Reading – Lessons for the Gullible Learner
Share the strategies you have used to communicate and connect more effectively with your students.
How have you used technology to engage your students? Share any resources you have created and used.
IMPORTANT NOTE – Teacher PD Accredited Hours
If you are participating in this forum as part of obtaining Teacher PD accredited hours please be aware that you must complete steps 1 and 2 below in order to meet the requirements of this forum and in order for you to receive your accredited PD hours.
You are required to do 2 things:
- Add your own contribution to the Community of Practice Forum
- Respond to at least two other posts on the Community of Practice Forum
I recall when I had to teach applications in the early 1990’s I would ask the class to play solitaire on the computer to improve their mouse skills.
I respond to people as they are. I try not to make massive assumptions about them based on artificial demographic markers. Bias is rife in a lot these assumptions. Therefore, I take a Buddhist approach: respond to what is in front of you. Don’t pigeon hole people based on age or sex.
I would have thought that today, where diversity is the big thing, this would be the norm. Instead I see that it is not the case in this presentation.
I engage with students in and outside the classroom. I haven’t had much experience using technology to engage with students but will start using forms and different ways to connect with them, to ask their opinions and help them to engage by using the chat pod.
I have used the online platform TEAMS to deliver training and used things like Menti metre (used to enhance engagement ad promote the students input) and Microsoft forms – the forms was used as a tool to evaluate the learning that had been delivdered
In the classroom I encourage students to work together and work towards solving their own questions. It’s a technique that gets participants talking with each other without the pressure of having to be right. Due to Covid, my regular face to face classes have transitioned to Adobe connect and Teams. Both mediums offer the capacity to show educational clips, show power points or SWAYs and use a ‘whiteboard’.
We have tried many communication tools with students, email/SMS and TEAMS seems to work well, however, we have found that another effective platform to use is social media.
I agree Sylvia, social media is a great tool to use to keep students engaged and together, it is the platform of choice for a range of our cohorts
I use email and Teams. Email works well because students use their mobile to read and send email and they respond quickly.
Yes it is important to use platforms that student’s have access to and already use – this makes it easier for them and more relevant
i try to use open types of communication with students and take their lead on how they would like to communicate. I do this by making good use of orientation days to spend time with new students to observe their way of communicating, getting to know them a little and learning more about their preferences in learning.
I agree Caroline, using open types of communication is the most effective way to communication with students.
Open communication practices are the tools of trade for a good teacher! I do the same.
Using email and TEAMS
I do the same I find email a great communication tool for students that work shift-work sometimes they can’t participate in a Teams activity but email works fine.
I agree using email and TEAMS has been an effective communication method recently
I like to call students if possible: one phone call is worth 20 emails sometimes I have found.
Technology used includes phone, email, MS Teams, Adobe Connect. Personalize questions; know something about the student to forge a connection; call them by name. I have observed that with Connected Delivery, some students with autism participate readily with written responses.
Agree Helen – online we need to work harder at maintaining that link with students. I also use names to call out individuals for participation. Even the intensely shy students are willing to participate by writing in the chat pod.
We tried email as a communication tool with our TAFE students but they rarely looked at it – we created a private facebook page and do all our day to day communicAtions on there and it works much better.
I wonder if this is because you’re appealing to a particular generation. I have found that some Gen Z students don’t use email at all.
I agree Jennifer. I have had a lot of issues with students telling me that they have not received information, but it turns out they haven’t checked their emails. Our students do use facebook as a way of communicating usually so we have changed our mode of communication to suit the majority.
I agree that email doesn’t always work that well but I’ve found that platforms such as teams work better I think because its more like a chat forum or blog forum.
We have recently had to learn to communicate in a totally different environment by teaching online. With students from Boomers to Gen Z in my group, this has been an interesting overview of the characteristics and influencers of each generation and I can understand why they are now coping/not coping with this massive change in the way we live and learn. It has given me some good insight to why so many have struggled and why so many have embraced the change.
This is such a relevant observation with the shift to online and connected delivery for our learners. One of my key learnings from this shift has been the amount of younger learners, Gen Zs that have struggled with this shift. This has certainly challenged my assumptions about this generation and the notion of generalising based on these generational characteristics.
