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
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.
Yes Brenda, this works but there is always a chance that someone might take it personal, especially the young and fragile. If you understand your cohort and you believe that this approach does not have any unintended consequences, it is fine.
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.
Amanda i agree the value in a verbal conversation is gold. I think any generation does appreciate it.
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 »
As with any good teaching no one method will suit everyone and as you say Keryn variety is the key, especially when you’re teaching multigenerational groups of English language learners.
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.
Hi Jessica, I had the same thought about using technology and the value of face to face communication. Using a variety of methods allows for different groups to engage with the message in their own way.
Thanks Jessica, this is something i need to work on.
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.
Jodie, I am also surprised and have made the same assumptions, and I am agreeing that maybe there are unrealistic assumptions that this generation needs to be tech savvy. Maybe because of our generation, we have a drive, but now understanding what we have learnt, I need to change my perspectives
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.
Very interesting Kay, it’s combining the two, traditional learning with technology that can make learning both enjoyable and rewarding
We use a variety of technology with our students. Some struggle but I note it is not their generation as much as their circumstances.
Tracey, you are correct. Some students will always struggle with technology. I used to think that the students who struggle with technology might have disability but that is not the case. In fact, some students with a disability are very good at using new technologies.
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 that some of my Gen Z learners are uncomfortable with using a PC or laptop but very comfortable using their phones, to the point where they will complete their assessments in their phone.
Hi Vszopen
I manage a section that has students in a wide range of a ages and i agree with you. i have found that most of them would prefer face to face classes if possible. they have really not enjoyed the lack of face to face classes during covid. i think it is not just the teaching but also the camaraderie they miss. classes are often the only time they are in a safe space to practice talking English.
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.
Interesting, I wonder how this works, I assume you find it successful, I try not to force but encourage. It’s hard to gauge how they are going if there is no participation. Thanks for sharing
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.
Yes, totally agree and how powerful is it when we start to share our stories!
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 »
What a great range of options you use. I can imagine it is difficult to get the groups mixing together. Thanks for sharing.
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.
Phones are really great for many people even the baby boomers
How universal is phone technology now that we can use it as part of our teaching experience!
I think this is great for students of all ages. After all the mobile phone is what most people use as their first go to in looking for answers. Such a great tool to use in the modern classroom.
Hi Adam, throughout covid we have found with our refugee students that using phones and whatsapp was the most successful way to contact them. you could send pictures, text and spoken messages and above all they were all on whats app. we found with things like teams they didn’t have the technology at their end to support this as a teaching tool. as things have changed and we have some teachers caught in the cross border COVID wars we have brought the students into the classroom while the teacher is remote and this works a lot better than the other… Read more »
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 »
I’ve been using Padlet too Barb. A great tool. Works beeter for viewing students work than Teams.
We have fortnightly drop in sessions on MS Teams so that students can interact with one another but also with the teachers on a rotational basis. We are there for any questions the students might have and always try to bring to the table interesting information that has come out such as new products, new studies, training methods or any new technology, health and welfare issues or updates.
It is important that student can see whom they are talking to as this gives a sense or realness, especially in our current climate.
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.
I like Microsoft Teams as a communication tool too.
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 like this approach Carol
Changing resources and using current industry practices also helps our students engage as most of them haven’t been able to see the most up to date practices because of their location or situation. Really gets them in!
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.
I have a tendency to talk fast so have to make a conscious effort to slow down when working online and also ask the students to let me know if I don’t, especially as English is a second language for many.
These are excellent strategies Theresa. Thanks for sharing!
Within a classroom setting, I would use open communication strategies to draw out prior knowledge and demonstrate understanding .However, we are all different and communication methodology can and does change rapidly depending on aspects such as content ,external environmental factors ,the length of the relationship that has been established and the trust levels.
During COVID, communication has been through TEAMS ,Zoom, sway, whiteboard, PP , email and closed social media groups.
totally agree. Despite that i have student with severe Autism challenges, and all the training for Teams and Zooms. Majority of the special needs students could not participate as they do not have verbal communication. During COVID 19 these group of high needs students were certainly at a disadvantage.
They miss their friends and miss a lot of learning time.
Teams is a great platform. The use of the raised hand or direct questioning can help engage learners.
I find the students using the chat line more than they would talk in class as I think they feel less intimidated, so going online has had some unexpected advantages.
Great strategies Fiona. I agree
Yes Teams has saved the day for the creative courses. The raised hand was a great addition during the term.
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.
Yes, i remember those days. I remember teaching students to swipe the i pad and move slowly when entering a command into the computer. .
I learn a lot from the students. With new technology I’m not afraid to engage learners to help show the way.
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 agree, we need to use technology where it is required and where it is helpful to students in their learning.
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’.
when language is an issue I encourage me students to use their phones and working pairs so that they can approach the task and then I check with them that they are on the right track. This is critical as not all classroome=s have computers, but the tools the internet provides for real learning engagement are essential.
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 agree with Jacquelyn-social media especially facebook has been a great tool with Gen Z students during COVID.
Many of which appear to view email as antiquated with little or no response.
I agree totally, particularly when communicating with Gen Y as they respond almost immediately. Email does not work so well with this cohort as it is “antiquated”. Of course, you then need to use alternative communication tools to engage the other generations.
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
Yes, with emails being linked to mobiles it is a really effective form of communication with students. You’re right, the repsonse is quick allowing for fast feedback and a more opend dialogue between student and teacher.
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.
Yes, agree Caroline. Taking the time to communicate with the learner and ascertaining their individual learning styles, then utilising appropriate tools paves the way to an effective learning experience for that learner. Also builds rapport.
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.
I agree with Jennifer -having delivered multiple online course , a 20 minute phone/facetime/ skype saves an enormous amount of time.
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.
Yes I also follow the same. You are righty shy students too respond in online sessions.
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