Dawn ,
The better we understand our students, no matter what generation, the better.
Understanding the generational roles allows an instructor to direct the course communication in specific ways. Boomers need hands on projects to gain understanding and knowledge; millennium students want everything in digital form. Gen X students do not enjoy group projects and usually want to know only what the learning outcomes are so they can direct their focus there.
They are 3 separate groups who are unfamiliar with technology on one side to students who have more advanced technology in their bedrooms than schools can provide for their learning centers. Instructors need to present course content in all these ways to reach each group of student.
It is very important to understand the role generation plays in the communication in an online environment. As states in the course, many baby boomers are taking online coursework. However, in some cases this generation may lack in their technology skill set. With this generation it is important to have patience, and provide as much guidance as possible with how to work the different technology they will need to use in order to complete the course. Generations Xers, my generation, are more reserved in their readiness to join in on the conversation, especially the DB. By finding ways to help motivate the student, the student will begin to feel a part of a bigger picture, which will allow them to communicate more throughout the course. With regard to Generation Y, they do very much type as they speak. They shorten everything to fit into their facebook, or twitter accounts. With this generation, I find I need to be very specific in my guidelines, and make sure they are held to the same standard of writing as the other student in class.
It is important to understand the role generations play in communication in the online community because it determines how they communicate best, in what manner they are most comfortable communicating and what I as an instructor needs to look at in order to reach out and form a bond with each student. Everyone is different and thus needed to be treated and approached as such. For example: I would never in a million years address an older student by their first name as I grew up in a time in which this is very disrespectful. However the kids today call other friends parents by their first name and they are comfortable with that. Personally, I feel this allows disrespect to creep in and be present.
Dawn Huber
George,
We all need help at some time and so do our students. Thanks for your input.
Theran,
There are some generalities, but as you noted we do need to get to know our students. Thanks.
Theran,
I enforce professional language in my courses. It is a part of the expectations.
Theran,
Each generation is different, but like all students, they will not all fit neatly in their generational box. That is why we do need to get to know our students.
Gretchen,
So we need to help the generations mix and learn from each other. Thanks.
It is very important to understand and know the role generations so you will understand and know how to actually approach the specific student. Baby boomers may need assistance with computer skills while younger generations may need assistance with time management skills, etc. It helps to know the generation in which you are teaching or educating.
As indicated in another post, there are many that indicate various generations collectively or as a "group" reflect certain patterns. I have read these with interest, but I have never actually seen any "evidence" or "research" with specific data to support these statements.
It is my understanding that the current generation is reflecting many of the same traits mine (baby boomers) do. If so there is still hope!
Maybe I am too much a skeptic, but I have seen for years articles on the differences in generations, and have been very interested in what these viewpoints are. However, I have not really seen any "evidence" to support these breakdowns and how each generation really is.
The latest data I have read is that the current generation is returning to the roots of the baby boomers. Huh!
In response to the question, I don't really look at age, I deal with the student, for instance I have been told to not grade one student against another, grade only to the rubric. This being the case, I look at the "communication" and judge it to the rubric, which includes both content and format.
It is fascinating how many students write as they "think". Early in my career I had an instructor tell me that I wrote in a "stream of conciousness", rather than in formal format.
With the IM'ing, emails, texting, etc., I suspect we will confront this more and more, and enforcement may become to difficult to overcome. Administration may at some time in the future ask us to overlook this difficulty.
Generational roles impact ability to use the various forms of technology, perceptions pertaining to the content posted, and the ability to blend a diverse group of individuals into a harmonious group of learners.
Nate,
Simply understanding our audience - our students - is a must. The better we know their background, base knowledge, generation, etc., the better we can deliver the content in a more appropriate manner. Thanks for your input.
Due to the variety of students, understanding the differences between generations is important. The students may not realize the importance; they may be on a self guided educational experience, however, it is vital that the instructor know the differences. Understanding how best to motivate and communicate comes hand in hand with generational differences. The better informed we are as instructors, the better experience the students will have in their course.
Alan,
You are right. I'm a baby boomer who uses technology all the time. But, the key is to get to know our students and understand when generational issues may arise. Thanks!
We must be careful with categorizing students in generational roles. Some of the most tech savvy students I have are baby boomers. In the context of this discussion, they are people who have focused and disciplined themselves in learning a non-native tongue, but in many ways have a much deeper technical understanding than others. Nonetheless, keeping in mind the generational gaps can sometimes give us a better glimpse into the root cause of opportunities and problems with individual students. I have found that educational background seems more of an influence than generational status.
Angela,
Yes, understanding students in general is important, but when you can learn more about your students, you can adjust how you deliver content and communication with all students. Thanks!
Peter,
Yes, you are right on in your thoughts. There are different times when different communication techniques are best forthe situation. Hello your students understand which situation or audience will need a different type of communication. Nice job.
