Generations of Learners Activity - Post 1

In working through the Generations of Learners activity in my online course, I related to much of the reading material provided in association with this activity. In fact, here is a summary of my thoughts regarding this topic, which align with the online articles:

• We still rely both in the academic and business training settings on teaching/training methods that were developed years ago and used to teach my generation.
• However, we tend to still focus on the how and what in terms of improving our current training methods. Rather, should we not be asking the more important question of "Why?" Why are we teaching or using traditional training methods when it seems that our young people learn in a fundamentally different way that we do?
• The point in the video by Professor Stephen Heppell that our school and classroom edges have become "softer" do seem quite appropriate.  As instructors, we should see our role more as facilitators or creators of a supportive environment in which students can learn.  We are no longer the holders of all knowledge but rather can help students determine where to find knowledge and how best to evaluate the source of that knowledge.
• While I agree with the point that young people are proficient in the use of technology, I really wonder about the depth of that proficiency. Sure, they may be able to learn to use software or devices without reading a manual, but at times patience is required to work through issues.  Google cannot solve everything, although I admit to using it a lot.
• And the final point, is that we should take the time to find out how students feel that they best learn as we can no longer assume that we now what and how they have to be taught.

More about digital immigrants in the next post.  And I am still working on my research questions.


Cheers,
John