People in classrooms everywhere discuss diversity and the different types of misunderstandings that can occur when people of different cultures come together and interact. However, culture is not the only thing that can cause conflict between two types of people; age can have that effect as well. Faculty born before 1980 and students today grew up in two completely different eras and can interpret different words, phrases, and gestures differently. The students today grow up with many things that the older faculty did not have as young adults. There are also many similarities found between the two age groups.
One of the most useful features of a computer is the option to connect to the Internet. By searching the Internet, a person can find out how to knit a scarf, build a computer, or solve an equation. The professors who are teaching now did not have that tool when they were going through school. They had to earn their degrees the old-fashioned way, by researching in books. Not only can today’s students search library databases to find books and articles pertaining to their areas of research, but also they can read them on the computer. Professors tell students all the time about how privileged they are to be able to do research so easily, but regardless of the research method, students today still have to write essays and projects just like the older faculty had to.
In most high schools, cell phones are not permitted in class, but in colleges, that is not always the case. Why is it that high school faculty are so against cell phone use? They must believe that cell phones in schools are a distraction and tempt students to focus on other things, rather than the lecture that is being presented at the time. However, cell phone use is not the only thing that can distract a student from the teacher’s lesson. Students born before 1980 probably did things like draw, write notes to their friends, or do other homework in class. Students have always wanted to find ways to communicate with their friends and avoid boredom; it is only the method they choose that has changed.
Every student who enrolls in Southern Arkansas University receives a student e-mail address. Although most students rarely check it, most teachers suggest that they do so. Some teachers use BlackBoard and e-mail frequently, while other teachers choose not to use them at all. Many older teachers will either not use them at all, due to a lack of technological skill, or use the electronic resources, because those teachers would have liked access to those things when they were a student. Regardless of what each teacher decides to do, the students have to adapt to it. For students who check their e-mails all the time, it can be very difficult to have a professor who will not respond to e-mails quickly or post grades until the end of the semester. On the other hand, for students who never look at their e-mails, it can be frustrating to go to class unprepared because teachers posted assignments they did not see. Teachers’ use of technology boils down to their point of view about new technology. Adoption of new technology depends less upon age and more upon individual excitement about new technologies or commitment to traditional teaching.
It is very important for teachers and students to communicate with each other with open minds. In addition, they should also be cautious when talking to one another, so they do not offend or confuse the other person. Steps can be taken by both parties to avoid any conflict. Maybe older faculty members did not have access to things like the Internet, but they should still appreciate the hard work that students put into their assignments. Almost all students have cell phones, but that does not mean they are listening any more than they would without them. Perhaps, some teachers believe that it is not necessary for them to use BlackBoard or e-mail, but most of their students would likely find that very helpful if they would. With all of the changes in technology, it is necessary for students and teachers to be considerate when making decisions that will affect the other.
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