Getting to Know Generation Z

Generation Z refers to the young group of people born after 1995, who are currently entering our

For generation Z, music has always been
consumed and shared digitally.

colleges. They make up almost 25% of the U.S. population, and have always existed in a world that is immersed in digital technologies, connections, and 24/7 access to unlimited amounts of information.
The internet, Wi-Fi, cell phones, tablets, Google, and social media have always been omnipresent and an integral part of their life. They prefer to communicate through social media and texting, and receive over 3000 text messages per month. Generation Z is drawn to technology and being connected: 92% go online daily, 70% watch 2 hours of YouTube per day, over 25% post an original video on a weekly basis, and they usually have more than 10 apps on their smartphone. This generation spends 60% of their free time with computers or mobile devices, and 85% perform independent research and 33% watch educational lessons online. Mobile access is their primary form of communication and consumption. Moreover, they are accustomed to speed in everything – quick access and rapid feedback.
Below are some instructional strategies that may be more effective with this group of learners:

• Pervasive access to the internet has made this generation very socially conscious and aware of current global events. They are attentive to projects or problems based on real-world issues that interest them.
• Generation Z-ers are highly audio/visual learners that tend to pay more attention to multi-media than to text. Their communication preference is for multiple images and short videos.
• They have always had exposure to vast amounts of information that they quickly search through and assess. These learners often need assistance developing information literacy about comparing multiple resources and critically evaluating information in order to determine authenticity and validity.
• These speed-readers prefer information to be brief, concise, and to the point. It is important to chunk text information into manageable bite-size pieces. They also prefer mobile access to information – anytime and anywhere.
• Gen Z-ers are independent and active learners who want to participate and engage in their own learning process. This generation of gamers are attracted to problem solving, and the exploration and experimentation that goes along with that process of inquiry.

Generation Z is eager for student-centered learning as they have already been very involved with self-directed information seeking and solutions. They will tend to be receptive to a learner-centric interactive environment with active learning opportunities that engage them in the construction and application of knowledge. Look for future blog posts that will continue to examine the factors and strategies involved with a student-centered learning approach.