Melissa JonesFaculty LectureFebruary 20, 2013

THE INFLUENCE OF GENERATIONAL DIFFERENCES ON LEARNING IN THE ONLINE CLASSROOM:

A QUALITATIVE STUDY

Problem•Gap in nursing education research related to learning and the diversity of students from a generational perspective.

•Knowledge development related to generational diversity is needed to plan pedagogical practices (Earle and Myrick, 2008).

Problem – Related Issues•RN-BSN enrollment increased by 13.4% in 2010-2011 (9th year of increases)•BSN - Higher Outcomes•Magnet Status•RN shortage – Retirement•Institute of Medicine recommends increase from 50 to 80% BSN by 2020•Increase online/ distance curricula

Methodology•Descriptive qualitative design•Exploratory – seeking “the facts”•Population, Purposive Sampling•Open-ended conversational interviews•Blackboard Collaborate – Synchronous •Analysis – themes, perspectives, relationships > generalizations to compare to existing theories

Supporting Theory: Social Constructivism • Knowledge is constructed from

socializing verbally;• Learning is a process of individuals

introducing to a culture by more skilled members;

• Meaning is constructed when people engage in the world they are interpreting and make sense of the world based on historical and social perspectives (Crotty, 1998).

Research Question

What are RN-BSN students’ perceptions of the influence of generational differences

on their learning in the online classroom?

Interview Protocol - Sample• Please think about an online

classroom experience that you had with another student who was from a different generation (younger or older than you). Describe this experience.

• How did this experience influence your learning?

• How did this experience influence your nursing practice?

Initial Findings - Generations•Ages 26-56• Varied understanding, explanations• Age vs. Years of Nursing Experience

(classroom)• Technology• Work Ethic (dedication to employer)• Family Values (time with family)“older generations think we don’t care as much but we do; we may just show it differently”

Influence on Learning

•“Life experiences always help when giving care, we can help with this”

•“I was able to gain different perspectives on issues from my (younger) project partner that I would not have thought about on my own and helped me grow in tolerance and understanding”

Influence on Learning

“The younger generation has different filters than I do so they “shock” me, when I

question further, they are able to show me a different way to look at things”

“Even if I don’t agree, it helps me to communicate across generation gaps”

Influence on Learning

“Being able to express myself in an environment that does not lend to ‘pre-

judgment’ based on physical appearances or body language,

facilitates a greater learning experience”

Influence on Learning

“She felt she wasn't really processing the content of the class….we had 2 or 3 sessions that were really helpful to her and me, both. I

was touched to see the insecurity she had about this class and her courage in reaching

out to me…. …It makes me really see the value in

nurse mentors for all nurses at all times, not just new hires. “

Influence on Learning

“So vast was the breadth of opinions…I can say in that class that I really learned the

art, as well, of acceptance with grace of others opposing ideas while still

remaining open to them as individuals.”

Influence on Learning

“One was a young father, nurse, in the nursing program as well. Our 'threads' were quite wonderful

as we discovered hidden 'gems' of ideas in each other through which the other could

develop early ideas of our own.”

“Also, in my Modern Philosophy class I had relationships like this with several of the younger

people. I can say that I feel pretty sure that I helped improve the creativity in their critical thinking

skills about philosophy and they improved mine.”

Influence on Nursing Practice“Many of the older nurses were able to show me how to be a better leader by

their examples, even in their responses to me”

“I was taking a Mexican history class and we had a nice mix of different generations. We

had chat nights and it was refreshing to hear different opinions… no arguing, just listening and discussing… it made me want to have a healthy learning environment at work....it made me change how I mentor new

co-workers and work with students”

Influence on Nursing Practice“The exposure to multi-generations in the

learning environment is a microcosm of the diversity of all the generations that I

care for in my nursing practice.”

“Through the diversity of opinion and perspective, I learn tolerance, and can

reflect on new perspectives and outlooks. This can also extend into

tolerance and understanding of the cultural diversity encountered in the

healthcare environment.”

Influences on Learning: Online Classroom•Accessibility, convenience of online learning•Flexible schedule

“I liked the pace; I felt like I learned because I wanted to…I felt more like an adult in the online

setting vs. a class…online learning has changed my status as an educated person, I

have more self-esteem”

“Distractions from the classroom are removed so I am able to focus more on

learning”

Thoughts.•How can we develop pedagogy that supports learning across generation gaps?•What is the design of the online class that supports learning across the generations?•How can technology be integrated into the classroom to support multigenerational learning experiences?

Questions.