Noreen,
The information about the generations is not true of all people in those groups, but are general guidelines. For example, I'm a baby boomer, but I adopt technology quickly. But, these general guideliens are good to know. Thank you.
There are significant differences between generations and each one uses the oneline community differently. The baby boomers are somewhat slower to accept it, but the x generation grew up in the technology world there is more accepting.
Paula,
You are correct. We are all different and have our own strengths and weaknesses. We don't all see things the same way nor do we do things the same way. It's important that we all learn from each other as well. Thanks!
Mary,
Love your example. Any time I have students that say "I hate this." or "This is stupid." I say, "Maybe I haven't made it clear how important this project/assigment is and how it related to the learning outcomes." That helps sometimes. Thanks for your input.
Shanel,
So true. We are all different. We have our strengths and weaknesses. The main thing is to try and understand others and how to communicate with them effectively. This is true in life as well. Thank you.
I think it is very important to understand the role that they play because what might come "easy" to one student of the Baby Boomer generation may not come so easy to the Generation Y student. As a "face to face" instructor many of my older students were unfamiliar with the most basic of keyboarding skills while most of the younger students could almost perform the functions with their eyes closed (This is a slight exaggeration). There was a different learning curve between the two depending on the level of skill required. I have also found this to be true among online students. The Baby Boomers may not feel as comfortable communicating online because of their technical skills yet they have the "drive" to strive to do better but at a loss as to how to accomplish this. The other generations may have these skills but lack skills in other areas. If an instructor can recognize and understand this, he/she will know how to help each student.
Understanding the role generations play helps you to connect to the student more effectively. For instance, take the statement "I hate group projects. You can't do these online." You may get better results if you understand your audience and can guide the student in the benefits of a group project. If Generation X students like to work alone, then your explanation of the benefits of a group project should include the importance of the individual student contribution. With Baby Boomers may be a session on the technology of utilizing SharePoint to organize the group project would better address the concerns about group projects.
More effective communication means that students may achieve their goals and program outcomes more readily.
Every generation has its pros as well as its cons. Understanding each of these will assist the instructor in understanding the student better. For example, if someone is not participating as much and you know their generation you may be of better assistance. For example, if they are a Baby Boomer you may need to assist them technically whereas if they are a Gen X, you may need to make the communication more meaningful to them.
Patricia,
Correct - R-E-S-P-E-C-T! That is the key. Keep communicating and be respectful. Excellent.
No matter where you fall in the "grouping" respectful communication should be required. I feel that the younger can learn from the old as well as the other way around. I like teaming a Gen Xer with a Baby Boomer to help with technology.
I am a Baby Boomer and some of my conversations start out with "In the old days...". The younger students get a kick out of my sense of humor and are happy to embrace today's technology verses paper.
Allen,
Thanks again for your input in these forums. There is diversity in every class. Diversity can be age, race, experience, socioeconmic level, generation, etc. The points you bring up, I believe, will make people think about who is in their classroom and how to reach each individual. Communication is the key.
Nice job.
Hello All,
Good evening! Online education is truly amazing because it allows people from across the country, around the world, to engage in a learning environment and learn content and from each other. There is great diversity in this.
One particular area that can vary is the differences between generations. By birth year, I am Generation X, but I also carry with me from my upbringing many of the values of the Baby Boom Generation. I teach a variety of online courses, and I can see how my generational background, and general communication style, can vary compared to my students who come from different generations. The thing to keep in mind is that the generation descriptions are just general guides and assumptions cannot be made for all people. At the same time, it can be a useful tool when trying to effectively communicate with students. For example, if I know that a person from the Baby Boom generation may struggle with technology, I can help them in this area. If the newer generations struggle with grammar and use too much text language, I can assist them as well. Having knowledge of the different generations can help to determine, at least initially, the general background of students and how to facilitate effective communication.
Regardless of generation, the constant should always be respect and professionalism. If this is maintained, typically effective communication will follow.
Have a great night!
