Generation Z Students in the Online Environment

Abstract

Background Student enrollment in online learning is increasing. Generation Z students are now enrolled in higher education, including in online nursing courses. Faculty teaching in the online environment should consider best practices and learner characteristics to address the needs of this student generation. Problem Generation Z students prefer independent learning while still being socially connected to peers. Although this generation of students is comfortable with technology, their unique traits may create challenges for nurse educators teaching in online settings. Approach This article provides strategies for nurse educators teaching Generation Z students in online learning environments. Ways to foster student engagement, stimulate intellectual development, and build rapport with students, while considering characteristics specific to this generation of learners, are offered. Conclusion Online learning continues to develop as a means for educating nursing students. Using strategies for best online teaching practices while considering learner attributes will help students and educators be successful.

Applying simulation learning theory to identify instructional strategies for Generation Z emergency medicine residency education

“…by "seeing" (e.g., reading course materials), and 12% by "listening" (e.g., attending classroom lecture). 49 Although Generation Z learners prefer some role in setting the tone and pace of their learning, they also find engagement and social value in group work, 7,14 particularly if the group work involves applied and experiential learning. 5,50 To this end, they appreciate educators who are facilitators along their path to learning, rather than "talking heads" lecturing at them.…”

“…In addition to being motivated by educational strategies that have tangible, real-world applicability, Generation Z learners are drawn to educators who they perceive as passionate, approachable, friendly, and knowledgeable. 7,52 In general, the importance of educators caring about students is well established [53][54][55] ;…”

A Probe Into the Psychological Mechanism of Generation Z College Students Using Network Buzzwords in the Internet Era

“…According to statistics, by the end of 2019, the number of internet users in China exceeded 850 million, and the internet penetration rate exceeded 60% ( Koenraadt and van de Ven, 2018 ). Generation Z refers to the group born between 1995 and 2009 ( Seemiller and Grace, 2017 ; Chunta et al, 2021 ). The academic community believes that Generation Z spends more time and energy on the internet than other populations, while the internet exerts huge influences on college students.…”

Nursing Students From China and the United States: Learning Together Through Virtual Simulation

“…Most nursing students across settings and countries are technologically savvy and experienced with varied technologies. Generation Z students, in particular, currently the majority of students in prelicensure nursing programs, are used to a world connected through the Internet via smartphones and other electronic devices (Chunta et al, 2021; Hampton et al, 2020; Williams, 2019). With technology and international partnerships, nursing programs can offer global education for students without traveling to other countries.…”