A Guide to Educating Different Generations in South Africa

Abstract

The majority of academics teaching Information Systems today were born somewhere between 1943 and 1981 (Baby Boomers or Generation X), while the majority of students were born after 1982 (Net Generation or iGeneration). One generation is always tasked with educating another generation, which has different likes and dislikes. This paper reviews papers written on educating the two different generations in South Africa, what academics (Baby Boomers and Generation X) need to know to better educate students (Net Generation and iGeneration).Six South African papers on learning preferences, and use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) were reviewed. Over 1500 university students in 7 South African Universities, plus 122 IS academics were involved. Gaps in perceptions and usage were identified between generations, and recommendations made as how to treat the gaps to better facilitate the education of the Net and iGenerations.Vodcasting (video on demand) was introduced to a first year class of 605 students in 2011 at the University of Cape Town, South Africa as a learning supplement. At the end of the course, students were surveyed on amongst other issues, the benefits of vodcasting.The study revealed that the students favoured the use of interactive, practical and visual learning styles. The academics underestimated the students' affinity for interactive and online learning, and failed to grasp the effects of the use of mobile phones and social networking on students learning styles.

The Use, Impact, and Unintended Consequences of Mobile Web-Enabled Devices in University Classrooms

“…There is a growing expectation for academics to learn and include mobile web-enabled devices within teaching, learning, and administrative spaces (Johnston, 2013). "Survey research and public polling data indicate that the majority of college students not only have mobile phones, but also bring them to class and use them in class on a regular basis" (Kuznekoff, Munz, & Titsworth, 2015, p. 345).…”

“…Many students expect and would like to use technology whilst in class (Johnston, 2013), and some teachers believe students should be allowed to use mobile web-enabled devices in class (Ruggiero & Mong, 2015). Coldwell et al (2011) provide a useful categorization of technologies and applications which could be used by mobile web-enabled devices in a course and in a classroom.…”

“…University students used their mobile web-enabled devices on campus for a variety of activities, which included Information gathering, Socializing on Facebook, Academic work, Course related administration, and Recreation such as playing games, listening to music, and watching videos (Alarabiat & Al-Mohammad, 2015;Johnston, 2013).…”

“…One of the educational paradoxes is that university students see and use mobile web-enabled devices everywhere in their lives but in the classroom (Johnston, 2013). Many of the teaching and learning models used in classrooms have remained unchanged; there are however instances where mobile web-enabled devices have been used successfully in classrooms (Carter, 2014;Johnston, 2013).…”

“…Many of the teaching and learning models used in classrooms have remained unchanged; there are however instances where mobile web-enabled devices have been used successfully in classrooms (Carter, 2014;Johnston, 2013).…”