Share your experiences teaching Gen Z. What are their characteristics? What are some of the challenges? What strategies could be used to manage these challenges?
What types of technology do you use in your teaching practices to engage your students? Share any resources, links or strategies you have found to be effective.
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Share your experiences teaching Gen Z. Gen Z want to learn when they see the purpose and fun way to work together to produce an item that they can share with the rest of the group. They are eager to use technology in this process. What are their unique characteristics? Most Gen Z students find writing for periods of time tiresome to the point of aguish. They are energetic groupwork/team players unaware of the noise they make. They want to publish and perform what they’ve created/researched/typed. What are some of the challenges? Encouraging students to proof read their projects and… Read more »
Sizable number of VET students where I teach comes from Gen Z. The most noticeable characteristic of this cohort in my opinion is the lack of communication and participation. They are generally quiet and don’t tell if they are having any difficulty. I encourage them to let their teachers know if they need any help. The message does not seem to be getting through as we lose several students halfway through the semester. When we try to contact them via email, normally we don’t hear back. One possible explanation is that they might have enrolled in a “wrong” course. As… Read more »
Technology is a great boon for education, the immediacy of information at your fingertips. However, conceptual learning and retention may be a problem. I used to think it didn’t matter if you could not recall information, because all you had to do is search again, and there it is again–and it may be an updated version.
I do find it hard to teach when students are looking on their phone. If you ask them to put them away its like you are punishing them or even physically hurting them. Its interesting hearing the statistics on this, they really have been raised to be addicted to these devices so we can’t expect any other behaviour.
As a matter of courtesy, I ask my students to put their mobile devices away. If they need to answer a call, then they asked to quietly leave the room. This is obviously much easier with adult learners.
I think that teaching Gen Z has its positives and negatives. Personally I have an 8yr old son who has Autism and technology has been amazing Ibn helloing him to engage and collaborate with peers. Something that he really has a hard time doing. I feel that as teachers and educators we need to adapt our teaching to meet the students needs and learning abilities;ities, no matter which generation they stem from
Sophie, I’ve worked with a range of children with varying degrees of autism. I found most of these children preferred quiet, calm learning environments and could not cope with noise. This seems very different to the general Gen Z group. All the children liked using technology and being able to type and use spell check and/or voice to type has been a game changer for their writing and project work.
As I teach in a trade class to engage students I give a research activity where they have to use YouTube to find a style they connect with then they have to create the style in class and then have a class discussion on the technique used.
Connecting research activity with Youtube sounds good idea. If they produce the work, it is a good stratey.
Gen Z do see short text like language as the norm. The challenge is to keep them focused and retaining their interest throughout a session. I find variety and mixed modes of delivery the key. There are a wealth of resources around on youtube, TED Talks and games, crosswords, multiple choice on moodle.
Thanks for the tips, Joy. I have to agree that variety and mised modes of delivery is key. I also find if I give them choices, then they are show far more commitment and energetic in the learning process.
Sounds like he was just talking about my kids! I try to interact with my kids through Snap-chat etc but they generally just block me lol. My students however don’t (well most don’t). I set up groups on Whats App or Facebook in my ESL classrooms and i find its the younger students that contribute the most this way whereas in class they are often the quiet ones.
Some TAFE teachers were successfully using Facebook and WhatsApp to keep their students focussed and engaged. Students used to post questions and their fellow students would comment and provide answers. I think current TAFE policies don’t allow teachers to use such apps.
Most of my students are very engaged with technology because they are migrants and refugees who are in contact with family overseas, they love music and enjoy having it on in the background during class and they like a lot of action in the classroom. They come from cultures that have a lot of music and dancing. Some of the challenges for me are using technology in meaningful ways (I am teaching English) and finding/creating technology resources that are interesting but adjusted for their level of English skills. Strategies to use could be noticing what and how they use technology… Read more »
I agree Keryn you have to keep it fun but as you say it is always about finding materials at a suitable level for their language development that will engage them.
I think its a fantastic way to engage your learners and make them feel comfortable, also a universal language 🙂
I find with teaching generation Z you need to keep it new and exciting. I often will have one outcome I want them to achieve and practice that skill or idea through various ways. I often will have 3-5 different tasks that achieve one outcome. Generation Z like to learn through practical means and pen to paper just doesn’t really engage them. This generation needs to feel engaged and as soon as they are not they want to focus on something else. Being flexible and keeping things new and exciting helps them to focus more.
