Each generation is going to approach situations differently and by understanding these differences we are better prepared to teach them. Some generation on great online with technical items others need the personal communication either in person or by phone.
Donald,
That makes sense. If someone learned basic math 30 years ago or 5 years ago and didn't use it much in their lifetime, I could see where there would be a difference in how you should approach the learning process for these different students. Good point. Thanks!
I teach math and Algebra. I have found that different generations "remember" more or less based upon time since they first learned this material, how much they use the basic concepts in their daily lives, and this is above and beyond the differences in spelling/grammar that each generation has used/acquired.
The best approach I have found, is to just use a full grammar/spelling correct approach, and concentrate upon the details of each problem. All generations then tend to do the same; they review if they need to refresh their memory, they still get their questions/points across no matter what grammar/spelling they use, and in the end, most start doing the work and understanding it and learn.
Also, as an aside, we use discussion boards, and when students see correct spelling/grammar, they start to use it themselves, instead of the shorthand. Especially if other students do. They do not want to appear "different" than the group.
Kurt,
You are right. Along with these different experiences, is also different knowledge-bases and different beliefs. Getting to know about those things helps us decipher how to appropriately provide and facilitate content for all students. Thanks!
Christopher,
Understanding your audience, your students, is essential. Each group of students we teach have their own culture and come to us with much knowledge we can build upon. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
Different generations have different experience with technology and different communication skills that will make a difference in how we effectively communicate.
Kurt
It is import to understand the generational roles in the online community in order to better communication with those generations. Each generation brings with it it's own set of challenges and problems. Understanding the generations from a higher lever perspective allow the instructor to modify and tailor the communication to be more effective and efficient in their communication.
Anthony and Jill,
Thanks for continuing the generational conversation. Many times older generation see the importance of learning and want to get their moneys worth. Thanks again.
Anthony,
You are right. Students bring knowledge and experience to the classroom. It's good to learn what they bring and use it to add to the learning process. Thanks!
Jill
I've found that the older generation are somewhat more eager in the online environment because of their willingness to learn, not only the material, but getting familiar and comfortable with the technology. Younger students have shown, sometimes, to display levels of tech arrogance as if they have no room for improvement. Again, I think this is the by-product of the generations and the culture in which they grew up in.
Anthony
Students from various stages in the life (social and academic) bring certain stocks of knowledge that prove to be varying in their preparedness. As such, it's useful to know and understand 'where' students are coming from in this regard. Older students may have limited technological skills, whereas younger students are well versed in various forms of social media. However, older students bring life experiences that can be value added to discussions.
Each case, no one's stock of knowledge is more valuable than another.
Anthony
David,
Each audience (class of students) is different. The better we understand the audience, the better we can provide information in a variety of ways to help all learners. Thanks!
the variety of professors in the part-time adjunct arena provides each with the tools needed to address only one generation - to be successful as an online instructor you need to become familiar with and address the other two remaining generations. While not a major problem it is one that does need constant attention until the instructor has become familiar with all ages and foibles.
Jay,
Thanks for the resources/recommendations about digital natives and immigrants. I ask student to discuss previous degrees if they have them, hobbies, and to describe themselves in 3-5 words. The key words typically describe their personality traits and all of this information can lead to the discovery many times of their generation. Many times they volunteer their age and aren't ashamed of it. Why is asking someone's age (especially if you keep it confidential - which I typically do on students info.) a legal issue?
Thanks!
It is important to understand the generational differences that exist in an online community particularly when considering what type of learning activities (e.g. team projects, individual projects, etc.) are involved. In 2001, Marc Prensky coined the term digital natives and digital immigrants. I recommend that everyone read the two articles. How is an online instructor able to determine which generation someone belongs to without committing a legal issue (e.g. asking someone's age?)
Jay
Jared,
Understanding generations is a part of understanding your audience - your students. And, you are right about stating just because they can post personal information on blogs or Facebook or whatever, does not mean they know how to communicate effectively or in a professional manner. Thanks for that point.
It is important to understand the role generations play in communication in order to recognize the strengths of everyone involved in the communication. Just because someone is not efficient at text messaging does not mean she does not know how to communicate well. On the flip side also, though, just because someone knows how to post personal information on a blog does not mean the person has good communication skills.
Melissa,
Thanks for adding the examples to your post to this forum. It helps more clearly explain the importance of knowing your audience. Thank you.
It is important to understand the role generations play in communication in the online community because this allows for a more effective online learning experience with your students. We must take the time to get to know and assess our students' learning needs. Through knowing their generational role this can be a helpful tool in communicating to our students. For example, we may need to provide more technical support to the "Baby Boomers" as they may be struggling with certain technological features. We may need to remind the GenXers and GenYers to fully explain and demonstrate critical thinking and not use slang or text acronyms.
Gracie,
Each class is different and we need to be aware of the best way to provide content to a variety of audiences.
Nice job.
