The Generation Gap Approaching Technology in a
Multigenerational Classroom
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Schedule... Current Classrooms Problems across the different
generations Discussion Some possible approaches Questions
Slide 3
The future of the classroom... How many of you have technology
or multimodal assignment on your syllabus? How many use your
university or colleges online portal or platform? (D2L, Blackboard,
etc.) How many of you teach hybrid or online classes? Most
institutions are is encouraging, and often requiring, the use of
technology in the classroom, from requiring grade posting on the
schools online platform to fully integrated smart classrooms.
Technology in the classroom Classes (for teachers) Almost all
writing classes require some type of assignment that involves
technology or the creation of a multimodal composition Research is
almost exclusively done online Instructors utilize technology such
as presentation software or smart classrooms for lectures Digital
content and texts
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Terminology... Designers creators of multi- faceted
compositions (images, text, multimodal) Netizens/Digital Natives
generation raised on technology ICT information communications and
technology Technoliteracy just like it sounds
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Average age of some Colorado institutions...
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The reaction... For students with limited of no ICT background,
completing an assignment using a word processing, spreadsheet or
presentation software program may eclipse their subject-specific
knowledge and skills (Tannis 3). Commonly heard from these non-
technological students: I havent been in school for 10/20/30
years... I just dont understand these programs. Computers just dont
work for me. This stuff is beyond me. Its an emotional drain. It
isnt that I havent got the ideas, but the technology was beating me
(Tannis 2).
Slide 7
What this means for the older generations... Most of us over
the age of 30 view computers as tools by which we engage in
discussion, do research, write notes and lectures and the like
(Moody and Bobic 176). Out of their element: Obstacles before the
classroom (registration, Assessment testing, online portals, etc.)
Returning to school after years/Low Self-esteem Different
generation with different expectations and priorities Socialization
moved online Disconnect with other students and faculty Access
Inventing not only the university, but technological identity as
well
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The Net Generation isnt exempt... Perhaps the most important
point of the sociofact of technology is that students do not
understand the process of adding to knowledge: theirs is a world of
information streaming past them at the speed of light... [o]ne does
not create new knowledge; one manipulates information. In this
digital stream, everyone can be an expert on any topic with only a
few clicks on relevant Web pages (Moody and Bobic 177-8).
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What it means for them... Paradoxically, the net generations
knowledge and immersion in technology often makes them ill-prepared
for the classroom as well. Common problems: Disconnect between
instructors (often a non-netizen) expectations and students beliefs
Misguided research skills Confusion about critical thinking
Tendency to regurgitate information Misunderstanding of argument
Revision Informality Dual identity Disproportionate knowledge of
different technologies [F]itting in academically requires students
to write differently online than they do offline. Two discourses
are needed to meet the literacy demands of contemporary academe
(Relles and Tierney 484) http://www.graduationsource.com/bl og/wp-
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Faculty and Classroom obstacles... Time: How much does the
instructor want to dedicate to teaching technology instead of
planned curriculum (in or out of the classroom)? How much time do
you have to learn it? (pressure on the instructor for expert
knowledge) Other Students: Disproportionate learning/knowledge
Different levels of expertise Support from school: Students are
often bounced from resource to resource because no one is sure who
handles that technology Often staffed by those not completely
confident about the technology or patient enough to assist Cant put
themselves in the students shoes Variety of different software
programs
Slide 11
Small Group Discussion... Take a few minutes to discuss how you
approach common multigenerational technology issues found in the
classrooms with those around you. Some examples: Problems with
formatting documents Inability to access the online platform Cant
read digital texts Dont understand a specific software or
assignment Want an alternative, non-technological, option Doesnt
know the rules for certain formats (i.e. Blogs) Cant figure out how
to participate in online discussions Cant separate their social
identity from their educational one Text speech Misuse of
technology in class Different levels of expertise re: technology
How do you solve these problems?
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What are some of the solutions your group considered? Good
teaching is dependent on collaboration!
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Solutions... Student groups In-class training/modeling Sample
formats Discussions on technology itself Background biography Genre
expectations Delineation between different technologies and their
place in the classroom Spend time on the obvious (D2L or the
university website) Understanding the schools resources
Slide 14
Questions?
Slide 15
Works Cited... Esurance. Beatrice Offline Over-Sharer. YouTube.
2014. Web. 27 July 2014. Moody, Ruth and Michael Bobic. Teaching
the Net Generation without Leaving the Rest of Us Behind: How
Technology in the Classroom Influences Student Composition.
Politics & Policy 39.2 (2011):169-194. JSTOR. Web. 27 July
2014. Relles, Stefani and William G. Tierney. Understanding the
Writing Habits of Tomorrows Students: Technology and College
Readiness. The Journal of Higher Education 84.4 (2013): 477-505.
JSTOR. Web. 27 July 2014. Tannis, Derek. Lost in the Lifeworld:
Technology Help Seeking and Giving on Diverse, Post-Secondary
Campuses. Canadian Journal of Learning and Technology 39.2 (2013):
1-17. Academic Search Premier. Web. 26 July 2014. School websites:
University of Northern Colorado UC Denver MSU Denver Colorado
Mountain College Arapahoe Community College Red Rocks Community
College Community College of Denver