I have also observed this in Gen Z learners. Some of the male students do not use computers at all; only use a smartphone.
A notice that too. They don’t even have a computer they just use their smartphone and respond to email,
I was really surprised to learn recently that young learners aren’t necessarily good with technology used in the connected classroom. Michael points out too that young learners need to be taught how to learn which is very insightful and something I will focus on more when teaching young learners.
Communication is the most important key of all in education…. its such a broad topic and has so many different levels to it…. I’ve always felt that leading by example is the best practice and to always have an open mind to learning….. with these two traits i do feel the communication barriers are either avoided or lessened. Technology – the world we lie in now…. iPad’s, phones, lap tops etc…. i feel it should be used to our advantage in connecting with each other…. I recall having phones etc banned when i was learning, now there is almost too… Read more »
I particularly find the final statement to be extremely true, “Teaching young people the skills of evaluation, discernment and critical thinking is of critical importance if we are going to set them up to succeed in life.”. Asking the right questions and sourcing good resources, helps today’s students to be well informed and therefore allowing young people to have an informed opinion so to enter good discussions.
I always encourage my students to be mindful of the sources they use when researching and recommend avoiding Wikipedia.
Wonderful insight and so very true…
I like the idea that each generation has something unique to offer, and hence supporting the idea that by accounting for these differences we aim to encourage different generations to connect, rather than be divided by our differences
oooo i love this post – your absolutely right, each generation has so many benefits that can be observed and modified accordingly to suit the individuals needs – so to speak – I’m looking forward to seeing the next generations and there characteristics as i feel it will continue in a circle of somewhat but with improvement…. well lets hope
Good point to share Dan! Yes, I often reflect on my grandmother, a true builder, surviving a pandemic, two world wars and the Great Depression. Her experiences, as with that generation are unique to them. There are certain fundamental behaviours though that remain relevant today and I benefit from the learning she shared. Sharing experiences from each generation and seeing the potential from these learnings, provides opportunities for us all.
It was amazing to see the different generations and what their characteristics and influences are.
You have to adjust your teaching to meet these generation diversityies when engaging.
This was a fantastic professional development and thoroughly enjoyed it. I really learnt alot and has made me think more about the differences
I also loved it and I would like to do more learning about generational theory; I find it fascinating
It was great to see the differences in generations, And I think that teaching is matching our skills to the learners wether that be face to face , self paced , connected learning or a combination of all. Im grateful I can learn new skills and provide some benefit and knowledge to my students.
Stephen, I totally agree with you, we need to be flexible and be able to match our skills with the huge diversity of generations that are learning
I think it is important to remember that every generation has something important to offer, something we can learn from. Our best asset is an open mind. We can learn so much by engaging with one another.
Very true Kirsten,every generation has something important to offer to the next. I see this in the generations I have had the pleasure to have learnt from and the generation I now teach. The world is ever changing!
One of the biggest challenges that we seem to face at the moment is to get the different generations in one cohort of students to be tolerant of each others technological competence. I agree with many of the previous comments that we need to use a variety of tools to engage and support the multiple generations in connected learning. Not only in MS Teams but maintaining contact through phone conversations and email to ensure understanding and even ability to connect – many of our students don’t have the hardware or bandwidth to entirely embrace this “brave new world.”
I agree that we need to be tolerant of each others technological competence. I find I can become frustrated when I assume that today’s generation should be better able to handle technology and find they can be as challenged as I can!
Totally agree – there is such a huge variation in the ability to use technologies – in teachers and students alike – we need to use these as tools to learning not make them what the learning is all about – that face-to-face contact is so important (COVID notwithstanding!).
Definitely agree. We have so much choice in the tools that we can communicate with it is the way we communicate that will make the difference to our different cohort of students.
In this COVID environment, I think its really important to introduce different technologies slowly but surely. Too many new things all at once can really frighten older people, and may turn them away from learning…but allowing them the freedom to “play” in the space while they build confidence will reap long-term benefits. we’ve all been pushed a little more quickly than we would have liked….but we’ve coped (and flourished!)
