Dr. Crews-
It is important for an instructor of an online course to understand the role generations play in communication in the online community because each generational group has a different communication style. These different styles need to be integrated for the individual student to experience success in the online course. Also, specific communication guidelines should be provided to explain how communication will be facilitated in the online classroom.
Baby boomer students are the largest generation in today’s workforce. Because they are working longer there is the ongoing need to update their skills to stay competitive. They are very social and continue to strive to be successful even in the latter years of their career(s). One of their biggest challenges is technology itself.
Generation Xers are more comfortable in a technology atmosphere. They generally prefer working alone and need to be shown ways that community is valuable and worth their energy.
Milllenials are the most comfortable of the three with technology. They have used it all their lives and frequently have created a language for communication that is not recognized or appreciated by the Baby boomer or Gen Xers. They can appear to be self-absorbed and also need to be shown the value and worth of community and participating in it.
Eric ,
Good point. I don't really think I've ever heard this saying.
Thanks for bringing that up.
As the old saying goes, "You can only control your end of the message." When I am communicating with anyone, I can only control the information that I am putting out. I cannot control how that information might be received.
However, if I understand the characteristics of different generations of students, (or indeed individual students given enough time and exposure) I can tailor my message more effectively, and thus increase the odds that the message I INTENDED to send is the one that is actually received by the student, regardless of their initial strengths or weaknesses.
-Eric-
ron ,
Right on. If the students don't know how to use the technology, communication tool or whatever, they won't be as successful. We have to help them with these things to help them succeed. Thanks!
Aaron,
I am glad you brought up the fact that all students should be treated equal. No favoritism is a good rule to follow in assignments and communication. Thanks!
The role generations play in communication in the online community is important to understand because there are those individual who may not have a good understanding of utilizing modern technologies such as the computer. For example individuals who grew up prior to the technology boom of the internet may not know about the plethora of communication platforms readily available. An instructor would want to know if students are familiar with whatever platform of communication is being asked to be used by the student. If not, instructors should make efforts to make sure that the student is familiar.
It is important to understand the generation gaps between all students in the course so that every student is treated equally. Even though some may behind technically and some may be less likely to participate because of the lack of social skills.
Pamela ,
We are all different and communicate (just as we learn) in various ways. Thanks for your input.
Lori,
Adapting our teaching to all learners is a great answers. It's not always easy, but we have to keep trying.
Gary,
Communicating electronically will definitely be influences by the generation and the technology. It's good you brought that up to help us further understand the importance. Thanks!
It is important to understand how to communicate with each generational role. As an instructor it is our responsibility to meet the student at their level and teach them. Understanding the characteristic of each generation just gives us the tools we need to be better communicators with each generation which enhances their level of learning.
Pamela Asbury
You need to adapt your style to the generation you are helping and/or teaching. May times you can tell the generation by the style and language of their communication. Many times the baby boomers may struggle with the technology, but they are always participating.
Technology plays a role in this, but I believe most of it has to do with how well a generation communicates electronically when it comes to the online community. As stated, some generations have better social skills and can communicate face to face, while others are better at online communication. Knowing what generation one comes from can sometimes help us understand where they are coming from.
David,
Yes, all students vary and particularly from generation from generation. So, the more you know about your students, your audience, the better. Thanks!
The technology, writing skill sets vary from generation to generation. The online instructor should understand the classroom audience and manage the instruction based on the individual demographics.
Monica,
I try to use language all students will understand even if I think it's very simple. I try not to get "into" their lingo. we have to keep emphasizing professional communication as well.
Monica,
The better we understand our students, the more we can help them achieve the learning outcomes. We have to understand where they are coming from and their talents they have to share. This will differ from generation to generation. Nice job.
I agree that I too often find myself unfamiliar with the “lingo†utilized by the “Millennial†generation. Texting is a large part of this generation’s form of communication.
In retro spec we have implemented the mobile app to enhance the level of communication between the students and instructors. This app allows the students the opportunity to communicate and partake in various components in the on-line course. The mobile app has impacted the students’ engagement in the course. The only pitfall is the students are using text “lingo†as opposed to constructing sentences free of spelling and grammatical errors.
It is important to understand the role generations play in communication especially in an on line environment. If the instructor is familiar with the various characteristics of each generation it will assist in the most effective way to communicate. This is tied to their learner styles. Once you can identify learner styles various scaffolding tools can be utilized to help the leaner better understand the course requirements. For instance the “Baby boomers†are not technical savvy therefore; more time will be spent initially to ensure they are able to utilize their computer and internet to successfully navigate through the course content.
Terry,
Right. We have all had varying experiences and environments which play a part in our learning. Good point.
Thanks!
