I enjoyed the session on the Millennial Student during Faculty Development Week. Thank goodness for 23 Things on a Stick which enabled me to get to Generation X on the quiz we took. I got a 10 on the quiz, but I can justify it. My parents don't text and since I don't do illegal things, I really don't know where to download free music from the Internet.
I thought it was interesting that when we were coming up with characteristics of the Millennial Generation, the group found it difficult to express the descriptions in positive terms. Some of the terms were: self-absorbed, flexible ethics, want to be rewarded for existing.
Some of the things we should be doing for the millennial student:
Communication - in kind. Let students determine mode of communication whether it be email, text, IM. Facebook and MySpace are ways to communicate with the students that they will pay attention to.
Make sure students have specific instruction/directions. Show relevance for what they have to do. They want to know why or how it will benefit them.
Single point log-in. It is a hassle when students have to log onto the student portal and then log in again for online classes.
Update the Library website so that it is user friendly and customizable for the student.
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As we discussed millennial students, I felt proud of our library team. We seem to be meeting many of the technology needs of our younger students. (Hurrah for Meebo!) At the same time, it's important that we remember to teach/assist the older-than-average students so that they don't get stuck behind a technology barrier.
This quarter, I'm thinking of focusing most of my open workshops around the needs of students who are older or who haven't been in school for a long time. Maybe I can teach them some of the 23 Things skills I learned.
I think a big challenge in teaching millennial students is that their favorite learning methods don't correspond closely to how I was taught or how I like to teach. I tend to lecture because my instructors lectured, etc.
I think our library team has a LOT to be proud of in accommodating to Millennial students (and all generations). I think we are ahead of the curve of technology with Meebo, and I think the faculty lags a little behind in adjusting their teaching style.
I think faculty need to be reminded of the ultimate goal: their students learn a lot in their courses. If they have long or boring lectures, the Millennial students do not seem to be responding positively.
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