I agree entirely with you comments too much too fast for many of our older learners is certainly away to put extra stress on the learning environment and makes it more difficult for some to engage i the new space.
I have found the older students have been more tolerant of the changes and with some tech help more likely to continue online rather than some of the younger ones who are probably too busy and anxious to want to learn in this new (for them) way.
Like most TAFE teachers I have learnt to embrace MS Teams, Mentimeter and Kahoots but always actively looking for more tool, as a Gen X I love change but also pragmatic and what the change to be useful 🙂
Jennie, the more different tools we try out, the more likely we will find the ones that suit us and our learners the best!
I fully embrace the term “generational diversity” – so much contrast but also so much to learn from each other. I have thoroughly enjoyed participating in 21st Century Learning and Teaching
I agree – gosh those videos were interesting – seeing the reasons behind the characteristics of each group- they make more sense now.
It has been a real challenge to introduce collaborative connected learning to all of my learners spanning the various generations of learners. It is important to empathise with the learners who not familiar with and have not been exposed to the emergence of technology through their learning years and ensuring they do not get lost in the technology bubble. It is imperative to capture each learner and make sure they are engaged.
Agree Belinda, There is nothing worse than feeling like the one “left behind”….who can’t voice their opinion because they type too slowly!!
Like a lot of other teachers I have made the move to Connected Delivery using MS Teams, email, phone, one on one meetings and face to face skills assessments. I find that a variety of methods is required to meet the needs of the cohort of students I work with – Baby Boomers to Gen Z.
For MS Teams using breakout rooms has been invaluable in engaging quieter learners through small group discussion.
Renate, It is inspirational to see how you have engaged your learners using a number of different platforms to make sure each of your learners are engaged and they are not disadvantaged from the move to technology. Great use of breakout rooms to keep private those that have aversion to exposure.
Yes Renate, I have also moved to Connected Delivery via MS Teams, making regular phone calls and email contact with students. I have found using a variety of communication methods paramount to maintaining student connection and engagement in our current learning environment.
I think this has been a discovery we are all making that one size does not fit all and we need to be able to connect with our learners in many different ways to keep them engaged and help many to believe that they can succeed in this new environment.
I must admit that COVID 19 has pushed me into online learning at a faster rate then I thought possible. In the beginning, I did not enjoy it as I just felt it was so overwhelming. Fortunately, I as an employee have had so much trainer that I have embraced it and the students are all over it, to be honest. Students like you to be honest if you just can’t do things with modern technology.
I hear your pain Kathryn and agree totally that students rate our honesty and authenticity highly! It’s just an honest form of communication to admit we are stuck and students are usually willing to help. I think honesty and humour go a long way both in the classroom and online.
Give timely feedback either in the vrtual class or via email. Currently using MS Teams with students from Boomers to Gen Z and to engage them use the chat pod regularly, show YouTube videos good for those visual learners and use Kahoot & Mentimeter as most students either enjoy the competitiveness and/or that they can use their smartphone to play. Still using PPT yet to be converted to Sway but have found MS Forms a simple and effective way to quiz students. For communications I find using an SMS function through email usually gets a response from students or simply… Read more »
Hi Lisa,
I agree that using a variety of tools is necessary to ensure that students remain engaged. I also use breakout rooms in MS Teams to aid in small group discussion for those quieter learners.
HI Liza, I’m finding the same that we need to use a variety of different methods to engage our learners,
I have found that the technology we have had to embrace since the lockdown has been widely accepted by all generations
Particularly useful for generations that need to know why – the use of technology in these times is so essential and purposeful. The skills being taught and used are required in the context and highly relevant.
The lock down has forced most to embrace technology – this is the way of the future otherwise you will be left behind. With MS Teams so widely used in the business world our students from different age groups have demonstrated they are able to connect and learn in this environment because they want to and are open to the different methods of communication it has actually brought the class together where they have set up a private group chat to communicate and exchange ideas.