Hi Jessica i tend to do the same thing – one outcome and attach it through a range of activities and because they are learning English – repetition.
it is great to give them practical work to do and work on together and keep the class lively so they feel it is an interesting class…they are quickly bored!!
I agree Jessica this also create a great atmosphere in the classroom.
I agree Jessica,
If you intend to sue technology in lessons it helps them feel engaged with the content. they also seem to like activities and games and this helps to cement the learning so I feel like its a good option to include in lessons.
The previous video made me rethink my expectations of how students “should” engage in a classroom. Even when I look at my own habits, I find I am getting better with multi tasking and interruptions, noise levels etc so I can see why my students can focus on more than one task or noise at a time.
Kudos to anyone that can multitask with interruptions and noise. The older i get the worse i am becoming at it lol
I also have to rethink my expectations and have understanding that this is how this generation learns as I prefer no noise or distraction to learn they are great multi skilled.
I agree Amanda, we must remember out target audiences are not always going to learn in a way that we think they should
That’s so true, we always talk about writing and communicating to your audience. we need to know what engages our students and try to teach to them as much as possible. This should increase class participation and assist students to achieve their goals and desired outcomes.
I teach Beauty Therapy at TAFE and I’m a X Gen teaching Gen Z so yes my School and TAFE experience is very different to what my learners are experiencing now. They are so lucky as they have so many more recourses to engage and use and the learning technology has come such a long way. Most of my learners have phones where you can get them to look up information and you can also have fun with Kahoot games. Plus we use Google classroom plus we have Moodle that engage our learner where ever they are now on campus… Read more »
I agree with you Megan, we Gen Xers need to embrace new things and look at technology as a bonus not a barrier particularly during Covid where students maybe not be on campus. We have also tried live cooking demos via teams for our apprentice chefs.
Listening to the lecture earlier I can see these traits in my win children who are GenZ. The way they learn and how they function is vastly different to mine as I grew up with chalk and talk method of learning (I did not do well there). I, as a learner, did well in the adult learning context where student verbal participation is most common verbalised, I talk and learn, Gen Z I have found in my teaching does not work so well, but they express themselves well using their e language which is a recent development.
Hi Kay
At least these days we can upload files and keep e-porfolios as evidence for assessments. Also we can use our phones to document our observations which is handy.
I think this is a very important issue for educators, especially those of us who are from a very different generation and have been teaching as long as the age of Gen Z students. I still scratch my head sometimes why we still use very outdated methods (that we used as part of our education) of delivery and assessing to a generation who is used to a very different, modern technological world Personally, from an education perspective, as a responsibility to the next generation, we should be grasping and engaging and looking at both ways to better deliver as well… Read more »
I agree here. I also feel like they are teaching us. Which I too find very exciting. I think this is a great time to use the students to our benefit. Allowing everyone the opportunity to show their skills and teach each other in the classroom. I think we should definitely update our classrooms with a more modern approach to learning. Learning from one another not just from the teacher at the front of the room. Teachers should definitely be facilitating a lesson but students learn even more when teaching one another.
Hi Paul, I found your comments very interesting as i had never thought like this before. You are right though…. they are teaching us and keeping us up to date with their world and we need to watch and learn and use this information to underpin our classes. thanks for that insight.
I think once you have an understanding of the ability and actually comfort that students have in multitasking, working with distractions and noise….then it opens up exciting opportunities to assist your students to learn in this new environment.
Yes Jodie, not only understanding but possibly learning ourselves how to achieve this skill
I agree with your comments. I also think that once you have an understanding and appreciation of how younger students operate, your tolerance to this behaviour increases–Ie you understand why they feel so attached to their mobile devices.
With COVID19 is challenging for many students to use technology. In many cases people don’t have the resources and money to access online education.
There is a genuine problem for some students to access online education but we need to make sure we don’t use this as a barrier,
I actually get these students to use their phones in class as tools for research and problem solving.
If they are using this time for social media i simply ask them if it is helping with research and problem solving. If it is helping they will volunteer the info quite happily. If they are using the time to ‘ not engage’ and chat with social media friends, this becomes a friendly reminder to re-join the class.
Adam, I agree so much with this. This is the technology they have access to, why are we not embracing it, learning from it and delivering from it
This is great. Making them use their phones as a learning tool in the classroom I feel helps them engage more effectively. After all this is most likely the same tool they would use at home when researching or looking for answers.
