Communication Strategies

I have found myself a little uncomfortable with online learning, being a baby boomer, however, it has proven to be a great learning experience. My students constantly tell me about shortcuts and assist me when I make errors. It has made for some very funny situations and actually built some worthwhile connections with them.

As a result of COVID times, I have been forced (in some ways, but willingly in other ways), to explore the use of technology, & predominantly, teach via Flexible Learning (via a couple of different platforms). With my current students, I find it best to communicate with them (outside the classroom), via their smart phones – they respond best to text messages. As ‘the system’, likes us to communicate via email, I do this, but will follow up with a text message (eg I have sent you an email), if a response is not received in a specific timeframe.

I am currently not teaching but in the past, an appropriate sense of humour together with topic knowledge and industry experience helps.

I teach in a virtual space so all of my communication is founded in technology. Be that phone, email, video conferencing, etc. The different way students engage with that technology or their preference for written communication over a phone call, is where the generational change is most prevalent for me. I find most effective connection comes from the relationship you develop with your students, this is of course different in an online space, but developing this relationship, is my goal regardless of the age of my learners. I endeavour to know my students and how they learn best, doing what… Read more »

I use a variety of techniques in the VET Classroom. I have learners from Gen Y right through to the Baby Boomers and find that the use of technology and learning strategies are very different. I use Kahoot and Mentimetre as a great way to test student knowledge in a fun way without bringing on the anxiety of an exam. Powerpoints and interactive discussion using the internet to research questions in class together is a great way to get all students involved by using their technoloigcal devices to research responses also works really well and if students have brought in… Read more »

With the online learning it is different again, teaching a cohort from different generations. Gen X could be confident with camera but shy with using the technology where Gen X is comfortable using the technology but shy on camera.

I work in the VET sector with adult migrant students. I use games and open discussions about students’ learning needs in my classroom to connect to my students. The online games such as Kahoots and Quizlets provide a competitive and relaxed learning opportunities for the students. The discussions provide me an insight into the learning needs of the students and connect to them.

I like to use electronic whiteboards on visual online classrooms so that all learners are engaged in participation. We can all learn from each other whilst learners are empowered to discover how much they can contribute to others.

The approach I use to incorporate technology with students from all generations is to find a balance. I integrate as much as I can using Kahoots and Mentimetre but allocate different tools to cater the the students that prefer the pen and pager. For research I allow students to work collaboratively (All generations) which works well as it creates a stronger student relationships which in return improves their learning environment and prompts greater results. Allowing a stronger understand of the generational difference builds on relationships.

Our training tells us that not every class will be the same and we must be flexible in our approach to teaching. In the VET sector we can have baby boomers through to Gen Z and need to tailor our communication and our expected responses from our students. We have tried to incorporate using quizzes using mobiles or computers during classes – to check students understanding of what we are teaching. These quizzes allow our students to communicate with us even those that don’t generally like to voice their responses as they can do this anonymously but still contribute and… Read more »

Communication is the key for many things in life to run smoothly. I have often looked at communication from my own perspective, what I would find to be good, meaningful and helpful communication. It’s clear we need to zoom out and think from others perspectives (the students). This doesn’t necessarily mean a complete rethink but just modifying what we already do. Change from an email to an instant message, from a lecture to a video, from searching a book to surfing the web or digital publication. I have tried some steps with good results, but find it challenging to step… Read more »

I have used collaborative techniques more to truly connect and communicate with my students. When students feel they are involved in decision-making, they are more receptive to being engaged learners.
I have used technology in many ways, helping them be organised using their mobiles, also creating Kahoots for revision, doing research-based learning on their phones, studying content using Quizlet, Assisting students with Dyslexia by using Read&Write etc.

I enjoyed listening to the traits of the different generations and I could see my family and friends represented in the explanations. It helps to understand why a generation has certain traits and may help relationships and understanding in the future.

I find I have a combination of generations in my classes although they are mostly Boomers through to Gen Y. It is interesting to see how the different generations use and accept technology. When classes were moved to online due to COVID, most of my older students couldn’t wait to get back in the classroom where the younger ones were happy to continue with the online environment.

I really enjoyed this session on navigating the generation maze. I have researched different generation previously but never used this knowledge in my classes. However, I do see it differently now and why it is important to change communication to meet the different generation both at work and at home.
As I was listening to Michael I was thinking about the different aged students I have in my class
and how different they behave and accept the information provided by me.

Connecting with students certainly changed in particular over 2020! During tutorial online in particular, with mainly international student’s I developed some Kahoot quizzes on the topic. Getting a little bit of competition into the lesson, and seeing the names pop up helped to know the students were engaging with the content. It was a good way to break up the session, while staying on topic. Being able to share the screen on MS teams helped.