Due to current situation I have been forced to embrace technology and Microsoft Teams has been a a saviour. Gen Y have embraced it way more than Gen X and Baby Boomer students, however it has been fun helping them to learn these new technologies together, to connect and continue “face to face” classes. Being able to show my screen or they show me what they are doing to demonstrate something has been great. Chatting online with students in their own home environment, has even helped to get to know them better.
Lee I too am embracing MS Teams – so much to learn. Initially myself and my students were apprehensive but with practise are feeling more confident. Everyone sitting at home, comfortable in their own environment and sharing stories about pets or family in the background has helped build rapport.
Lee, I agree it is a learning environment not just for out students but for us as teachers to embrace the new technology and to make sure that we are still meeting the needs of each of our learners. Chatting on line is a great way to keep students engaged – however older generations still need coaxing to use technology.
I have found the students have been incredibly supportive not only to me but also to other students using the collaborative learning experience. It has felt like we are all in this together, learning new methods as we go and sharing the experience in this new world we have found ourselves in
It is interesting to see who reaches out via email and other means in this current climate. Gen Y def prefers online and connected learning to face to face!
I’ve contacted students (one-on-one) that have been conspicuously quiet in Teams or online ‘chats’. Under the guise of checking in with them about ‘something’ just to give them a safe opportunity to practice having a go at speaking in a video call.
so ture
Yes be mindful of the introverts who are silent in the chats and like to keep their video cameras off. Allow them time to adjust and a safe space to practise.
Hi Christine,
I have found using breakout rooms in MS Teams for small group discussion useful for engaging quieter learners.
This was valuable video that provided a great insights between the different generations in addition to the general information out there.
yes, very enjoyable listening
Hi Walters, I totally agree, I am so enjoying Michael’s presentations. To date one of the best I have listened to
The generational differences highlight how much important events shape generations and how such events impact on the characteristics and attributes of each generation. Once the full impact of Covid19 is understood, it will be interesting to identify how this pandemic is influencing the current Generation Z and what the flow on impact will be to the next Generation (alpha)
I will be fascinated to see how this moment right now will influence and shape my children’s (Gen Z) future.
so true
During this COVID-19 response we have seen a rapid change in adoption of virtual/online means of communication with students. Office.com, Office 365, Teams, Forms, etc.
Even though circumstances forced this upon my team and I to quickly upskill it has been accepted and we can now see some huge potential in these tools as an aid in engaging students.
This so true Glen. TAFE has provided teachers with full support to connected learning and even some of the least competent users are gaining in confidence.
It was amazing to see how fast the response was with technology availability and up-skilling of teaching staff. I know I will continue to use Teams with my students, even when we go back into the classroom. And so excited students have access to OneDrive.
Hi Glen yes some of these tools will be amazing to engage students. I was a bit slow in the beginning but rather embrace it all now
I have recently attended a number of training sessions that introduced different technologies teachers can use to conduct connected learning online. I can see the massive potential of a wide range of using a variety of e-communication applications and strategies to engage Gen Y and Gen Z students. Resources are no longer just text and chalk-and-board, it’s about visual stimulation and instantaneous feedback. It’s about building relationship and rapport and encouraging engagement. Just to name a few technologies- the whole range of 365 Microsoft applications and many other web discussion boards eg. Padlet, Mentimeter. The sky is the limit.
Hi Ivy, I agree the power of technology as tools to assist in education is immense. The real challenge will be ensuring it is used in the most effective way and that appropriate tools are used relevant to the content being delivery and the individual learners needs
I think you make a really important point about building relationships and rapport, even when we are working remotely.
I have found the online Microsoft Teams to be a fantastic tool to deliver on line. Easy for the Teacher and Student. The students like the idea as you have more time to focus on the theory component and the students have valued this style of delivery.
At our college, we also use Microsoft TEAMS to conduct online lessons. The increasing functionalities of TEAMS is a much welcomed development. Beside the range of application in Microsoft 365 (eg, Forms, Notebook …), I have recently been introduced to Mentimeter to create online survey that learners can participate during class, and Padlet to create an online web discussion board. These are all very engaging and motivating technologies.
I am impressed with what Microsoft Teams is capable of and with the many Apps attached to it to make life easier for the teacher.