I think the generations bring a new and exciting challenge. We need to understand and relate to these students as we can, as they need. We need to learn as much as we can and involve each student in their learning. We need to remember they are part of a generation but also individuals.
so true Tracey and we need to remember that the learning is theirs and not ours, We are providing the context, tasks and experiences, but it is for our students and not for our teaching experience. Our teaching practice is defined by the k=learning characteristics of our learners, not the other way around.
Yes I agree all very exciting times to be a learner now in this environment
This generation is far more adaptable to the use of technology, which was recently demonstrated to me when we moved from face-to-face classes to connected delivery via MS Teams. The challenge for me has been to balance the variety of generations in the classroom and cater to all their needs with the move to connected delivery. Overall it has been positive. Students have been interested and engaged with the new methods of teaching.
I agree Barb challenging but an opportunity and overall very positive.
I too agree Barb, the challenge is trying to adapt with the many generations in the one classroom. I have found that the younger students are very willing to help the older students with any tech challenges.
its great to embrace the learners mode of learning however I find that organizationally we don’t have the equipment or resources to do so
Our methods of assessment are outdated and also don’t suit these skill sets that this generation have
This is a tough one Jean. Hang in there and remember you can only do what you can do,with what you are given.
Jean, yes you are right. We as educators can do our bit but until organisation tools such as assessments catch up it still makes it tricky for the students.
In F2F classes they see their mobile phones as mandatory. On the positive side, with many of my students having English as a 2nd language, they use their phones to look up a translation or something they don’t understand. On the negative side, they are also constantly checking their phones – messages, FB, Instagram. This fear of missing something is a constant challenge in the classroom, trying to keep them focused. Now with COVID and online teaching it is harder to monitor, (so heavens knows what else they are doing during online classtime!) although they do seem quite happy to… Read more »
I often think are my very young students standing on their head? I wouldnt know. Overall though I find them engaged and participating.
In the COVID connected learning environment, I’m finding the Gen Z are engaging well. They will comment and interact far more than in a face to face situation. I have also noticed that they will help guide others in this connected forum. This is quite different in face to face where they will not offer as much assistance to others.
this comment is interesting as I teach health and find that this group of students have great computer skills but limited interpersonal skills essential for industry
Maybe their strengths need to be extended to real people
I find a lot of this generation have limited oral communication skills and do not like speaking on the telephone.
David, this is an interesting observation and definitely holds truth to what Michael has just been talking about.
Yes I have seen this a lot with our connected learning as well.
I deliver a lot of short live online courses using connected classroom technology where students are required to be visible and in attendance for a minimum of 6 hours. This is quite a challenge especially when the Gen Z students are wired to their mobile phones and are expected to focus on other forms of technology to successfully complete the course. They may also be in a classroom by themselves so I have adopted a method of ensuring I communicate with each student regularly and make a note of each time I have interacted with them. It is vitally important… Read more »
With COVID-19 we are no longer able to teach face to face during the pandemic. I was nervous about going to connected learning methods. i.e. Microsoft Teams and how we would keep students engaged online. I find the conversation and interaction seems to be less in an online class, however, they will happily comment in the chat bar, or scan QR codes and complete Microsoft Forms, and also menti meter works well. I think we have to be constantly trying new things and be willing to adapt to working with the students in what formats they respond best too. I… Read more »
My experiences with the move to connected delivery is similar to yours Nardia.
I suppose COVID has forced n-many educators to upskill in their capability in delivering online learning, which is a good thing if we are to be responsive to learners changing the way of learning. As most of us use these modes of delivery differently we need to become more creative in how we manage our learning experiences during online learning. I believe this is a very exciting time for teachers as it is shaking up what we do and how we do it, fantastic!!
Attitude is certainly the first characteristic that comes to mind and after session one mentioning that I am part of this Gen-Y bracket I can see these shifts even in myself and the way I have learned or learning. Always leaving things till the last minute is another but the most interesting is they are able to do anything on a phone including emails but unable to do them on a laptop or desk top; also including emails. Challenges are keeping them engaged and keeping them on a schedule (to get assessments in on time). Technology used to keep them… Read more »
I find phones really useful for recording results of group activities such as observations of appearances of test samples etc – this is useful for reports on the investigations. Also group tasks recorded on the whiteboard etc. If they are recording what they see in the microscope their hands are much steadier than mine – younger or better fine motor skills?
I find some students unable to mix both interpersonal communication and gross motor skills i.e. in showering a client
perhaps being a Gen z is a disadvantage in the real world?
