Educating College Students of the Net Generation

Abstract

Faculty and administrators of higher education today face challenge with their student populations, many of whom are part of what is known as the net generation. Gloeckler (2008) termed the group as those born between 1980 and 2000, who have grown up in changing culture and an exploding technological revolution. According to Gleason (2008), the net generation is larger than previous generations and numbers more than 80 million people. They are expected to make up 75% of the population by 2012. Gleason (2008) added, It is the largest generation since Baby Boomers and is poised to impact American culture in profound ways (p. 2). One of the greatest impacts will be in the area of technology in education. As students become more technologically advanced, faculty must be technologically ready to meet the needs of students. Many college faculty and administrators are from earlier generations that present different and teaching styles than those of the net generation. There is significant difference in the life experiences, expectations, and technological expertise of many faculty and the students they are to teach. Traditional methods of instruction will no longer suffice in society that has encountered a paradigm shift from emphasizing teaching to emphasizing learning (Wilson, 2004, p. 59). Faculty must be aware of differences, and must prepare to adjust their teaching philosophies and practices for new breed of learners. The purpose of education is to produce learning, not deliver instruction. Faculty must strive to create positive environment that enhances student and meets the needs of all adult learners. Characteristics and styles, termed as generational diversity (Garner, 2007), will have an impact on the culture of higher education. Understanding the different attitudes, motivations, and approaches to by this new generation in the adult classrooms is essential to enhance for all students. Garner (2007) described millennials as can-do youth who have generated new habits and attitudes that older generations have never associated with young people, such as focus on social issues, teamwork, achievement, and good conduct. Further, Garner (2007) maintained that the net generation will have future impact on the world as we know it by influencing retail sales, parenting, leadership, fashion, media, advertising, finances, and corporate practices and management (p. 8). They will also have huge impact on higher education as more and more students enroll. Net generation students are under great pressure to achieve--they are expected to attend college and succeed. Nilson (2010) maintained that while millennial students demonstrate many positive qualities, they have also grown up in quasi-corporate society where higher education is often seen as purchased commodity (p. 11). Students and parents expect exemplary customer service, and colleges and universities continually upgrade residence halls, recreation centers, food services, and workout facilities to retain students. Stewart (2009) described sense of entitlement held by many students who often challenge assignments and grades. To those of the net generation, college degree has become as important to attain as high school diploma. These students are under intense pressure to succeed, and they flock to colleges in record numbers. Competition is stiff for college admissions and scholarships. Parents of millennials, Generation X and baby boomers, value college education and have molded their children for college success from an early age. They expect their children to excel and often plan success at any cost. Parental involvement has resulted in millennial students who are sheltered, protected, dependent, and extreme high achievers. Characteristics of Net Generation Students With college enrollment increasing for both traditional and non-traditional students, today's college classrooms are variable mix of generations. …