the Gen Y's that they need to check to make sure they are not using text speak in the discussions and their papers.
I find some of the Baby boomers may be a bit rusty if they have not been writing research papers for awhile, but the strong skills they learned will re-surface.
This may help all students realize that many students, regardless of age. need to brush up on their writing skills and we are here to support them!
Sandy U.
Mike, you make such an excellent point. Spelling and grammar are included in my grading rubrics each assignment and feedback is provided to help reinforce the importance of professional writing and speaking skills.
I think that helping students understand the connection between what they are learning and the real world is important.
You are right, communication is key!
Sandy U.
Dalene, You are so right about needing to remind students to refrain from "text speak" in the discussion boards and in their papers.
I have included a discussion and could develop a conversion chart about the most typical mistakes
i = I and is always capitalized when referring to yourself
u = you
cuz = because
The discussions have worked well but I am unsure how a written conversion chart might be received by some students. What do you think?
Thanks,
Sandy U.
Nicholas,
Glad you mentioned social skills in addition to computer skills. We do all "come to the table" with different skills, abilities, knowledge and attitudes. Thanks!
Jacinda,
Good examples. We do all communicate different and it may not just be because of our generation, but our experiences as well. Thank you for your continued input in these forums.
It is important to understand the role generations play because different generations have different levels of social skills and computer skills. These will influence their ability to succeed in the online course.
Hi Tena and All!
I think that it is important to understand the role of generations in communication because each generations will communicate differently. In addition,they will all have different skill levels when it comes to communication tools. For example, a person who is a Baby Boomer may prefer direct communication with the course instructor over the phone. On the other hand, younger generations may prefer texting as a primary means of communication. As instructors, we need to remember that each generation has a great deal to contribute to our course and we have to find the best way to communicate with students in order to foster contributions.
What is the best way that we as instructors can enhance skills to communicate with students from each generation?
Miriam,
We are all different and each class we teach is different. Who we are makes up the culture of the class. The better we understand our students the better we can provide the content to meet all students' needs. Thanks!
It is important to understand the role of generations because it will help to facilitate the learning environment. As the class content explained Baby Boomers, Gen X, and Gen Y have all had varying levels of experience with technology and so their ability to participate in an online course may vary leading the instructor to address the student specifically to their needs.
gene ,
You bring up RESPECT again. It's a key word in our teaching and enhances the learning process.
Thank you.
rebecca,
You bring up a good point. We don't want the communication to be complicated. We have to reach all students and understanding them helps dramatically. Thanks!
we must respect the differences & become flexible & improve our flexibility while communicating with the different generations. however, i think that ecouraging a warm atmosphere like a functional, extended family works well with most of the generations & they begin to become a integral part of a community, in spite of themselves.
The different generations have different communication styles based on their life experiences and how they see the world around them. They may not understand this fact and this can complicate communication between generations that can escalate if the teacher is in an active participant in guiding the process.
Rebecca Smith
Mary,
Right - we have to understand our audience - which is our students. Adult learners want their "money's worth" for their learning. Nice job.
Jeremy,
Great. I like that kind of format for my teaching as well. And, we do seem to get the know the students well and understand their generation better. Thanks!
Understanding generational roles is imperative so that online classes can succeed. With so many adult learning going on in the online world students must be able to understand their generational roles to collaborate and learn from one another.
I work in a program that has both a resident and online portion of a class. Understanding what type of "generation" of student you have certainly helps to drive the conversation. This tends to give a different dynamic online because the students see who is who, but I find that certain generations tend to "stick together" and communicate with each other during weekly forums. They tend to relate to the stories being told. I try to not only bridge that gap, but also relate to the various types of groups and get everyone talking together. I also try to ignore a random "LOL" thrown into a conversation and just understand the generation that I am working with!
Twyla ,
Understanding your audience is important in any situation, but especially when they are your students. Nice job.
amanda,
Understanding the audience and analyzing how they learn and communication is as important as understanding any audience you are going to teach. Keep up the good work.
It is important to understand the role generations play in communication in the online setting because it will allow us as instructors to modify our styles to meet the needs of each student. Communication is the key. In order to assist and support the students in achieving the learning outcomes and objectives, we must be willing to alter and append different communication styles while still being professional and courteous.
