Get Your Students Hired
Sabine,
it does seem to be this way; & what a great chance for us to be able to reengage them with the real world.
Dr. Ryan Meers
I agree with Jessie, students of this generation act as if they cannot go without using some type of device at all times. They actually seem to get nervous if they cannot use their cell phones at any time.
I make a joke in class that if the computers of the world all crashed they would be lost. Sad but true.
Gen Y looks at technology as a necessary part of their lives. We baby boomers think of gadgets as cool and nice to have, but we could live without them.
Growing up with technology makes it as important as breathing to them. I have to stress the fact while having all this information availible to them, at their fingertips is incredible, they need to learn to think their wat through problems as well. This isn't something I need to stress as much with older generations.
They have to be plugged in at all times,as a boomers it is something we have to get used to.
They feel lost when they are not "connected." I feel that they lose touch with the real world this way as well.
Kevin,
while that is sad...I'm not sure I could've kept a straight face in that situation. It's sad, but funny!
Dr. Ryan Meers
I believe they don't "see it" it is part of who they are. They know no other way of being.
Shelly,
that is interesting. I know some schools prohibit while others encourage that interaction between instructors & students.
Dr. Ryan Meers
My school does not allow social media engagement between faculty and students as well. There is even a social media policy. Faculty can be fired for engaging on a social network with students. Why? I think for liability reasons and keeping professional boundaries clear.
It is life there is no life with out tech. If a gen Y student could not use any technology for a month they would break down and get nothing done!
I believe Gen Y views technology as a necessity, being that they have never had to live without it.
Facebook is too personal. Linked in is professional. Our young students needed the nudge to go to email instead of face book. We had to have a contest to get them to set up an email account at school.
Jeffrey,
you make a great point here, that they don't even view it as technology. We really show our age when refer to these necessary "tools" as technology.
Dr. Ryan Meers
Sara,
that is an interesting step by your school. I'm curious, what is the reason for that decision? My school encourages it although it is left up to the discretion of individual instructors.
Dr. Ryan Meers
Gen Y students view technology as an integral part of their lives and as an essential part of their lives. They are used to being able to be in constant contact with family and friends.
Depriving this generation of their devices may result in anxiety and frustration. It would behoove the saavy instructor to integrate technology and use of devices in the classroom, providing that they have the required comfort level with that technology.