Communication for different age groups is important in order to reach each individual. A combination or daily emails and phone calls when needed reach all students. Also, younger students appreciate being able to text their instructor while they often run from the offer of a phone call. Mixing up the medium allows us to reach all students no matter the age.
It is important to know who your students are because there are some generations who simply aren't as technologically savvy because some of the technology that's available now wasn't even close to being accessible during the times when they were younger. There are some people who literally grew up on technology and others who are just catching on. Instructors have to be more patient with those who are trying to grasp some of the technoology that is currently in place. The learning curve may not be the same.
Jennifer,
You are right that you and others have to be flexible. As we are all different, we will all respond and work in different ways. Thanks.
Generations are rather amazing online. Each has a different way of perceiving how written knowledge and communication functions in the online space.
For my adult learners I like to use a lot of multi media to aid in differing learning styles. For my younger learners, I often ask for differing forms of input (text msg, social media DB's, meme's etc..)
I try to expose them to a variety but I also have to understand that exposure doesn't mean comfort in use and this makes a big different in who participates and how.
Flexibility is the big key.
Kimberley,
Adapting to the needs of your audience is essential. Thanks.
Dulcinea,
Understanding your audience is essential. Understanding the generations will help youmto do that. Thanks for your input.
As an instructor you have to adapt to the different generations as each generation would require different attention and way of communication in order to achieve the objectives of the course you are teaching.
Lanny,
Ah - good analogy - different countries and different generations. Good point. Thanks for adding to the conversation.
Walter,
I am a fellow baby boomer as well. You are right on with your comments. The personal touch is someone at many online instructors forget about. It is very important. Thanks.
It is important to understand the role of generations in the online community because the students as well as the instructor will inevitably vary from one another in age. As a young instructor who has engaged with others in academia for as long as I can remember, I understand the differences in delivering communication between the BabyBoomers, Generation X, and Y. It is much easier to communicate online with the Baby Boomers in an academic environment, while many of the younger generations have difficulty effectively communicationg their concerns with me in a timely way/process. I have found that the Baby Boomers read the feedback I give and take it very seriously, while the younger generations will continue to make the exact same errors. I am able to quickly identify which generation a student is from within the first or two interactions. And if from a younger generation I can then emphasize the need to communicate with me by ending a conversation or email with a question in hopes that they will find it important to respond to me.
Much like people from different countries and cultures, people from different generations have very different abilities, skill sets, and ways they are comfortable in both giving and receiving information.
The ability to recognize and appreciate these differences will make it easier for an on-line instructor to effectively communicate any necessary information to his/her students. It will also help the instructor motivate and involve the students to help create a healthy learning environment, which in turn will improve the likelihood of success in the class.
Dr. Tena Crews,
Given my formality, I am from the baby boomer generation. It is important to understand the role generation plays in communication in the online community, because it can prevent barriers to communication. By understanding the student's make up and generational role, it helps my communicate my requirements to each studnet individually. When the online communication is failing, I ask the student permission to call them privately by telephone and request a convenient time to call. By talking to them I add a personal touch to the class and it shows that the individual matters.
Sincerely,
Walter
9-12-12
Jane,
Right on! Finding what makes our students "tick" helps us, as instructors, be better communicators and teachers. Thanks.
Sandra,
You are right. Students can bring a lot to the classroom based on their experience and generation. We need to take advantage of that. Thanks for your comments.
Steven,
The word flexible is key. You are right on with your comments. Thank you.
Martha,
You are right. The more you understand about your audience, your students, the better the communication. Nice job.
I am amazed by this myself. I do imagine who these students are based on their level of techno-comfort. We have such a wide age range, but most all find a way to communicate successfully in their own way.
I do think that it is important to be able to relate to each student independently and identify their strengths and weaknesses. There are definitely differences that various generations will bring to the discussion that can provide a broader aspect to the topic. For example, an older student can share what health insurance was like prior to managed care and a younger student can share their computer abilities.
While it is not always possible to identify the generation of a student unless they state their age, it is fortunate that in health care that everyone is a consumer and I can always encourage students to share real life experiences. Although the baby boomer generation generally has had more interaction with health care providers than the Millennials there is still the ability to relate to just going to an office appointment. With health care being in the process of transitioning to the electronic health record the Millennials can be engaged into the discussion from this aspect. Sandy Masten
We must realize that students....all of our students cross many generational lines as do our instructors. We do not live or exist in a vacuum. We must be flexible and roll with the punches. Nothing is set in stone!
Molly,
Absolutely this is challenging. Doing a quick diagnostic assessment at the beginning and asking questions effectively, you can get a lot of info to fill you in. Thanks for your input.
