April,
yes, great observation. Humans tend to be prone to addictions & compulsive behaviors, for this generation it's technology. How can we help them & work through this is worthy consideration.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
I think a lot of Gen Y-ers are "addicted" to the feedback and instant interaction they get from their computers, and smartphones. But I have also found that many also think its "silly" and/or a waste of time when used the wrong way. Technology in the sense of apps for phones and ipads and laptops can be beneficial when starting in a new field.
I think this area may fall mostly to parents, however as educators...I do cross this line with some of my students. I mean I will tell them they are being rude and to put it away etc. If done in the form of "us older people see that as disrespectful" and it will benefit you to act in this fashion when you are dealing with employers etc...hopefully they get the message
As a necessary and foundational part of communication in life. How could you communicate without it?
I had a student time out because a new video game came out and he had to stay home and play it. When talking to the student about his absence it was clear that we had different views and it became clear that I valued his education more than he did.
I do have students who have OCD's about use of smartphones. On the other hand, they use Facebook to find study partners, text me when running late for a class or are ill, and use their iphones to follow moving illustrations of bones and muscles in our anatomy class. Regarding the latter, the students help both me and themselves when I ask them to find me the best websites. Students can still get enthused if you ask them to help you. Overall, we have used technology to bring us closer.
They seem to view their phones, computers, etc, as absolute essentials. If these items aren't working for whatever reason, they are often at a complete loss as to what to do without it. All of the students have a text book that goes along with all of the classes and course guides. It seems that very few of the students even open the book during their time in school. A lot of the students seem to think if the information is not verbally given or presented on a computer screen, it must obviously be outdated and unimportant. Very little, if any, concern or thought seems to be given to the fact there is more information available than what they can see on their phone or computer screen.
For a majority of my Gen Y students, their use of technology is a driving force in their lives. I agree with the comments of many others that they seem incapable of disconnecting themselves. Even the modules assertion that they can multi task is questionable. Maybe posting on Facebook and surfing the Internet at the same time qualifies as multi tasking to someone. As far as the impact in the classroom, turn it off and put it away or leave.
Gen Y students are definitly addicted to technology. Its hard to get them off thier cell phones during lecture. They often try to sneak a peak.
Brandon ,
I completely agree, but I think many non Gen Y adults are also addicted to their devices.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
I feel this generation has no cell phone etiquette. They feel they can use it whenever they want despite any rules. I have had students challenge on more than one occasion as to why they can't be texting in the middle of my lectures. They are addicted to their phones that as soon as they go on break they must be out and not for educational purposes but to check their facebooks and pinterest accounts.
They use it as a great tool for cheating. I have caught students photographing my test. I found that the cellphone had a copy of all of the tests the student had taken up to the piont where he was caught. Don't like cellphones because it is hard to tell when they are using it as a resource, personal business or just plain cheating. I have even caught them texting each other & playing games.
Melissa,
yes, unfortunately they have often not developed strong etiquette or interpersonal skills. One of the greatest gifts we can give this generation is to help them learn these skills now.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
As an older member of Gen Y, I feel that it is necessary to allow technology into the classroom. I learned early on that if I was going to keep students interested, then I needed to incorporate technology into my courses. I embrace the online learning tools and I encourage them to check their grades using their phones, etc. It definitely keeps them more engaged.
Laura,
I completely agree that we need to incorporate technology into classes. Unfortunately I've seen many instructors pull up YouTube videos (which can be useful)& call that technology integration.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
I believe most Gen Y students view technology as a 'must' in their school and non-school activities. While it can occasionally frustrate me to observe their frequent use of it, I have found a 'comfort' zone with its use. I don't pretend to know what they know about it, and I'm not afraid to ask for their assistance. What that being said, technology is an important part of the classroom, but its not a substitute for positive relationships formed between instructors and students.
Terry,
these are great comments. I agree: we need to try & incorporate technology where & when appropriate but never let it become the "solution" to all issues/situations.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
Gen. Y students use technology for everything. I believe there is a time and place for it in the classroom. The students can use to question the authority, and knowledge of the instructor, but they don't consider the resource they used to try and prove the instructor wrong. They will try to cheat with it. Gen. Y students I feel couldn't function "live" without technology.
Christal,
this does seem to be the case. Although there is a movement away from technology as well.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
Ronald,
Unfortunately, I had the same problem with cell phones in the classroom. The standard use to be that students would take a test, turn in the scantron and leave the test on their desk for review after all students have completed the test. I caught a student taking a picture of the test and refused to allow students to keep their tests. I am not sure if other instructors are still allowing students to keep the test until after review, but I immediately changed this in my classroom. Technology can be a benefit as well as a problem in the classroom.