My experience using Teams has been positive too. I think it’s important to outline video call etiquette early on, to ensure everyone can participate.
The 21st Century Training sessions were so valuable for me as they open my mind even more it provided me with an even better understanding of today’s learners. Being in an tertiary educational environment where the learners belong to various generations as identified by the Generational theory, a sociology study of formative influences & the effects of those on the characteristics, attitudes and the core values of each of these groups provided me with skills on how to employ strategies to keep all these learners interested and engaged in their learning process. The COVIT 19 pandemic added to the complexity… Read more »
Thanks for the mention of Miro. I am teaching introductory programming and finding teaching the development of algorithms. Great to have an interactive tool to use.
It is my belief that no matter what generation, the core of us is that we like to be appreciated. Whether online or face-to-face, constructive feedback and appropriate encouragement form part of effective communication with students. The most recent tool I used with students is Muvizu. I created a video animation as an introduction to a learner topic.
As an online education designer, it has been incredible to see how quickly society is adapting to using technology to communicate in the current situation. It’s amazing and inspiring to see so many teachers embracing technology, however, using technology to engage students and obtain an outcome is a whole other level.
I agree Casey, online facilitation can be more time consuming but students should not miss out on “connectedness”. Apart from the technical demands of teachers, the online environment brings its own engaging complexities and training organisations should cater to this by offering additional teacher training.
I could not agree more with the points you have raised Casey and Els:) To add to the complexity of the connected/ online learning we also have few generations of learners in the virtual classroom too. It is why so critical to understand the influences, characteristics as well as the core values of each of these generation of learners, so we can keep them engaged.
A silver lining during these challenging times is certainly the adaptability and creativity that has been uncovered and taken advantage of.
Communication with Gen y requires rapport. You need to understand their motivators
I agree which is why the sessions delivered here have been useful in uncovering what drives Gen Y and how to adapt teaching to suit the needs of this cohort.
I certainly agree with this Natalieanne, so important to build rapport and develop a sense of connection to enhance student interest and participation.
Interesting times at the moment with so many lessons now online. Keeping communication channels open is important, and being willing to adapt when required. Ask for help in all areas so that we can be at our very best for our students.
Absolutely, Caron. I think what is really shining through at the moment, are the underlying interpersonal skills that teachers possess – these are what will engage the students, with the help of technology,
Yes a very relevant comment. Online learning requires teachers communicate closely with learners. Going online with MS Teams, I have learned that communication isn’t just about being a face on the screen. It is also about preparing students to learn online, allowing learners to re-watch recorded sessions and making learning resources also available in an online sense.
Communication is key to engaging learners of all ages – it is very difficult for older learners to engage with online learning as using the technology presents a steep learning curve which has made the transition to online learning tricky in times of Covid-19.
Yes, I have noticed some older teachers have struggled with technology, and I appreciate it can be extremely difficult for them. Maybe they can ask their students for assistance.
Learning technology is likely to present more difficulties for older learners. Encouragement and realistic support will help here. “The What’s In It For Me” factor (explaining the benefits other than a course outcome) motivates a disenchanted learner.
I’m also teaching a cohort of older learners in ESOL so I share similar experience. We have done online classes for the third week now, my students have started to feel comfortable with the online classes. They made positive comments like, ‘we can see the power point clearer’, ‘I have more opportunity to talk in class’, I can hear the teacher clearly so I learn more pronunciation than before.’ Due to the language proficiency of my students, we cannot benefit from the chat pod, but we use other social media apps they are familiar to communicate, eg. WhatsApp and WeChat.… Read more »
Communication prior to Covid-19 was face-to-face and things like body language could be seen. Now using Microsoft Teams you can not see body language as for many there is only audio.
Yes thats correct – Teams is tricky in a larger group as you can only see the people talking or the audience in small boxes so its hard to how they are reacting
I agree with our comment Jackie. I have resorted to one on one email or telephone communication to better understand the learners satisfaction and needs. Connected delivery cannot be solely virtual classroom
Even as a regular user of Teams and Skype, I agree that it can be more difficult to communicate non-verbally, especially in larger groups. As a mother of two primary-school-aged children, I’vee really found the one-on-one telephone sessions the best way to connect.