I agree with many on here. I have found that allowing students to use their phones as part of their learning helps in keeping them interested and engaged.
Also, encouraging the students to take a little control of which content they want to explore and which activities they would like to do, can make the classroom experience more enjoyable for all.
I agree with you, I use Microsoft Forms often and students can just scan the QR code, they seem to just jump in and do it, however, if you were to ask them to hand write answers, they would put off doing it.
Carol I totally agree. The mobile phone is the Gen Z note pad and pen !!
I agree with your comment Carol.
Having flexible students means I do not have the F2F problems with Gen Z, but they do want links on where they can find information and expect instant answers from the sites.
There is an assumption that Gen Z have great tech skills – I feel they have great Social Media skills – but need help creating a work document, or inserting a table!
It is sad they avoid taking risks – with risk comes reward
This may vary – some young people have no qualms in doing operations and not worrying whether it will do something bad, unlike people who are afraid of doing anything in case it mucked something up.
I tend to agree with Neryl here as I have come across the same characteristics. Students have been whizzes on their phones i.e. messages (they type so fast!) understanding how to engage others on FB, Instagram and even use email however short the sentence but once they are on a desk or laptop seem to struggle to put together a word doc or attach it to a email not to mention formatting.
I’m sure there are others that debate this but this is only my experience in my short time of online teaching.
I have noticed that Gen Z students are always easily distracted by the messages on the phones They are always connected on social media and feel like lost if they are asked to switch off their phones in class. I find their distraction becomes less if they are given some visual presentation and are using technology to learn.
I agree, rather than fight it, use it by getting students to find information or research something relevant that they can contribute to the class discussion.
My experience with generation Z is that they expect to be connected and able to access information at any time. My approach to is to use teaching methods that engage them through the use of technology.
Agree with this , Gen Z like technology for learning very much.
I agree with this too, we used to email out resources, however, have now created an online learning profile with very clear sections and all information is available when they want it. Very well received.
Mounir I encourage Gen Z to use their phones as part of the lessons and set tasks that use this technology. I often say the mobile phone is Gen Z note pad and pen!!
I find that the experience of teaching Gen Z is that they often come to a classroom with substantial prior knowledge of the subject being taught. Teaching trade skills to high school students that interest them, ensures that they are well researched via social media, facebook , ista and YouTube clips . The main challenge is demonstrating and gaining their acceptance that I am also an expert in my field and guiding them to resources that are indeed excellent in the social media realm. Many short sharp activities, group discussions, whole class discussions work well. As long as everyone has… Read more »
I find Gen Z to be confident and tech savvy. The challenges for this group of learners is they have short attention span, they become bored quickly and skim through things.
Strategies I use to engage my learners is to be more specific and to the point, to be done in chunks and give regular breaks.
Resources used are light probe, desk computers, powerpoint presentation and email. With COVID-19 and remote delivery use of Microsoft teams meetings, smart phones, Microsoft forms and electronic documents.
I agree with the challenges Tamar outlined. To overcome these challenges I use multiple teaching/learning methods, use technology and get them to contribute to their own learning.
Agreed, these are good ways to get their attention in the class
Students are NOT all ‘tech savvy’. In fact, the whole myth of the ‘digital native’ overlooks the fact that kids simply use technology as a tool, as when they need it. This is different from being ‘tech savvy’ . What young people are is less worried about technology then older people, simply because they have grown up with it. They don’t worry about making mistakes. However, they do push back when technology is imposed on them unexpectedly ( as in the recent lock up of the world), and the suspension of face to face classes. So many assumptions are presented… Read more »
I agree with Jennifer- like so many others having to teach digitally due to COVID whilst delivering to high school students, I had a expectation that the majority of the students would breeze through the tech part. This was definitely not the case. As well as some students lacking the ability to engage online,I also experienced a degree of push back.
Some students dealt with the connected learning fine – others didn’t . It seems to be quite variable. Having access to good internet is paramount as well though.
Agree Jennifer, this is how I have found them to be! Not necessarily tech savvy but using technology only when needed, as a tool. I also find that they are afraid to push buttons, it is only a computer generally anything you do can be undone…
In 2020 i used ZOOM to communicate with the student for Home Learning.. Due to COVID 19 lock down.
For the lower grade disability students, I set up SEESAW which is a primary level of technology platform.