As a learning designer working with online resources, I use technology every day to design ways to engage students. One thing I have used is creating interactive branching scenarios, where students are taken on different learning journeys depending on the answer they select. Depending on the content, there may not be fixed right or wrong paths. Rather the ability to explore the consequences of different decisions.

I found the whole discussion of age groups and their characteristics fascinating. I am gen X and my gen Z daughter joined me to listen in. I could see the traits across different generations of my family. I feel inspired to try other forms of communication which might be more effective with different cohorts.

To connect well with students, I have found that knowing their names, giving students some personal attention each morning , while checking their work and giving feedback, motivates them. Last year we were fast tracked in the use and benefits of technology. With my ESL students , MS Teams was challenging for some, so for those students, What’sApp or a simple conference call worked well. As we were all in lockdown, at that stage, a short conversation was appreciated by most students. Only a couple generation X/Y students preferred to settle straight into the days work, however, this could have… Read more »

2020 provided a crash course for most teachers to use technology more in their classrooms. As with most teachers, I was propelled into the world of online / “connected learning” with mixed results from my adult students. The students generally liked the pre-recorded lectures as a reference source but only if they were 20-30 minutes each. They were happy to join online tutorial sessions but were mostly engaged when they could participate – for example activities in Google docs, MS Teams surveys, sharing their screens to get feedback on their assignment drafts, etc. Many international students were uncomfortable to speak… Read more »

I teach adult English Language Learners and some of them are not very good with technology at all and many don’t even have computers at home. However most of them have a smart phone and many of them have WhatsApp to contact family members overseas. At the start of the semester, I create a class WhatsApp group where students can communicate with myself and other students (only in English) to ask questions, inform me of their absence/change of plans, add photos or messages etc. We have rules and regulations surrounding the group but on the whole it is a great… Read more »

interesting perspective to group people according to a DOB I find many people don’t fit their age mold

I have fount that its important to ask the students to access a credible source when searching for information on the internet and what a credible source means. A google search usually brings up the most advertised web site which is also not a credible web site, usually paid sponsorship.

I have been teaching face to face up until COVID. Since then online teaching began which was challenging for both myself and the students. I ensured to make my classes engaging and more frequent breaks and insert icebreakers / connecting games into the online learning.

Since the change, I have learnt some much about online delivery and made it a point to receive feedback from the students on every lesson on how it could be improved and keep them engaged.

I firstly engage with students by demonstrating and building respectful relationships. I have used many platforms to engage with students facebook, whats app, pinterest, instagram

I heard of a teacher that developed a wiki about the “tree fish”. Then set up a class exercise where he asked his students to research the tree fish. They found the page on the internet and were happy to accept this as true fact.
Obviously, it was a lesson the demonstrate that all that you read on the internet is not true–the CSI method discussed in the reading, would be the next step to following up this lesson.

I have used different strategies that include face to face and online learning with my students. i do prefer face to face because I find that I connect easier with the students however during COVID things have changed. As a result I have changed too and embraced more technology tools to connect with my students. Being flexible and open to learn is a key to effective communication.

COVID brought opportunities to be trained in online classrooms and apps. I taught in a similar way as a corporate technology teacher teaching adults. I used virtual classrooms to train staff in in-house and Microsoft applications and I’ve created some online training aids. As a teacher I’ve facilitated students using apps, online learning sites and helped them scan and take notes from website content. Students want to use technology and also watch videos – music or stories on iPads or the shared classroom screen. They are most engaged when they can share their screen with the main classroom screen to… Read more »

I have used numerous modes of teaching over the years both in schools and in higher education institutions. Face to face teaching, to fully online courses, to a mix of blended learning. In all approaches, starting off with hello, my name is Chris and I will be your teacher has usually been a good way to start the ball rolling. Getting to know your students in those initial lessons is paramount to establishing rapport and, identifying students who may need additional assistance. Even in an online environment, like this year during covid, one cannot dismiss the importance of having an… Read more »

The best way to communicate with any group on the generational spectrum is to understand them first by understanding their preferred communication style. Try some flexibility in adjusting to the communication style of the group. This will enable in establishing a common protocol. When a common protocol is established, the information flows easily. It is important to remember that we are humans, and we want to be valued and respected. We will value communication more if the information is correct and there is no hidden agenda. Picking the right technology for the right task is very important. Apart from being… Read more »

Recently I came across the concept of digital citizenship which is about using technology responsibly. Cyberbullying, copyright, plagiarism, digital footprint and proper conduct when using the internet or social media can all be integrated into our teaching.

Discussing with learners what kinds of information are safe or unsafe to share online. I realised the significance of developing learners’ knowledge in these aspects when young high-profile footballers got themselves in strife by putting their private activities on social media and it fast became public knowledge.

I find in a classroom setting that if you can have a face to face conversation with each student on arrival you make a intent connection and know where they are at this works well for all generations.