Allen
Michelle,
I agree that communication has to be done in various ways and I like that you note the "cookie cutter" approach will not work. That's the same with anything we do as teachers.
Providing content, communication, etc. in a variety of ways is best for everyone involved.
Thanks!
Each generation communicates in a different manner. Older generations may not be as technically savvy as some of the younger classmates. If there are a large amount of ancillary materials that utilize advanced technology, this student may need step by step direction. Even something like an internet search for an assignment, may cause some difficulty. These online learners may need more guidance especially if the entire course is an asynchronous environment. If the course is accelerated in any way, this generation may struggle with the fast paced environment, especially if it has been a long period of time since they were in school. Not all members of this generation need this type of guidance, but it is important to always be visible within the course so they know you are there every step of the way.
As a member of the “Gen X†generation I can say with 100% certainty that I like to do things myself. I tend to not take guidance unless I have exhausted all other options “flying soloâ€. Most members of Generation X seem to want what they want, when they want it. Communication with these individuals definitely needs to be timely and to the point. These online learners may excel on individual projects or assignments versus a discussion board/forum. Contact with these students should be predictable and consistent. To engage this generation, you need to relate the information being presented to their life experiences.
Students that are younger and have always been around technology usually do not have issues with the technical side of the classroom. I have found that the majority of the younger population needs constant reminders of due dates, course/assignment expectations, etc. This generation seems to struggle with time management as compared to older classmates. This group may also need to be reminded several times in a course to use Standard English. This group tends to use text message language and other abbreviated forms of writing.
An effective online instructor needs to tailor their communication to each student. A “cookie cutter†approach is not going to work for every student.
Sharon,
I like the way you said it - "it does influence the way we see the world." Keep the communication going.
Thanks again for you input in these forums.
While our generational role does not define us, it does influence the way we see the world. An instructor who understands the way different generations approach their work, build relationships and communicate their beliefs will be able more effective in providing the support each student needs. Additionally, that instructor will be able to facilitate constructive communication among the students who may span several generations.
Communication in an online environment already faces several challenges as there is minimal if any face-to-face communication. Any tools that help to keep that communication open and supportive is an important tool for the online instructor.
Joel,
Of course there are stereotypes and each person is different. I too am a baby boomer and started working on computers with one of my first teaching jobs in 1983. I taught the math teachers how to use the computers. ;-)
But, we're special! :-) I am also on the border between two generations. That has an impact as well.
Any information you get about generations are generalizations. The same holds true about learning styles. I learn in more than one way, etc.
Thanks for your input.
I agree that understanding the context that someone may be working from as a result of a specific generation can be valuable. However, I also believe that it is too easy to stereotype and blame inadequate performance on age. I am a baby boomer but have been working in computers and communications for nearly forty years. I am equally comfortable with social media sites as well as other attributes used to describe my generation. I have had students in my online classes from 18 to 72 years old and, although some of the generalizations described in this module are true, I have found that each person is a unique individual and needs to be appealed to in a manner that works best for them. Frequent communication, constructive comments, and plentiful examples seem to work across the generation boundaries. Because I am familiar with all of these generational nuances and comfortable in dealing with them, my students - when motivated to participate and achieve - almost always seem to do well.
Catherine,
Thank you for the thoughtful response on this forum. The things you are doing to reach different generations are very helpful and will assist others in doing the same.
I agree totally about taking away the "fear factor." Nice job.
The various generations have different skills sets and values. My baby boomer students often have difficulty with technology. I make sure I show the students how to use the technology the first night of class. I also send them a welcome letter prior to the start of class so they understand where to find everything in the online environment. I then reinforce what I show them during the second live chat session. I also send the students a lot of e-mails and post material on the announcement board.
I try to include interactive technology to keep the millenials interested during my live chat sessions. The majority of the assignments include internet research. I also use links to bring up relevant websites during my live chats.
Everyone learns differently. It is important to recognize the differences in the generations so the students are motivated to learn in the online environment. We need to take away the technology "Fear factor" so the baby boomers are comfortable working in an online environment.
