This document discusses engaging Generation Y students in the language classroom through the use of technology. It begins by noting that simply throwing technology at students does not guarantee effective teaching. It then outlines key learner characteristics of Generation Y, including being tech savvy but lacking information literacy skills, relying on search engines, loving multimedia, multitasking, communicating visually, being open learners who prefer teamwork and collaboration, preferring to type rather than handwrite, creating internet content, and craving instant feedback. Ten "commandments" of teaching Generation Y are provided that match these characteristics, such as using video clips, handling multitasking carefully, using visuals, encouraging interaction and opinion sharing, and giving opportunities for students to create their own

1. Engaging Generation Y in the
Language Classroom
SL POWER TECH 2015

2. An opening thought…
‘Just because this generation of students has grown up
with the technology and the accompanying tools of the
digital age doesn‘t mean that throwing technology at
them in the classroom will automatically result in
effective teaching and/or learning.’
Berk, 2010

3. What we hope to do now…
We will look at previous research on the key learner
characteristics of this generation of students which have
specific implications for how we should use technology in your
classroom.
Our hope is that we will be able to leverage the technology
tools they are already using to match their characteristics. Thus,
we will be able to tailor your teaching strategies to fit your
students.
We suggest a variety of technology strategies that match their
characteristics. They will enable us to connect with them and
build trust and credibility.

4. Layout
1) Defining Generation Y
2) A look at how they differ from us
– Attitudinally
– Physiologically
3) How research has characterized the use
of technology by this generation
4) The ten commandments of teaching
Generation Y

5. 1) Defining Generation Y
The boundaries: (Lancaster & Stillman)
Baby boomers 1946 – 1964
Generation X 1965 – 1980
Generation Y 1981 – 1999
Generation Z 2000 - present

6. Attitudinal differences
At work:
‘What can this job do for me?’
‘How can this help me grow?’
‘I won’t sacrifice my life for work.’
In education:
‘The old way… where the teacher is the sage
on the stage, doesn’ty work for me.’

7. Physiological differences?
Are their brains wired differently?
UCLA Study (2007):
•Can older generations rewire their
brains?
•Can we replicate what Generation Y
has done?

8. Physiological differences?

9. 10 characteristics…
… 10
commandments

10. 1. Generation Y is tech savvy?
• They have grown up with the technology
• They expect information to be at their fingertips
• Their experience has enabled them to master complex
tasks and make decisions rapidly
• However, they are not necessarily NET savvy
• They are exposed to loads of information, but lack an
understanding of how to find, evaluate, use, and present
that information
• We need to foster information literacy and strong
critical thinking skills

11. 1. Generation Y is tech savvy?
‘Neveretheless, a digital divide exists among Generation Y,
based on machine vintage, connectivity, online skills,
autonomy and freedom of access, computer support, and
interest in using the technology.’
• Carlson, 2005
• Junco & Mastrodicasa, 2007
• Prensky, 2006
• Lorenzo & Dziuban, 2006
• Hawkins & Oblinger, 2006
• Oblinger, 2008a
• Oblinger & Hawkins, 2006
• Rockman et al, 2004

12. Commandment 1
‘Thou shalt not be afraid
of technology’

13. 2. Generation Y relies on Search
Engines for Information
• 2006: About __% of Generation Y began
searches for everything with search engines
• Ease-of-use mentality
• High comfort level has fostered a false sense
of ability - they often overestimate their skills at
finding and evaluating online information

14. 2. Generation Y relies on Search
Engines for Information
• 2006: About 89% of Generation Y began
searches for everything with search engines
• Ease-of-use mentality
• High comfort level has fostered a false sense
of ability - they often overestimate their skills at
finding and evaluating online information

15. 2. Generation Y relies on Search
Engines for Information
Online Computer Library Center survey (graduates from 6
countries):
__% consider search engines to be a good or perfect fit for
their lifestyle
63% consider online or physical libraries to be a fit
‘While the libraries’ resources are considered more accurate
and trustworthy than search engines, they fall far short of
students‘ expectations of speed, convenience, ease of use,
cost-effectiveness, and reliability.’
• OCLC, 2006
• Manuel, 2002
• Bodi, 2002

16. 2. Generation Y relies on Search
Engines for Information
Online Computer Library Center survey (graduates from 6
countries):
94% consider search engines to be a good or perfect fit for
their lifestyle
63% consider online or physical libraries to be a fit
‘While the libraries’ resources are considered more accurate
and trustworthy than search engines, they fall far short of
students‘ expectations of speed, convenience, ease of use,
cost-effectiveness, and reliability.’
• OCLC, 2006
• Manuel, 2002
• Bodi, 2002

17. Commandment 2
‘Thou shalt teach them
how to use search engines
properly’

18. 3. Generation Y loves Multimedia
• They are used to entertainment, speed, and accessing
music, videos, games and information in their own way
• They prefer interactive media rather than passive TV
• They move seamlessly between real and virtual
worlds
• They are nomadic - they get whatever they want: It‘s
theirs for the taking
• Many will obtain their music, videos, ringtones, and
software free, illegally, online rather than buy it

