This week I have had to step up to the plate regarding using technology to help learners. Our district has decided, due to budget cuts, that more training for teachers needs to be done online. So me, along with others, have had the task of transferring once face to face trainings into online trainings. Since I have had a great deal of experience with online training this seemed like a task that would take time, but would be easy to transfer the information to an online version. The other members of my cohort have not had any experience with online learning and have had a hard time with giving up some of the face to face elaboration of material that comes with this type of training. I have had to be very patient with them regarding this online learning mind frame.
With this in mind my definition of learning this week is generational. Learning, in my opinion, generally takes place differently depending upon the generation of the learner.
Here is some information I got about Generational differences from a book called "Generations At Work" (Zemke, Raines, Filipczak 2000).
The Veterans: They like consistency and uniformity. They are very disciplined, learn through
logic, and are hard working.
The Baby Boomers: Through Education they learned about teamwork. May put process ahead of result. Many struggle with technology, but thrive on learning.
The Gen Xers: balance work and play. Technologically they are savy. Adaptable yet impatient. Learned from diverse viewpoints, and encouraged to disagree and debate issues.
The Nexters: They have street smarts. Technological sophistication and positive expectations. They learn best in teams under the influence of a strong central authority figure.
In light of some of these generational differences, I think that in order to be an effective teacher there is a need to study the generational styles. Even faculties have issues that seem to be generational based. More learning could probably take place if we as teacher/trainers new more about these differences.
Something to think about!!!!!
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Good insight, your right, definitely something to think about. I know our in-service leader has had to address some of these types of generational issues as he prepares his training. I guess it’s an issue that you can plan on encountering as long as time moves on. It can certainly be a challenge. Since your training is moving online maybe a more modular approach to training, like we’ve been discussing in 6730, would address some of the challenges generational learning differences present.
ReplyDeleteViva la Erda!
I think you are right. If you don't know the people you are teaching I don't think you can be an effective teacher. I had so many teachers that refused to get to know me because I was one of the "bad" kids. I see teachers like that in my building. It was the teachers that understood where I was coming from that actually taught me anything.
ReplyDeleteCamille, I like reading your blog. It's not dry and booooooring like some of the others. (no offence Others if you read this)
Camille, Very cool definitions from "Generations at Work." I must be a baby boomer struggling with technology! Definitely something to remember when I can't figure out why my students aren't learning the way I want them to. Good luck with your trainings!
ReplyDeleteYou bring up some very good points. Not only do we need to keep in mind individual learning styles, we also need to consider background experiences and tendincies. I think this goes for co-workers, supervisors, students, and family members. Everyone will be able to react and adapt to technology differently. My husband is in the same generation as me (obviously), but he is a lot more uncomfortable with the use of technology than me because of his experience with it, which is very minimal. I definatly have to explain things differently, when it comes to technology, then I have to with my younger sisters. However, I know nothing of cows, and my husband is an expert, because of life experiences.
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