Understanding characteristics of each generation will help facilitate instructor-to-student (I2S), student-to-instructor (S2I), and student-to-student (S2S) communication. An understanding of these characteristics also helps build community in the course, as well as facilitate effective communication in the workplace.
This information will assist with differentiated instruction in which instructors need to understand where their students are "coming from", to be able to help them achieve the learning outcomes/objectives.
Instructors need to develop communication guidelines when considering these generational differences.