Dr. Crews,
It is important to understand the role generations play in communications in the online classroom because it is often necessary to alter communication methods or styles to appeal to different generation students.
There are also students within each generation that may respond better to a different style, so by being adept at modifying the communication style/message, the instructor can also realize the benefit of being able to more effectively reach students in all generational levels.
Rodney C.
Brian,
Your use of the words "major influence" really sets the stage for what we are discussing in this forum. Our student are all different, but professional communication can set the tone for all students. Thanks!
Communication is a major influence in the online classroom. Because of the inherent differing structures of the online and the face-to-face classroom, communication structures and expectations take on a much more serious role. The online classroom uses more technology and typically have a more diverse student population. This means there is a wider set of expectations.
Generations is just one way to try to typify the kinds of students we have in our classroom. They can also be used to explain some the actions that you see. I think it is best, however, to clearly set the standards expected at the beginning of the course and ensure they are met regardless of the inclinations of each student. I think this is more representative of the professional environment which each student will be entering once they finish school.
Brian Stout
Heather,
Each generation can teach another generation a thing or two. The key is to get them to interact. Thanks!
Steve,
It is important that we learn how to get to know our students and what they "bring to the table." Thanks for your input.
Each generation brings a benefit to the online learning environment and they also bring a challenge. It is important to know who your online student is so that you can meet them where they are, not where you expect them to be.
This helps identify students that may face challenges using a computer or working in an online environment. It also helps identify a generation of students that my not understand use of proper grammar within an online environment. Example, proof-reading vs. using spell check.
NICOLE,
Right on! We all have a variety of students from different generations and we need to learn how to communicate and interact with all students. We also want to emphasize and utilize their strengths to interact with others in the class. Thanks!
Understanding the generational roles is important because it will help us as instructors to know how to best communicate with our students. I have experienced Baby Boomers and Generation Y students, and everything in between. We should be patient with Baby Boomers, especially because many of them are not as familiar with technology as some of our younger students. We should be willing to help them succeed in a format that is not necessarily familiar to them, and be ready to provide assistance as needed.
Jonida and Nicole,
Yes, the more we teach the more we recognize the difference in generations and the differences in our students. Thanks!
Dwayne,
You bring up some new words for some people. Thanks for including a definition/description. Thanks for your input in this forum.
This is a great post Nicole. I agree with you that knowing the several different generations currently in your classroom allows you to better understand the students in your classroom.
It's important to understand your audience. With that, you must understand the following:
Demographics - Defining a market by age, gender, family, size, income, occupation, education, religion, race, generation and nationality.
Psychographics - Defining a market by lifestyle, beliefs, behaviors, motives, perception, attitudes and learning styles.
Geographics - Defining a market by geographic location including an analysis of the dynamics involved with this attribute (weather, physical landscape, laws, rules, regulations, etc.)
This will allow you to understand your students from a generational perspective, which gives the instructor the detail needed to engage the student properly and manage the content appropriately.
Thank you,
Dwayne Roark
Flora,
Eight years of teaching online has given you, I'm sure, a lot of techniques to share with others. Keep sharing. Thanks!
I've been teaching online for the past 8 years and throughout these classes, I've had so many different generations of students. There are the older generation students who are returning to school after having worked for many years in a certain occupation but now want a change. There are the students who have worked already but for just less than ten years and are looking for a career change. Many of these students are recently married or may have young children. Then there are those students who just came out of high school. It can be difficult for these generations to come together to relate to each other's postings. However, I've found that creating an environment in the forum where students can share their experiences with each other is always a good idea. The older generation can share their work experiences with the younger generation and the younger generation can share their tips on using technology and social media to find resources for the class. Engaging students to collaborate with each other interactively can bring these generations together.
Tonya,
If we can help students learn to learn from each other, it will take them a long way. I continue to learn from my peers and they should too. Thanks!
Brenda,
It's just a great thing to try to understand your audience, your students, no matter what generation. Thanks for your input.
Understanding the generational differences is key to how the instructor will guide and respond to the individual needs of each student.
It helps the class members meet each other half way. Knowing why students react a certain way to how and where they might have to post their answers can go a long way in understanding who understands the material, who understands how to use the tools used in the class, and help form groups for projects. There were semesters when I would have an age range of 17 to 60, inclusive. The younger students loved the technology but were not taking part in class discussions, while the more "seasoned" adults wanted all in-class discussion. This allowed me to provide for online discussions and in-class discussions with a mixed (and balanced) group of students.
Janette,
Do you have any tips to help engage all students since we all have a variety of students? Thanks!