It is much easier to teach face to face as mentioned as you can assess the students body language. Through Teams the students allow you to have access to their video and can prove to be hard to connect with delivery.
Great point. I have also found it strange talking and delivering to a Teams classroom where you miss the instant reactions and body language.
Due to current Covid 19 we have moved to MSTeams, there are students from the baby boomers generation who are finding this difficult as they are hands on learners. Also the internet is lagging and also causing major issues
Hi Kim
The internet lagging is a major problem for online learning as its preventing a barrier for some learners to keep engaged
Hi Kim, I also find the GEN Y have issues with connecting as well. They don’t realise that it is a weekly occurrence and wait for you emails with the link. They are not used to using Calendar.
I use a learning management system that is linear in nature and lets the student follow the progress of their own effort. One of the biggest game changes for me in 30 years of teaching.
In my role, most of my lessons have been of a practical nature. With the current climate I have moved my teaching online utilizing MS TEAMS. I have had to adapt my communication to deal with the new platform. This transition has been a quick one and I feel I have only now got a grasp of it. Further training has allowed me to use the tools in the MS suite to improve my delivery to my students.
Hi Glenn. It’s a steep learning curve with many different paths. Baby steps is the go. I feel your pain.
Yes, training and being open to change is the key, continuous learning in all areas.
We have been placed in a position where we have to use technology to engage our students because of COVID-19. We use MS Teams, Kahoots, Mentimeters, Google Jamboards and Google classroom to engage the students online. However, I am worried about the students who don’t have internet access or good phone coverage where they live. How do we offer effective support to these students? We are posting hard copies, but I feel that these students are going to be left behind if we have to continue to deliver through connected mode for too long.
I feel for the students with no access to the internet or the technology skills they need. Some of my students have deferred until next semester as the new delivery method does not suit their learning style.
Yes Glenn, moving to the new connected, online delivery has disadvantaged some students with no, or limited internet access as well as limited technology literacy. It is so important to prove these students with additional support and for many of those meant coming to the colleges and using the technology available there as well as personal assistance in the frame of physical distancing as of the COVIT 19 pandemic.
As a teacher of Information Technology with students covering several generations, I have had on many occasions deal with covering the development of technology. I find the best strategy is to tell them the timeline of the development of technology from the start to the current day. Then tell them my experiences growing up and working with the technology. Then I get students to relate their experience growing up and working with the technology and comparing those experiences based on where their age puts them on the timeline. It is revealing and also empowering as they begin to understand how… Read more »
I found this article very interesting. It seems that the history is repeating, in the same way that Gen Y is regarding Wikipedia as the ultimate source of information, older generations would consider TV to be the ultimate source of information if they said “I saw that on TV” meant that it couldn’t be questioned or challenged. The main thing is not just digital literacy but critical thinking that needs to be developed and employed.
I agree. And before television radio was an influence coupled with newspapers. For baby boomers, magazines also widened their knowledge base.
Influences don’t necessarily change but rather the way we interact with influences changes.
We have as teachers, always known, that not one size fits all. That learners have their own methods and strategies. In this difficult time we are learning from those of our students with computer skills and suporting those that don’t. The world is different to what it was yesterday, let alone to how it was in the 50s 60’s 70s. It is different from the year 2000 and will continue to change through and after the current pandemic. It is up to us to embrace lifelong learning to be ready for all of our students throughout the generations, We still… Read more »
I agree Wendy, the world is changing all the time and we will always be adapting our Teaching to suit the different individual learning needs
The future will be very interesting. With the rapid change over the first 4 months of 2020. I’m hopeful that the changes will all be for the better.
I teach in hospitality specifically Baking so Face to Face is essential as tangible products are a large part of what we do,
However technology has been a great tool to add another dimension to those practical skills and also a great platform to deliver theoretical knowledge, Like the teacher Michael Quoted in one of the session, I have an activity for teaching ratio, I usually do this F2F but I believe it will be just as effective virtually.