I think having an understanding of what has influenced generations and the subsequent characteristics portrayed by different groups is very interesting and can impact communication styles and techniques. I think I rely too much on technology to communicate, it seems easier to text or email than pick up the phone but for some generations this may not be the best method.

Communicating with our students is always an issue as their English language skills start at non-existent through to functional. we have learned to use a variety of forms of communication in the hope that one of them will hit the mark. printed English text, printed text in their first language, voice messages (these work well as their spoken language is often a bit better than their written. We use a range of technologies but working with migrants and refugees our biggest barrier to technology is their access to it…as we found out quickly when we had to deliver mixed mode.… Read more »

I think the most important thing is to ensure we use a variety of technology but it has to be used where appropriate. I use email, mobile phones, microsoft teams etc. It is important not to use technology just for the sake of technology. There is still a lot of value in face to face communication. However allowing your students to access a multitude of forums will ensure you give them the opportunity to access the skillset needed for their future.

Although I am on the edge of baby boomer and Gen X, I certainly have an appreciation for the generations I am currently teaching and mentoring to compared to the Generation I began with over 20 years ago. I am a true believer of using the technology to both improve and enhance delivery in teaching. My hobbies as musician and video work has been implemented into my delivery. In this world where youtube is a surrogate teacher, I use this technology as a compliment by creating video content then uploading to youtube then sharing this with students as additional study… Read more »

I find it’s the assumptions that are made about generations and their ability to use and understand technology that is the biggest hindrance….not only for those making the assumptions but also for those having had the assumptions made about them. For example my son (Gen Z) feels embarrassed when he doesn’t know how to do something technology wise because everything thinks he “should know” how to do it.

In my job as an adult literacy educator I have to teach baby boomers how to use a computer, how to email, how to use their phone and so on. In this context I need to include traditional teaching techniques as it is with these styles and methods, these learners feel most comfortable learning.

We use a variety of technology with our students. Some struggle but I note it is not their generation as much as their circumstances.

I am using Moodle. Microsoft Teams, Adobe Connect when required to do online or connected learning. However, many students still like face-to-face. Even last week I had feedback from a student (yes, probably in a baby boomer category who questioned our having online Adobe connect sessions for tutorials even though we are in a covid-19 avoidance environment). Some people need more support than others to successfully access the online learning systems.

I have found its best to give learners given options for participating in classes. Some will be naturally more outspoken than others. Some may prefer to communicate electronically with the group or with me directly. I have used a variety of tools and technologies including Moodle, Canvas, Edmodo, Microsoft Teams, Adobe Connect and Skype.

We have a range of learners come through our section and because the course is focused on a particular field I find it easy to communicate, regardless of when you were born we are all wanting to know and share our experiences about our subject/topic.
The harder to engage topics however, present more of a problem in that the students have less interest and only by relating it back to our field can this help but not always. Relating our experiences or creating discussion help.

I regularly have cohorts of students ranging from Baby Boomers to Gen Z who are undertaking short courses ( 6 hours) online. As there is not much time to spend familiarising yourself with their preferred learning styles and needs I ensure I make verbal contact with each learner at the commencement of class. I can usually make an educated guess as to how they will cope with technology and online delivery. There is always an interesting mix of personalities and individual characteristics that allow me to engage the learners effectively. As they are large groups (usually 30 students) linking from… Read more »

I get the students to use their phones for research and solving problems. MSTeams has been a great resource during the pandemic and helped deliver content in a new and exciting way.

I have been using MS Teams as a virtual classroom. We start off each class with a bit of social time, as we would have if we were in a face-to-face class. This is a check in to see how everyone is going, and how their week has been. Within the Class Team I use Microsoft Forms, Mentimeter, Padlet, Whiteboard for activities. The students have enjoyed these, however I am careful not to use too many or too much variety, This can take away from the learning. Students use their microphones and the chat box to communicate. I use a… Read more »

Teams for online classes but has also been a great help for one on one with students, especially as can be done outside ‘normal’ class times. Also use Forms for Attendance.

Teams has given a platform to connect to learners during COVID. Use of Forms has helped one on one engagement.

Teams has been successful during COVID to connect one on one with each student. In the classroom I try to change the methods of technology and resources used and rely on the students to guide the way they want to learn, I find for me is the most effective way of engagement.

I have been using excel and power point at various times and use MS Project for Project Management to engage students. I have noticed that students feel more engaged when they use the technology themselves. Connected delivery during COVID has opened doors for many technologies to explore and use in the class room. As it is the transition phase, still many students get engaged via the online sessions.

direct speech combined with visual support to concrete the message. I work in special education therefore limited long instructions. Reduce the speed of speech. Shorten the sentences and demonstrate as deliver communication.