Hi, the educators!
Our students are currently in a digital generation known as Generation Z. I looked at the birth list of my students and I found them born between 2003 and 2004. In generational theory, they are referred to as Generation Z.
As mentioned in the Wikipedia page, Generation Z or Gen Z (also known as iGeneration or iGen and Post-Millennials) is the demographic cohort after Millennials. There are no precise dates for when this cohort starts or ends, but demographers and researchers typically use the late 1990s to early 2000s as starting birth years and the late 2000s to early 2010s as ending birth years. Most of Generation Z have used the Internet since a young age, and they are generally comfortable with technology and with interacting on social media.
Well, as a teacher who has to deal with Generation Z, you have to understand their characteristics in the classroom. Students from Generation Z are believed to have fast information. They easily obtain information through their gadgets. The internet has become a part of their lives.
There are several characteristics of Generation Z, including digital natives; Gen Z tends to be noisy about identity. They are so concerned about their absence. That's why they are busy making accounts on Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, and others to prove to the world that they exist. Another characteristic is self direction; Gen Z also tend to be more open, frank, and open minded. If they say like, they say like, and if they do not like it, they will say no likes. Likes search for something, wide curiosity and research byself. The next characteristic is they respond and entrepreneurialism; Gen Z loves to create something new and belongs to an independent person. They are faster in responding and exploring. This can happen because they are always dating Google and other applications. And lastly the spirit of ingenuity; Gen Z is a Generation who wants to look different. They do not want to look standard or even spelled imitators.
So, what can you do when facing Generation Z?
Hang out with them in social media
I follow some of my students' accounts on social media. I'm not a stalker! But I feel responsible to my students. If my students tend to behave negatively in social media, I will advise them. Students do not look happy when their teacher is among them in cyberspace.
Always provide up-to-date, verified information in the classroom
Our students sometimes absorb information that can not be trusted. Misleading issues can lead our students to the wrong decision. So, a teacher should always convey information (viral, hot, or trend) with neutrality.
Become a digital teacher
Once you understand the characteristics of Generation Z, then all you need to do is use some digital media in the class. You can direct your students to install some educational apps in their gadgets. For example a digital dictionary. I am giving homework to my students to translate some modern vocabulary that they can find in gadget apps. Watching of course material through a short video can also stimulate their learning motivation. Children Generation Z prefers visualization rather than listening to their teacher's lectures in class.
So, the teacher would have to follow the development of Generation Z students. We know, there are some teachers who stutter the technology. These teachers are teachers who have long taught (Generation X). They are waiting for retirement. But there is nothing wrong if these teachers can also apply the method of digital learning in the classroom.[]