Technology has provided Gen Y students with the entire world for resources. The students go on the internet and find their needed information in seconds. Unfortunately, the Gen Y students do not know how to facilitate a library.
That all information are found at their tips can be a good thing. The problem is though, they cannot always store the information because they don't sweat to reach cliffs of assignments.
Holly,
this is precisely why we need to make sure that we are recognizing the value of the quick information era & helping them learn the value of the library & the "slower" information resources.
Dr. Ryan Meers
My students are addicted to their smartphones. Instead of fighting it, I've learned to help them ration their use, and I actively embrace the positive side. When a question comes up in the classroom that would benefit from a quick look at a dictionary or thesaurus, out come the smartphones, and someone has the answer in seconds. These students definitely expect answers right away. This is good when there is a short answer that can be comprehended quickly. It's trickier when there is a complex problem that requires reading and digesting a lot of information.
Amelia,
I think this is a good way to incorporate the use of technology. As you said, it can get tricky at times & obviously the use has to be carefully monitored.
Dr. Ryan Meers
I believe technology and being technological savvy is a great benefit in education, but I also believe it has made Gen Y students less adept at verbal and written communication.
I think they grow bored faster, and they have a hard time giving up their time away from their social networking. I also think they don't get the kind of rest they need as they are up all night on their social network.
Because of their fix on digital communications and technology, they expect everything to have a "wow"factor, and they want to Know everything right now.
Kerri ,
I completely agree with you. I try to really help my Gen Y students in this area as these communication skills continue to be in high demand regardless of the career path.
Dr. Ryan Meers
Julie,
I agree with you. I also find your observation about the being up all night interesting. I do think that this generation seems to be overstimulated & as a result find it hard to wind down.
Dr. Ryan Meers
I really enjoyed the class. I still am so boomer that I just started texting a few months ago. Even facebook has been a challenge. But just being able to talk with my students about the technology has been a bonding experience. They seem to enjoy sharing their knowledge with me as much as I enjoy sharing medical knowledge with them. We are limited in the classroom with access so it is still in its infancy with me. I do give the students grades for their personal use of technology as it applies to our daily topics. I encourage their ownership of expanding our knowledge through information gathering.
Miriam,
and this is a great way to teach them "responsible" use of technology as they can learn to be good consumers of the information & not just take everything they read.
Dr. Ryan Meers
I agree with you. However when an instructor wants specific information or essays, whatever, they should (student) also have to include information of where and how they got said information. An essay requires a certain amount of words or pages, and they student would be forced to read perhaps several articles and other reference work and must validate their references as part of the assignment.
When I used to read on certain subjects, I went for any shortcut I could get. (outlining it) or check out the first sentence on all paragraphs and come up with facts. They can just do it faster, but I think they are still getting it.
The use of technology has both positive and negative effects with Gen Y learners. Positive in that information is readily accessable. When a student wants to discuss a hairstyle they really like they can pull it up on their phone or internet and as a class we can discuss the image. Technology has impacted the Gen Y learners in that many do not have patients when it comes to waiting for things, always looking for a faster way to do things.
bobbe,
yes, requiring a good reference list, to me, is essential. I also like to require them to have a variety of sources: some internet, some journals, some books, etc. This way they learn there are a variety of resources available.
Dr. Ryan Meers
Technology has impacted the learning process of Gen Y students in a negative and positive way. Most Gen y students rely on technology for everything and don't want to read or study.On a positive note, modern technology has made research for assignments a lot easier.
Felecia,
yes, they are very aware of how to use the technology, but as you said, not as strong in sticking through the difficulties.
Dr. Ryan Meers
On the positive side technology has made it easier to stay in contact because they always have their phone with them and it is usually a smart phone. They can let me know if they are running late or need to clarify something about an assignment. On the negative side, since the phone is always with them it is difficult to keep them off of it during class. It is almost a physical addiction like nicotine or alcohol. They have withdrawal and soon as I call a break...out they come.
Charla,
I agree with your statements regarding the challenges & the positives. I've found that students really have no "out" anymore regarding "I didn't get the assignment" when it is posted & communicated in a variety of forms.
Dr. Ryan Meers
I think that in some ways technology has helped Gen Y students, they can find information easier and are more informed. The down side is that they don't need to retain the information so if the technology fails they will be lost.
It is an integral on nearly all levels. The 3 hours class of straight lecture does not resonate with Gen Y. Learning to incorporate technology into the class is a way to greatly connect with this generation.
