I am a Gen X student. I have experienced traditional in-person college courses, as well as graduate school online. I also interned with undergraduate services librarians who specialize in library instruction.
As a student, I have definitely felt the “digital divide”, particularly in math and science courses where younger students adapt to the tools and instruction methods more easily (e.g. online textbooks and widespread integration of apps).
The biggest challenge I see from an instructor’s perspective is the trend away from being physically present. Younger students expect to conduct research, purchase supplies, ask questions, submit assignments and exams, and absorb all course content online. Increasingly we do not have the opportunity to connect one-on-one, from using Skype for office hours to outsourcing tutoring to education vendors. I feel that older generations struggle to adapt to this new lifestyle while Gen Z will experience an essentially seamless move to a digital culture.
