Engaging Generation Z Learners Rethinking How We Engage the Digital Generation

http://go.uis.edu/teachingprofessor2018

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Who is Generation Z

- Born between 1995 - 2012 (Pew Research says this is 25% of the U.S. population)
- Entered college between 2013-14 and today
- Beloit College's Annual List of Incoming Freshmen (Class of 2020)Characteristics

- 10 Things Students Born in 2010 Will Never Experience

Gen Z Is:

1. Phigital. Gen z is the first generation to be born into a world where every physical aspect has a digital equivalent. Accordingly, for its members the real and virtual world overlap.

2. Hyper-Custom. Gen z people are obsessed with customizing, and they cannot see why this should not be extended to job titles and career paths. More than half of them would rather write their own job description than be given a generic one.

3. Realistic. As has been pointed out, gen z has been influenced by the recession to feel lucky to have a job rather than to act as if the employer is lucky to have them. With millennials starting to move into front-line management positions, this difference in outlook will inevitably create tensions that will have to be addressed.

4. FOMO. Fittingly for a digital generation, gen z suffers terribly from a fear of missing out on anything. The welcome aspect of this is that it means they stay on top of trends and competition. But it also means that they will be constantly worrying about whether they are moving forward fast enough or in the right direction.

5. Weconomists. Having grown up with Uber, Airbnb and other examples of the shared economy, gen z will push their workplaces to break down external and internal barriers.

6. DIY. Growing up with YouTube has convinced gen z that they can do almost anything. Allied with this is a fierce independent streak that will collide with the supposedly more collaborative instincts of the preceding millennials.

7. Driven. As we have seen, the combination of growing up in recession and being told by parents that life is about winners and losers rather than just participating has made gen z eager to get on with work. Many will enter the workforce having already had side businesses, such as selling items on eBay, and they will be competitive with each other.

(https://www.forbes.com/sites/rogertrapp/2017/03/22/the-next-generation-of-workers-seeks-good-jobs-and-private-offices/#582f8c773479)

How Can We Eliminate Technology Bias and Generation Stereotyping?

According to Campus Technology, 23% of students believe their faculty are digitally literate, 14% of faculty believe their students are digitally literate

Generational Differences with Tech Initiatives

"Today, the population of learners who are age 25 or older is growing faster than the traditional college-age group, a surge projected to continue."

Undergraduate Gen Z students & information technology

(https://www.visioncritical.com/generation-z-infographics/)

TECHNOLOGY OWNERSHIP BY GENERATION

Educase ECAR Undergraduate Technology Research

(https://library.educause.edu/~/media/files/library/2017/9/studentst2017infog.pdf)

Badging & Credentialing - UPCEA Research Study

Guide to Gen Z and Higher Education

Among the study’s key findings about the characteristics of Generation Z.

Fiscally Frugal
Connected
Brand Loyal
Very confident
Very resourceful
Enjoy multi-taksing
Have an 8 second filter to focus
Health conscience
Embrace diversity (Individualistic)
Entrepreneurial
Typically have support systems in place
Gen Z and Higher Ed

Unlike Millennials, who pursue personal fulfillment more widely than financial goals or job titles, Gen Z values college most as a means to secure a good job. (Malat, 2016)

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Teaching Through A Heutagogical Lens…

Teaching The Right Skills to Generation Z…

-Teach systems thinking.

-Teach creativity.

-Teach humanics. The understanding of a highly technical world to capture and build creativity and mental flexibility.

-Teach through experiential learning. Integrating the classroom and Real World Experience.

-Teach to encourage lifelong learning.

Teaching The Right Literacies...

-Technical Literacy

-Knowledge of mathematics, coding, and basic engineering principles.

-Data Literacy

-Data is coming at us from a myriad of locations.

-Without understanding how to use the data we become unnecessary.

-Human Literacy

-Most important.

-Communicate.

-Engage with others.

-Tap into our human capacity for grace and beauty.

-Diversity of perspectives.

(Aoun, 2017). https://mitpress.mit.edu/books/robot-proof

35% of Millenials

More than 1/3 of Gen Z students own or plan to own their own business.

(Fong, 2018)

35% of Millenials

More than 1/3 of Gen Z students own or plan to own their own business.

(Fong, 2018)

Gen Z Students need:
- The ability to prepare for multiple career fields at one time and "slash" careers through development of transferable skills
  - I am a teacher/freelance writer
  - I am a business associate/waiter
  - I am an administrative assistant/photographer
  - I am a middle manager/adjunct faculty member

Most Helpful Tools for Gen-Z Student Learning: Barnes & Noble Report

(https://next.bncollege.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/Gen-Z-Research-Report-Final.pdf)

Learning Preferences

Generation Z: craves regular and technology-enhanced training opportunities. Looks for professional development that uses visually enhanced methods of training.

Attitudes toward Authority

Generation Z: is high maintenance and wants high intensity in relationships with those in authority, as well as their peers.

Special Interests

Generation Z: thrives on opportunity. Excel when they receive guidance in how to achieve their goals.

Gen Z and the Workplace