Getting to Know Generation Z [Series]
Part 7: Generation Z and The Internet
Research described in the book, Generation Z Goes to College by Corey Seemiller portrays Generation Z
As seeing the internet as a tool to socialize and also gain information that they can apply to real life. In college, Seemiller describes Generation Z as, “liking their learning to be practical and hands-on and want their professors to help them engage with and apply the content rather than simply share what they could otherwise find on their own online.”
In the work environment, this preference can be best coupled with the rise in organizational communities of practice where individuals form specialized groups with the goal of gaining knowledge in a specific field/topic. Although sometimes virtual in nature and often seen as just an on-line resource, the intent of these groups are not meant to be a passive place to find information, but rather as an active source for one to share ideas, gain knowledge and to contribute and collaborate with others in a specific field or topic. This ideal application of communities of practice enables the community to help expand learning through immediate applied application of learning and feedback.
Does your organization currently have any Communities of Practice? If so, are they passive information repositories or active learning environments?
How comfortable are you with using video to convey a message to others?
