Multi Generational Learning

Multi-Generational Learning in the Workplace: Overview and Instructional Design Considerations Wednesday, February 25, 2009 By Janet Clarey Brandon Hall Research

Ways to Participate

E-mail your questions and comments to [email_address]

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Text Chat during the webinar – we will monitor and respond

Your Brandon Hall Research Moderators Tom Werner Richard Nantel Gary Woodill Janet Clarey Presenter

Agree or not?

There are “digital natives” and “digital immigrants.”

Younger people are masters of technology.

Older people are not tech savvy.

Popular claims about generational traits are based on solid research.

There are generational learning styles.

Addressing Bias “ When you were born influences your personality & attitudes more than does the family that raised you.” – Jean Twenge, Author of the book Generation Me

Researcher’s Bias

Personal Bias

Definition “ A generation is defined by a common age location in history and a collective peer personality.” – Neil Howe & William Strauss, pioneers in the field of generational studies

Values © Photographer: Geotrac | Agency: Dreamstime.com

Trust, Loyalty, Admiration, Career goals © Photographer: Geotrac | Agency: Dreamstime.com Agree or not? Build parallel careers Build a portable career Build a stellar career Career Goals Following a hero of integrity Creating enterprise Taking charge Most admire Committed Considered naive Cynical Loyalty to institutions High toward authority Low toward authority Confident of self, not authority Level of Trust Millennials Gen Xers Boomers Views Toward

Rewards, Family © Photographer: Geotrac | Agency: Dreamstime.com Agree or not? Protected as children Alienated as children Indulged as children Family Life Definite Doubtful Controlled Having children Intruding Distant Receding Parent-child involvement Meaningful work Freedom not to do Title and corner office Rewards Millennials Gen Xers Boomers Views Toward

Education, Evaluation, Politics, Big question © Photographer: Geotrac | Agency: Dreamstime.com Agree or not? How do we build it? Does it work? What does it mean? The big question Crave community Apathetic, individual Attack oppression Political Orientation Feedback whenever I want it “ Sorry, but how am I doing?” Once a year with documentation Evaluation Structure of accountability Pragmatic Freedom of expression Education Millennials Gen Xers Boomers Views Toward

Matures Matures / Silent / Veterans / Traditionalist Generation Born prior to 1946 “ Tell me what to do.”

What they say I’ve paid my dues and am looking forward to retirement. I’ve dedicated many years to my job. I like structured training and knowing the ground rules. I’m open to learning “on the computer.” I don’t like to spill my guts to a group.

Baby boomers Baby Boomers 1946 – 1964 Usually broken into two groups: 1946 to 1955 and then 1956 to 1964 “ Show me what to do.”

What they say I guess I’m a workaholic. I’ve had a big influence on policy at my job. I am used to formal learning in a classroom. Some of the newer online stuff confuses me (not like that younger generation!) I like to take notes and attend training to advance my career.

Generation X Generation X 1965 – 1980 “ Why do I need to learn this?”

What they say I work to live. I like on-the-job training and self-study. I view myself as a natural multi-tasker. Technology isn’t really a big deal for me. I really need to know that I’ll be more valuable after attending training. I need clear, consistent expectations.

Millennials Gen Y /Millennials 1980s – 1990s “ Connect me to what I need.”

What they say I like hands-on learning and collaboration. Technology is just a part of life. I’m usually ‘connected.’ I like structured face-to-face learning. I like to get a lot of feedback. I think learning should be fun. I seek the expertise of my network. I like quick exchanges and stories.

Generation ? Gary with Geoffrey & Katie

The Connected Worker © Photographer: Geotrac | Agency: Dreamstime.com

I’m only as good as my network.” © Photographer: Geotrac | Agency: Dreamstime.com

The Crowd Facebook friends = 2,700 Twitter followers = 11,000 Linked In = 500

Similarities © Photographer: Geotrac | Agency: Dreamstime.com Similarities

Not everyone wants to learn on computers

Everyone wants to learn

Heavy tech users tend to have similar characteristics

Variables © Photographer: Geotrac | Agency: Dreamstime.com Other variables

Workplace culture

People change as they get older

Exposure to technology

Socio-cultural differences

Research … what the research says…

Natives & Immigrants The digital native / digital immigrant debate

Prior experience Your learners are looking to you

Digital wisdom The digital native/digital immigrant debate

Instructional Design Implications

No solid research to design differently for different generations

Digital Native / Immigrant categorization can create dichotomies

There are no “generational learning styles”

Too many other variables apply (same problem as “learning styles”)

First Gen Virtual Classroom Synchronous Learning Self-Paced, Self-Service Online Learning Informal Learning , Knowledge On Demand Off-the-shelf , pre-built courses Authoring Tools Learning Content Management

Ready-to-use content (courseware)

Easy to find: IT skills, leadership, safety

Hard to find: very specific, job-related skills

Custom development

Screen design and layout

Interactive exercises

Tests, Quiz, Assessment

Simulations

Manage large-scale development (workflow)

Reusable learning content

Searchable repository of source material

Central Access to Learning

Individualized Learning Plans

Reporting & Completion Tracking

Instructor-Led Training Scheduling

Launch and track online learning

Certification Management

Competency Management

Instructor-led, Real time, Online

Connecting geographical disperse learners

Groups of learners meet together

24 X 7 X 365 access to courses

Completed at learner’s own pace

Remediation and feedback are automated

Developed once, used many times

Automated scoring and completion status

Just-in-time, anywhere, anytime

Capture and retain organizational knowledge

Facilitates collaboration

Source: Bryan Chapman Learning Management System LMS

Second Gen Source: Saba Self-Educating Users Tagged Content Reviewed Content Related Content Rated Content Formal Networks of People Cost Savings Content

Context Source: Joe Kristy, IBM Global Business Services

Action Plan Action Plan