The Millenials and the Future of Education

Posted on April 17, 2007 by David Gray

An article by Mike Mallowe entitled "Next Generation Education" which appeared this month online in the Bulletin out of Philadelphia should be required reading for every college student today, online or otherwise; every parent and grandparent of a college student; every faculty member and dean of any university or college; and, anyone else who wants to know what's driving the future of higher education today. Why?

The answer is Y… as in Generation Y, or Millenials as they are also becoming known. Even if you are a student that doesn't fit neatly into the Generation Y demographic, you'll recognize the educational transformations the new generation is driving. And if you're a UMassOnline student in particular you'll certainly identify with the major points outlined in this feature — no matter what your age!

It's a long feature, and it isn't entirely flattering. If you are a Millennial, you may take exception to some of the assertions. For example, it says you belong to the most pampered generation… that you expect everything… you feel entitled. You've heard all that before. In truth, every new generation has heard a version of the same thing. But here's a section I found to be most compelling since it describes the unique impact this group is having on teaching and learning standards:

To penetrate the mystery of Gen Y and education, you have to realize that they are and plan to always be "lifelong learners." Knowledge in their lives is a free and un-conforming commodity that has never been more than a mouse click away. Therefore, some major truths are paramount in their lives, namely: learning does not stop with the granting of a degree; teachers as "educators" are no longer members of a sacred and respected caste, rather, they are not much different from any other seeker of wisdom. However, there is one expectation that these Millennial babies do have regarding teachers as they move through school: To be effective - and taken seriously - a teacher has to be a master at their craft and in their area of expertise, as well as a mentor who can empower their Gen Y students with insider knowledge and a sense of active participation in the new learning environment.

Could anything be more true, more right than that? It speaks directly to why UMassOnline teachers are the same highly-qualified instructors, mentors, and "masters of their craft" that can be found in UMass classrooms throughout our five school locations. And it explains why so many have come back to UMassOnline to continue their lifelong learning journey.

The "future of education?" It's here now.

Comments

One Response to “The Millenials and the Future of Education”

Adam Pieniazek on April 9th, 2008 12:44 am

Great post David.

As a member of the Millenials / Generation Y, I wholeheartedly agree that we expect everything. Throughout our lives we’ve been told that we will have to carry the torch for the future and help the world overcome some of its gravest issues, such as global warming, threat of a nuclear war, health care, education costs etc. Though as you said David, every generation has heard a similar line and now as I grow older I see some of these issues improving and new ones entering to take their place (artificial intelligence, renewable resources).

Having grown accustomed to these high expectations, we’ve set our own high expectations for ourselves and society. It’s not so much a feeling of entitlement as a desire for top-notch quality and results in everything we pursue. We want our teachers to be the masters of their crafts so that we too can succeed.

UmassOnline’s teachers are the program’s best assets. Having attended three other schools (U. of Southern California, U. of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and Northeastern U.), the professors at UmassOnline surely match the quality of my professors at those three institutions and even surpass them at times.

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