Tools to engage Generation Z in online and hybrid environments
Adapting teaching methods to the needs of students is not a new practice, however as Generation Z comprise an increasing number of students in both online and hybrid courses, it is helpful to understand which tools have captured their attention and improved their satisfaction with the course. This presentation will present five engagement tools that can be used in online and hybrid courses to increase student engagement. We will discuss simulations, games and active learning artifacts, as well as the incorporation of Open Educational Resources [OERs] that have led to increased ratings in student evaluations in our courses with high percentages of Generation Z students.
OLC Innovate Education Reimagined 2020 proposal by Kelly Grant and Florencia Gabriele
Paper Title: Tools to engage Generation Z in online and hybrid environments
Presenters:
Kelly Grant, Southern New Hampshire Univeristy, k.grant1@snhu.edu
Florencia Gabriele, Emmanuel College, gabrielef@emmanue.edu
AV needs: Projector, internet
Presentation description: Adapting teaching methods to the needs of students is not a new practice, however as Generation Z comprise an increasing number of students in both online and hybrid courses, it is helpful to understand which tools have captured their attention and improved their satisfaction with the course. This presentation will present five engagement tools that can be used in online and hybrid courses to increase student engagement. We will discuss simulations, games and active learning artifacts, as well as the incorporation of Open Educational Resources [OERs] that have led to increased ratings in student evaluations in our courses with high percentages of Generation Z students.
We will demonstrate ways in which instructors can use active learning, with a specific focus on the disciplines of Management and Economics, in order to create hybrid and online sessions that are effective, fun and engaging. We will suggest alternate applications for in-person sessions, suggest modifications for other courses, and provide a variety of methods instructors could tailor the tools to their course needs (number of students, cost, technology, etc.).
When considering the incorporation of the various engagement tools that we will discuss, we sought to achieve the following benefits among our Management and Economics students, with a particular focus on Generation Z students:
- Apply course concepts in a virtual setting, fostering enhanced understanding through application
- Develop Management/Economics, leadership, and teamwork skills
- Strengthen critical thinking, problem solving, and analytical skills
- Improve decision making, particularly in team settings
- Develop professional communication skills in an online setting through collaboration tools
- Strengthen time management skills
- Provide engaging learning tools that offered more depth than case studies