Engaging Generation Y with Technology in the Language Classroom
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This document discusses engaging Generation Y students in the language classroom through the use of technology. It begins by noting that simply throwing technology at students does not guarantee effective teaching. It then outlines key learner characteristics of Generation Y, including being tech savvy but lacking information literacy skills, relying on search engines, loving multimedia, multitasking, communicating visually, being open learners who prefer teamwork and collaboration, preferring to type rather than handwrite, creating internet content, and craving instant feedback. Ten "commandments" of teaching Generation Y are provided that match these characteristics, such as using video clips, handling multitasking carefully, using visuals, encouraging interaction and opinion sharing, and giving opportunities for students to create their own
Engaging Generation Y with Technology in the Language Classroom
- 1. Engaging Generation Y in the Language Classroom SL POWER TECH 2015
- 2. An opening thought… ‘Just because this generation of students has grown up with the technology and the accompanying tools of the digital age doesn‘t mean that throwing technology at them in the classroom will automatically result in effective teaching and/or learning.’ Berk, 2010
- 3. What we hope to do now… We will look at previous research on the key learner characteristics of this generation of students which have specific implications for how we should use technology in your classroom. Our hope is that we will be able to leverage the technology tools they are already using to match their characteristics. Thus, we will be able to tailor your teaching strategies to fit your students. We suggest a variety of technology strategies that match their characteristics. They will enable us to connect with them and build trust and credibility.
- 4. Layout 1) Defining Generation Y 2) A look at how they differ from us – Attitudinally – Physiologically 3) How research has characterized the use of technology by this generation 4) The ten commandments of teaching Generation Y
- 5. 1) Defining Generation Y The boundaries: (Lancaster & Stillman) Baby boomers 1946 – 1964 Generation X 1965 – 1980 Generation Y 1981 – 1999 Generation Z 2000 - present
- 6. Attitudinal differences At work: ‘What can this job do for me?’ ‘How can this help me grow?’ ‘I won’t sacrifice my life for work.’ In education: ‘The old way… where the teacher is the sage on the stage, doesn’ty work for me.’
- 7. Physiological differences? Are their brains wired differently? UCLA Study (2007): •Can older generations rewire their brains? •Can we replicate what Generation Y has done?
- 10. 1. Generation Y is tech savvy? • They have grown up with the technology • They expect information to be at their fingertips • Their experience has enabled them to master complex tasks and make decisions rapidly • However, they are not necessarily NET savvy • They are exposed to loads of information, but lack an understanding of how to find, evaluate, use, and present that information • We need to foster information literacy and strong critical thinking skills
- 11. 1. Generation Y is tech savvy? ‘Neveretheless, a digital divide exists among Generation Y, based on machine vintage, connectivity, online skills, autonomy and freedom of access, computer support, and interest in using the technology.’ • Carlson, 2005 • Junco & Mastrodicasa, 2007 • Prensky, 2006 • Lorenzo & Dziuban, 2006 • Hawkins & Oblinger, 2006 • Oblinger, 2008a • Oblinger & Hawkins, 2006 • Rockman et al, 2004
- 12. Commandment 1 ‘Thou shalt not be afraid of technology’
- 13. 2. Generation Y relies on Search Engines for Information • 2006: About __% of Generation Y began searches for everything with search engines • Ease-of-use mentality • High comfort level has fostered a false sense of ability - they often overestimate their skills at finding and evaluating online information
- 14. 2. Generation Y relies on Search Engines for Information • 2006: About 89% of Generation Y began searches for everything with search engines • Ease-of-use mentality • High comfort level has fostered a false sense of ability - they often overestimate their skills at finding and evaluating online information
- 15. 2. Generation Y relies on Search Engines for Information Online Computer Library Center survey (graduates from 6 countries): __% consider search engines to be a good or perfect fit for their lifestyle 63% consider online or physical libraries to be a fit ‘While the libraries’ resources are considered more accurate and trustworthy than search engines, they fall far short of students‘ expectations of speed, convenience, ease of use, cost-effectiveness, and reliability.’ • OCLC, 2006 • Manuel, 2002 • Bodi, 2002
- 16. 2. Generation Y relies on Search Engines for Information Online Computer Library Center survey (graduates from 6 countries): 94% consider search engines to be a good or perfect fit for their lifestyle 63% consider online or physical libraries to be a fit ‘While the libraries’ resources are considered more accurate and trustworthy than search engines, they fall far short of students‘ expectations of speed, convenience, ease of use, cost-effectiveness, and reliability.’ • OCLC, 2006 • Manuel, 2002 • Bodi, 2002
- 17. Commandment 2 ‘Thou shalt teach them how to use search engines properly’