19. 3. Generation Y loves Multimedia
‘Leveraging these media in the classroom is critical to
connecting with their culture’
• Gibson, Aldrich, & Prensky, 2007
• Oblinger, 2008a
• Berk, 2003, 2008b, 2009a
• Eddy & Bracken, 2008
• Miller, 2009
• Abram & Luther, 2004
• Tarlow & Tarlow, 2002

20. Commandment 3
‘Thou shalt get them using
video clips’

21. 4. Generation Y Multitasks on
everything
They can naturally do several tasks easily at the same time
Mixing play and work is common
‘Generation Y can move quickly from one activity or medium to
another, such as using texting, chatting with their friends on a
cell or smart phone or iPhone, and e-mailing all at once, while
surfing the Net and watching TV or doing homework.’
•Junco & Mastrodicasa, 2007
•Prensky, 2006
•Roberts, 2005

22. Commandment 4
‘Thou shalt handle
multitasking with care’

23. Commandment 4

24. 5. Generation Y Communicates
Visually
• They are visually literate, comfortable in an image-rich
rather than text-only environment.
• Many don‘t like to read books, especially textbooks,
although they do it when required
• They consider printed works expensive, boring, and a
waste of time
• They prefer visuals, graphics, and images of any kind,
such as icons, videos, and photos
• They communicate visually by capturing images with
mobile phones, then sharing them through Facebook,
or similar social media
• They post photos on Flickr and videos on YouTube

25. 5. Generation Y Communicates
Visually
‘Social bookmarking permits them to share images in a peer-
to-peer world. They are able to weave together images, text,
and sound easily as well as move between the real and the
virtual instantaneously Live classroom demonstrations with
music also provide powerful, unforgettable images.’
• Berk, 2001, 2002, 2007, 2008b
• Vaidhyanathan, 2008
• Gomez, 2007
• Oblinger, 2008a
• Frand, 2000
• Manuel, 2002
• Ostrow, 2007
• Polin, 2007

26. Commandment 5
‘Thou shalt use visuals,
visuals and more visuals’

27. 6. Generation Y is Emotionally Open
Learners express their feelings easily
‘They are open to meeting new people, sharing personal
information, and digital storytelling online in blogs, wikis,
Facebook, or other social media’
•Junco & Mastrodicasa, 2007
•Lenhart, Rainie, & Lewis, 2001
•Oblinger, 2008b;
•Oblinger & Oblinger, 2005

28. Commandment 6
‘Thou shalt encourage
interaction and opinion
sharing’

29. 7. Generation Y Prefers
Teamwork and Collaboration
Social tendencies + need for interpersonal interaction (both online
and face-to-face) = preference for working in teams rather than
alone.
Collaboration enables their collective intelligence to emerge
through the pooling of knowledge, research, arguments, and
insights from diverse groups of people
• Junco & Mastrodicasa, 2007
• Ramaley & Zia, 2005
• Strauss & Howe, 2006
• Berk, 2002, 2007, 2008a, 2008b, 2009a, 2009c

30. Commandment 7
‘Thou shalt tap into their
collective intelligence’

31. 8. Generation Y Prefers Typing to
Handwriting
Taking notes in class the ‘old fashioned way’ is not Generation
Y’s way
They want to type notes, communications, essays, and essays
on their laptop, iPhone, or iPad
That is what they are used to doing
‘The advantages of Word far outweigh any alternative of
verbal print communication’
• Frand, 2000

32. Commandment 8
‘Thou shalt require them
to type their work’

33. 9. Generation Y Creates Internet
Content
While __% use the Internet to assist with
homework; many also contribute to its
content.
57% design and write Websites, post blogs
with pictures and original artwork, and
make videos for YouTube daily.
• Polin, 2007

34. 9. Generation Y Creates Internet
Content
While 90% use the Internet to assist with
homework; many also contribute to its
content.
57% design and write Websites, post blogs
with pictures and original artwork, and
make videos for YouTube daily.
• Polin, 2007

35. 9. Generation Y Creates Internet
Content
• Social bookmarking permits students to tag,
comment, evaluate, and collect published works
• It fosters direct peer-to-peer engagement to create,
share, and interact via networks (Flickr, del.icio.us,
and Digg)
• These students are major contributors to the
Internet by developing, consuming, commenting on,
and rating Web materials

36. Commandment 9
‘Thou shalt give them
opportunities to create
their own content’

37. 10. Generation Y Craves Instant
Feedback
Generation Y receives feedback from
everywhere
They are considered the most child-centered
generation ever
Examples: video games and the internet
• Reilly, 2012

38. Commandment 10
‘Thou shalt let them know
what you think’

39. Image references
• http://blog.tribute.com/2009/07/the-truth-about-managing-
generations-x-and-y.html
• http://rmoon1122.wordpress.com/2011/07/22/technology-in-the-
workplace-friend-or-foe/
• http://www.businessinsider.com/google-has-taken-over-its-search-
results-page-with-its-own-content-and-ads-2012-6
• http://www.govloop.com/profiles/blogs/gen-y-not-building-the-next
• http://kathyjonesrealty.wordpress.com/tag/characteristics-of-gen-y/