Get Your Students Hired
I think a lot of my students seem to think that that technology can replace time and work; it's a shortcut to the solution. They are often wrong, at least in the automotive field. I once gave my class an example using a case study of a car with an electronic problem with a car. They had one day to come up with a solution, and the answer could be found using technology that was available to them in school. The answer was available on an electronic database we provide at the school, but almost every student went onto web forums looking for easy fixes based on the experiences of others with similar problems. Many of these forums are NOT reliable resources for technical information, yet many students believe the correct diagnosis is just one web forum away. Five minutes using the computer in the student resource center provided a technical bulletin that would lead to the correct diagnosis, but few are willing to use the prescribed system and looked on web forums instead.
As digital natives, Gen Y students view technology as their life source. They have become so dependent on technology that its almost scary.
Almost like an extension of a body part. All kidding aside, they rely extensively on technology in every day life. Since they are accustomed to receiving information quickly and responses, they would not be satisfied with anything less.
To me it is sort of scary to rely on technology that breaks down, shuts down -- little back up -- and then when lost, it's like part of their life is at stake due to their day-in and day-out dependability and relying mostly on outside forces (techology, internet) rather than brain storage and memory.
They view technology as air. It is something they need and cannot live without. However it is up to earlier generations to help them realize that you can live without technology for a little time out of every day
Shelly,
My school has the same policy which prohibits "friending" a student on your personal Facebook account. It is a fireable offense. We are allowed to set up a department Facebook account and friend students through that but the content is strictly school related.
Gen Y students view technology as an absolute necessity. In their lives they have not known any other way of conducting themselves than through the use of technology. Gen Y's tend to view nontechnological interactions as old and outdated.
Gen Yers view their technology, i.e., smart phones, IPads, etc., as a part of who they are. That little electronic device is their life's connection, be it through friends, family, school, news, etc.
As we just learned, this technology can not only be a blessing in many ways but, yet, a hazard in and of itself, i.e., distraction during class or even worse, texting and driving. Not a good idea. (Maybe a subject for another time.)
However, within the program of which I instruct, all students are required to possess a laptop with internet capabilities for use during class time. Not only does it come in handy when they need to research something, but I feel it takes some of the "edge" off of being at school for so long in a day wherein they are still able, during breaks of course, to be in touch with their outside world. I feel it makes for a much more relaxed student environment.
Michael,
I would agree that this is a major concern & one that should be monitored & addressed in our students.
Dr. Ryan Meers
This may be one of those topics that highlight the generational differences between the Gen Y student and the instructor. I was struck by the term "need" in the definition of digital natives, and the use of the term "addicted" in one of the comments. There are certainly great positives in the use of technology, but I am more concerned with the potential for distraction. It sometimes seems that the need to connect is subconscious, the texting and checking of the phones is almost automatic, done without even being aware of it. I also believe it interferes with the ability to communicate face-to-face.
Elizabeth ,
yes, while the technology makes somethings easier, it definitely had made our jobs as instructors more challenging.
Dr. Ryan Meers
Digital natives definitely view technology as an essential part of their day. Although, I think that using technology for social purposes is taken as a priority over anything. Often I have students that are more concerned with charging their cell phones during class rather than getting themselves set up for class.
I also tend to think that the Gen Y don't know how to properly find information utilizing the internet. The internet can be a dangerous thing. Students are tempted to look at the first website on a google search, rather than looking for a valid website. It also lends itself to more problems such as plagiarism.
Exactly, they don't know anything else. They have always had phones. Mom and dad were at work, the phone became affordable and a substitute for a parent. Parents justified it as a means of keeping up with the child. Children viewed it as their source of all knowledge. I know this seems harsh but think about it.
Therefore, it has always been a part of their being. A loss of it seems to one like a loss of part of himself.
However, the more we as Gen X use email, cell phones and text messages it begins to feel like part of us. Gen X has know life without. Gen Y has not. Is one really better or worse than the other?
The technology has been a part of their lives since they can remember so it is easy to see how it has become an integral part of their existence especially as it lets them feel connected to their world.
Gen Y view technology as an extension of themselves. It is a necessity that they fear being without!
I believe that for Gen Y technology is a must... It is a way of life for them and is continuing to grow daily. So those of us who aren't so techno savvy we need to catch up...
Aaron,
I think you make some great points here about making sure that we are doing what we can to engage our students.
Dr. Ryan Meers
It is my experience that Gen Y students need to feel connected beyond their immediate surroundings. Phones and other gadgets help them stay connected. However, if class is engaging enough, most will pocket their phones.
To me the disconnect (ah, a joke) is that Gen Y students need more education by entertainment, learning by doing. I don’t think that they turn to their devices when they are engaged. (Sure, there are those who check Facebook and such even at movies.) Thus, it is our job to find ways to completely engage these students in class. I don’t succeed every day, but I try to give them the community that they are searching for on their phones in class.
In our educational facility we are blocked from using Facebook. Previously students were constantly on Facebook with their family and friends. Cell phone use was out of control so students are not allowed to use the cell phones during class. How many emergencies can their be?
I have also seen texting addiction. All interaction with family stopped with this person. She had to be withdrawn from the cell phone.
Mary Cornelius
Alan,
I would agree that this is a challenge with this generation & an opportunity for us to really help them experience the value of dialogue & discussion.
Dr. Ryan Meers
Our school also has the rule of no social media engagement with students until after graduation. Honestly, I think it is a good rule because it is sometimes really overwhelming to have so much contact with students. I find that I need to keep some distance so as to keep the classroom focused - and stay sane.
However, we do have a "portal" where I can have discussion boards, post content and keep student grades that students have complete access to.