Communicating with generations has become just as diverse as communicating with cultures and communicating internationally. The key for effective communication is the delivery and clarity of your message. Generations have preferred methods of interacting and listening. They also have preferred types of feedback to achieve the same goals. We must be sensitive to their preferences in order to motivate and help them learn as much as possible during our time with them.
Reginald
Once you understand "why" the student communicates in a particular format, that it's not done intentionally, or that the student isn't engaged in the course, then everyone involved is on equal terms and cohesiveness exists. Even though I'm a Baby Boomer, I can learn technology to be an interactive instructor.
Each generation has a different communication style. Millenials need to be explictly told things that are often foregone conculsions for Baby Boomers and Gen X'rs and vice versa. Baby Boomers tend to not be as technologically adept, and Millenials tend be ignorant of common courtesy; both groups need to be instructed respectively.
Knowing your audience is a non-negotiable regardless of the style of communication. Shannon and Weaver nailed it with their communication loop (though I propose that we flip the "decode" and the "receiver", but that's another story). HOW we process in that loop, however, is another story. "Noise" to one person is not necessarily a barrier to another.
Ellie,
Right on! When students feel like they are contributing and are actively engaged in the class, it's better for everyone. Everyone brings a different dimension to the class. Nice job!
Understanding the generational dynamics in your class will help you bring together all aspects of the group. There is so much knowledge that the group can bring to each other as long as they feel like they will be contributing. The younger students I think will bring excitement and that jump outside the box outlook. Middle aged students will bring consistent work ethic and life experience and I think the older students may bring wisdom and a patience to the group.
Daniel,
In any learning environment, the more you understand your students and the more they understand what is expected of them, the better the learning process. Keep up the good work.
It is important because many of your students will come from all walks of life, different groups, be it from different geographic areas, different generations, etc... So understanding and planning for the challenges that this will provide is important and will make for a better experience for both you and the student.
Alfretta,
You are correct. Different generations bring a lot to the classroom and students can learn from each other. Such diversity is important. Thanks!
Tanya,
I agree as I think students should serve as a community of learners and learn from each other. Each generation is a bit different, but personality traits can cut across generations and overlap in some instances. Getting to know our students is a must. Thank you.
QUESTION: Why is it important to understand the role generations play in communication in the online community?
It is important because the generations bring diversity into the classroom. And with diversity comes the challenge to provide an online classroom environment that will cater to all types of learners such as visual, hands-on, and auditory.
In the online learning environment, we encounter many age ranges/generations. I welcome all of the generations because I think we can all learn something from each other and the varying experiences. My "older" students (Baby Boomers) are typically the hardworking students and they are generally the most "conversational." I enjoy these students because many times they help to lead discussions and it helps the other students to follow. The Generation X students is the category that I would fall under, so I often can relate to these students and we are able to communicate effectively based on our shared experiences. And, finally, my Generation Y students are the same age as my younger brother, so I understand their situations and I have learned that they communicate differently than the rest of us (at times!).
If we can understand "where" these students are coming from, we will be better equipped to handle their needs and expectations.
Linda,
These are basic guidelines about the generations that may be helpful. It's not to say that someone might not demonstrate different attibutes or a combination of attributes from different generations. However, it seems as though you are really thinking about how to connect with the students in various ways. Nice job!
Brian,
I always do some type of diagnostic test/survey to see what the students know coming into the course. This helps me understand what topics I need to cover, not cover or spend more time on. Providing any assistance to students that you can is important. Thanks!
Identifying and understanding the differences between the generations is extremely important when creating or instructing an online class. In order for students to be successful in an online class, the instructor must teach, guide and be a role model to encompass the generational differences. You cannot assume the younger generation students know how to use technology efficiently and effectively, and you cannot assume the older generation of students does not know how to use technology. Devising a technology survey that students can take at the beginning of the course would be a very useful tool for an instructor to get an idea of the difficulties students may have with the course and differentiate instruction to help those students overcome those barriers.
Developing communication guidelines, examples of what kind of responses are acceptable and unacceptable, step-by-step directions (using screenshots, video, etc.) for using the required software, grading, number of responses, how often to respond, etc… need to be communicated to the students at the beginning of the term. My experience with older students encountering technology for the first time is that they believe it will be far too difficult for them to be successful at their age. This belief is due mostly to their lack of confidence in using technology. I have found that once their confidence level using technology is increased, steady and rapid progress is achieved in the course.
It is important to understand certain advantages and disadvantages students may have with the course. This will better enable the instructor to focus on the students areas of weakness, such as technology or grammar, to help them better succeed in the course.
LE,
Right on! Even within generations there are different levels of technology abilities and learning styles. It's important to provide information to students in a variety of ways. Nice job.
Different generations have different comfort levels with technology and they have different ways of communicating. As an instructor, I need to be able to blend the various styles and build an environment where communication flows easily. Using assignments that require teams to work together and utilize multiple learning styles can be helpful in creating the needed environment.
Cheryl,
Keep in mind that the informatin in the module is "in general." We can't put everyone in a perfect little "generational box," but you are right - it's important to understand everyone. Thanks.
It is important to understand the differences that exist among different generations in order to keep communication working effectively in the classroom. Instructors may find it necessary to expand on task instructions in detail in order to create an across-the-board understanding of material and the use of online technology.