I teach YK and my students ask me to look up informations on subjects such as sharks and spiders on google. The use of books as information is almost redundant. Although I provide opportunities for them to undertake “hands on” learning, IT is unsurpassable – saves time finding specific information and engages students with video.
Hi, I use a lot of books, and take the student to the library each week. As a student to read a book to you, see how they remember a certain story part on specific pages.
Technology keeps changing. I still prefer to read a chapter from a book and ask the students to extend (imagination) how would they change the story or a paragraph.
Books are like technology in that they are also a tool for learning. Reading a book is actually more comfortable for many. Click and search is more about finding initial information. As well, if you are researching, you will print out the article so that you can 1. Keep it to remind you of its existence, 2. Make notes all over it. Much better than ipad and pen on many cognitive levels.
Younger students love to interact and be given responsibility to help out. They enjoy stories that show a little vulnerability on the part of the teacher and love to tell their own stories.
Yes i agree you must be an early childhood teacher or Kindie, The foundation of the literacy and imagination begins here. And exploring with creative art hands on activity is sensory engagement and exploring. That is one thing an I Pad is restricted at providing all the different feelings of material in one ART trolley. i do like technology… But, i still see the benefits in the original way of teaching, reading books, writing on paper, constructing messy art work and exploring ideas by experiments, take now the notes and reflect on the notes before writing review.
Younger students always have their phones in the classroom, they feel lost without them and we have to work out how to use the tool of their phone in an engaging and collaborative way – Kahoot is a great example of how to use technology as a weekly review of work form the previous week and its is also fun. My experience is that all students love Kahoot and we often have lots of laughs – which also assists relationship building
Totally agree! Kahoot is great 🙂
The majority of my students are older women who are wanting to get back into the workforce and are not tech savvy, during the recent changes whereby we had to continue lessons via connected delivery using Microsoft TEAMS and a virtual network to access Medical software presented many challenges, however their resilience and perseverance in using these new platforms has benefited them by teaching them to be adaptability.
Sounds like you did a great job with helping them through the transition to connected learning which can be particularly challenging for those of us who are older.
Yes, I find the older students to be more determined and resilient especially with the connected delivery as they are able to manage their time and priorities tasks.
I agree the older students are often more motivated, the younger ones can become bored and can give up too easily. With mixed ages in a class and having to teach online can certainly be an interesting challenge for teachers, but like the students, we are constantly having to learn and adapt!
My students are mostly aged NESB learners and therefore getting them to do activities online was a big challenge especially when we started online classes on TEAMS. But perseverance paid off and now 99% of my class are literally experts on TEAMS and they enjoy this mode of learning
I also found it a challenge to engage all students/families with Google classroom when adapting learning to online during lockdown.
Exactly! Many students resist the change – for many reasons. What is happening now is that technology ( which is fun to use and useful) is being imposed on those who do not want to use it.
This was a really interesting topic. I primarily teach Accounting students online and find for many of the mostly mature students providing good support early on & them gaining confidence in technology is a key to success in the course. My experience with Gen Z on the other hand is primarily face to face in the classroom. I found quick sharp sessions on a topic with an allowance for interactive “chat” throughout the longer sessions helped. Earbuds did seem to aid concentration, and I have certainly observed anxiety induced in some students by not being able to constantly react to… Read more »
As a vocational teacher, my students are a mixture of Gen X, Y and Z. In the 2nd term this year (2020) I had to switch to connected learning using MS Teams and I noticed that Gen Y are more comfortable with the change than previous generations.
I have classes with generational divides from ages 16-70+. The younger ones are great at helping the older ones with their IT skills and it is great to see them helping each other. The younger ones don’t often contribute as much in class discussions though but are constantly on their phones and will come to class without even a pen or pencil to write with as they take notes, pictures etc electronically. I am happy when I have IT problems, help is usually at hand within the class room!
Hi Trish, yes, I often feel the same way with having multi generational learner groups. I was struck recently though, as I make assumptions that younger learners have the technology skills to access drives, Moodles, virtual meeting rooms…. One learner, late teenager, certainly struggled with accessing these platforms and using the technology required to support their learning process. I have had to reflect on the assumptions I make about technology and the younger learner.
Absolutely. I use multiage groupings with the same positive results.
I also feel the same way having the generational divides in a classroom has many benefits, with the younger students being tech savvy and able to assist our older learners adapt to the technological changes.