- 18. 3. Generation Y loves Multimedia • They are used to entertainment, speed, and accessing music, videos, games and information in their own way • They prefer interactive media rather than passive TV • They move seamlessly between real and virtual worlds • They are nomadic - they get whatever they want: It‘s theirs for the taking • Many will obtain their music, videos, ringtones, and software free, illegally, online rather than buy it
- 19. 3. Generation Y loves Multimedia ‘Leveraging these media in the classroom is critical to connecting with their culture’ • Gibson, Aldrich, & Prensky, 2007 • Oblinger, 2008a • Berk, 2003, 2008b, 2009a • Eddy & Bracken, 2008 • Miller, 2009 • Abram & Luther, 2004 • Tarlow & Tarlow, 2002
- 20. Commandment 3 ‘Thou shalt get them using video clips’
- 21. 4. Generation Y Multitasks on everything They can naturally do several tasks easily at the same time Mixing play and work is common ‘Generation Y can move quickly from one activity or medium to another, such as using texting, chatting with their friends on a cell or smart phone or iPhone, and e-mailing all at once, while surfing the Net and watching TV or doing homework.’ •Junco & Mastrodicasa, 2007 •Prensky, 2006 •Roberts, 2005
- 22. Commandment 4 ‘Thou shalt handle multitasking with care’
- 23. Commandment 4
- 24. 5. Generation Y Communicates Visually • They are visually literate, comfortable in an image-rich rather than text-only environment. • Many don‘t like to read books, especially textbooks, although they do it when required • They consider printed works expensive, boring, and a waste of time • They prefer visuals, graphics, and images of any kind, such as icons, videos, and photos • They communicate visually by capturing images with mobile phones, then sharing them through Facebook, or similar social media • They post photos on Flickr and videos on YouTube
- 25. 5. Generation Y Communicates Visually ‘Social bookmarking permits them to share images in a peer- to-peer world. They are able to weave together images, text, and sound easily as well as move between the real and the virtual instantaneously Live classroom demonstrations with music also provide powerful, unforgettable images.’ • Berk, 2001, 2002, 2007, 2008b • Vaidhyanathan, 2008 • Gomez, 2007 • Oblinger, 2008a • Frand, 2000 • Manuel, 2002 • Ostrow, 2007 • Polin, 2007
- 26. Commandment 5 ‘Thou shalt use visuals, visuals and more visuals’
- 27. 6. Generation Y is Emotionally Open Learners express their feelings easily ‘They are open to meeting new people, sharing personal information, and digital storytelling online in blogs, wikis, Facebook, or other social media’ •Junco & Mastrodicasa, 2007 •Lenhart, Rainie, & Lewis, 2001 •Oblinger, 2008b; •Oblinger & Oblinger, 2005
- 28. Commandment 6 ‘Thou shalt encourage interaction and opinion sharing’
- 29. 7. Generation Y Prefers Teamwork and Collaboration Social tendencies + need for interpersonal interaction (both online and face-to-face) = preference for working in teams rather than alone. Collaboration enables their collective intelligence to emerge through the pooling of knowledge, research, arguments, and insights from diverse groups of people • Junco & Mastrodicasa, 2007 • Ramaley & Zia, 2005 • Strauss & Howe, 2006 • Berk, 2002, 2007, 2008a, 2008b, 2009a, 2009c
- 30. Commandment 7 ‘Thou shalt tap into their collective intelligence’
- 31. 8. Generation Y Prefers Typing to Handwriting Taking notes in class the ‘old fashioned way’ is not Generation Y’s way They want to type notes, communications, essays, and essays on their laptop, iPhone, or iPad That is what they are used to doing ‘The advantages of Word far outweigh any alternative of verbal print communication’ • Frand, 2000
- 32. Commandment 8 ‘Thou shalt require them to type their work’
- 33. 9. Generation Y Creates Internet Content While __% use the Internet to assist with homework; many also contribute to its content. 57% design and write Websites, post blogs with pictures and original artwork, and make videos for YouTube daily. • Polin, 2007
- 34. 9. Generation Y Creates Internet Content While 90% use the Internet to assist with homework; many also contribute to its content. 57% design and write Websites, post blogs with pictures and original artwork, and make videos for YouTube daily. • Polin, 2007
- 35. 9. Generation Y Creates Internet Content • Social bookmarking permits students to tag, comment, evaluate, and collect published works • It fosters direct peer-to-peer engagement to create, share, and interact via networks (Flickr, del.icio.us, and Digg) • These students are major contributors to the Internet by developing, consuming, commenting on, and rating Web materials
- 36. Commandment 9 ‘Thou shalt give them opportunities to create their own content’
- 37. 10. Generation Y Craves Instant Feedback Generation Y receives feedback from everywhere They are considered the most child-centered generation ever Examples: video games and the internet • Reilly, 2012
- 38. Commandment 10 ‘Thou shalt let them know what you think’
- 39. Image references • http://blog.tribute.com/2009/07/the-truth-about-managing- generations-x-and-y.html • http://rmoon1122.wordpress.com/2011/07/22/technology-in-the- workplace-friend-or-foe/ • http://www.businessinsider.com/google-has-taken-over-its-search- results-page-with-its-own-content-and-ads-2012-6 • http://www.govloop.com/profiles/blogs/gen-y-not-building-the-next • http://kathyjonesrealty.wordpress.com/tag/characteristics-of-gen-y/