I am always happy to acknowledge the expertise in the room when it comes to technology, and the younger cohorts always engage in this space with their phones and supporting other mature students, has some great outcomes for both groups
Occasionally a class will come along with attendees aged 18 -78. Gen Z folks tend to have the confidence to ask questions when many older members of the group would prefer to say nothing so as to not appear less smart. I never cease to be delighted at the impact this group has on other class members – emboldening them to find the courage to speak up and to have faith in themselves. The phone certainly plays a significant role for this group and I do encourage appropriate use in class to check uploads and demonstrate research.
I have had the opposite experience where the older students have had lots of input and life experiences to share and the younger ones seem to be hesitant to share. Maybe because we are learning about aged care, that may make the difference.
I agree that the younger learners and older learners can learn so much from each other. Its also good for them to share their experiences and show empathy and understanding to people in different generations.
What an interesting group to work with – such and age range and skill level.
Have had this cohorts of students in the past as well and I agree with your comments. Gen Z students are great at offering assistance with technology, on the other hand the older students seem to offer assistance with communication techniques. An interesting contrast and learning experience
I am the parent of 2 Gen Zs, however I am also not your typical Gen Y parent, perhaps because of teaching. I have in my career met many parents who shield their children (my students) and turn to blame rather than realise the wrong their own child has been involved in. As such I am supportive of my own children’s teachers and first question my child as to what they may have done/not done. I do see that this has lead my children to own their mistakes, be honest and learn from the mistake. I find Kahoot a great… Read more »
I mostly have Generations older than Z but occasionally there will be a couple of them in class.They are definitely ‘the driving force’ in the class and often ask questions no one else would. I love it !
As for the technology, I am often overwhelmed by the amount of apps we can use today so I am trying to limit myself to a few at a time.ATM my favorite are Kahoot, Quizlet and Google Forms/Classroom.I love using mobile technology for gaming in class- it’s a great resource.
So true about the abundance of apps out there Marina!
Yes I feel the same way too Marina. Often, we have so many options when it comes to technology, I have to remind myself of the one constraint, time! These options to support the learning process need to be balanced with the time constraints that exist for our courses.
I feel the same way Marina, there seems to be so many options associated with technology. Students definitely like the use of the various apps.
The use of technological tools like Kahoot in particular engages younger students and they also in my experience assist the mature students to get access to the quiz if they are having difficulty, which has a nice flow on effect of building a collaborative, cohesive and respectful classroom.
The difficulty as an ESOL teacher is that older and less tech savvy students sit side by side with young Gen Ys. When using PCs the former tend to struggle with managing different passwords and simply navigating websites, while the Gen Ys complete tasks in no time. There is certainly a massive digital divide in certain learner groups. However, mobile phones seem to be working for the older generation who can use online dictionaries, but may be less confident with using the internet.
I found it interesting to hear about the benefits of technology to this generation of learners. I am often caught up in what I think is being lost. The implications such as fine motor skill development for surgeons is quite fascinating. It is good to consider the wider perspective so as to consider how we can best harness the skills of these learners while ensuring key interpersonal are maintained.
Very insightful information on our “plugged in” generation. I teach a range of ages with a varying degree of IT skills and adaptability – from no skills or interest at all in technology to totally reliant on and connected to “the phone”.
Makes for very interesting lesson preparation and delivery.
I find I am in the same situation Christine. I find,dependent on the situation beyond school, the skill of the students I teach ranges from no technological interest or capability through to highly capable and accomplished.
This whole concept of GenZ and multitasking still baffles me. I have recently completed training refugees that have been in our country for 4 years. They used their phones literally as a dictionary to find the meaning of any words I was using. However generally if I am training the same age group I don’t allow phones only in their breaks. This has been an interesting segment for me to listen to.
My experience with Gen Z in the classroom is that they are permanently switched on to their phone + social media. I try to incorporate this by using egagement tools like Kahoot & Mentimeter that they can access on their phone. Great recap for the start of a session or a way to determine understanding at the end and students love the competitiveness (+ the chocolate rewards). Some of my students like to setup FB groups to connect with others but this can be fraught with inclusivity and privacy issues and is something I don’t actively encourage.
I like to use Edmodo, which is a cross between Facebook and a moodle. It is free and easy to use, and encourages student interaction. I also like uploading additional materials, so students can practice their skills in their own time.
I agree Lisa, the Gen Z students that were engaged in online learning absolutely embraced the Kahoot & Mentimeter activities and they certainly enjoyed the instant collaboration aspects of their input being sought and valued.
Liza, yes this is a good strategy with keeping them engaged.