Gen X learners preferences

TraumaICURN · Mar 30, 2007

What kind of learning styles is best for the Gen X's? It seems that our hospital wants to put everything on the computer as eLearning and it is already getting old. I don't have time to sit at the computer at work to complete required education. Give me a day away and a lecture. What does everyone else think>

I need hands on learning! Lectures are much better than computer modules. I can sit at a computer all day and read modules over and over, and if you ask me a question I will NOT know the answer.

TiffyRN, BSN, PhD · Mar 31, 2007

I've always been classified as "Gen X" though I don't know what to call the younger people 15 yrs younger than me but that's way off-topic.

Anyway. . . I far prefer to have a computer based program to fulfill my education needs. I HATE going to a sit down event. First off, they are rarely at times that are convenient to night shift workers and the only good times are early morning after we've worked all night and I really just want to go home. Also, a course that would normally take 1hr at a sit-down live lecture takes me about 15-20 minutes on the computer.

I wish my hospital would realize how much they could save by putting all required courses on the computer.

TiffyRN, BSN, PhD · Mar 31, 2007

I need hands on learning! Lectures are much better than computer modules. I can sit at a computer all day and read modules over and over, and if you ask me a question I will NOT know the answer.

You probably have a point there; however as we all know; 90% of those classes hospitals require us to attend are pointless and really shouldn't require me to drive a 50 mile round trip, pay for parking (unless I want to park practically in the next zip code) for a 1-2hr class.

I admit to actually putting off "mandatory" classes until they either;

1. Put it into computer module

2. Forget about it

3. Threaten disciplinary action

Yes, I missed the "Mandatory" course on "Meeting your patient's spiritual needs". I work with babies. Course I know I work with the parents too, but seriously? That one was never pursued; the hospital eventually just forgot about it. Just an example.

Now if it's something I actually need to learn (like NRP) then I do want a hands on class.

buddhak0n · Mar 31, 2007

I've always been classified as "Gen X" though I don't know what to call the younger people 15 yrs younger than me but that's way off-topic.
.

I believe they call them Generation "Y" but I think the Disciples of "Tattoo" is more appropriate.

Sorry but WAY off topic is my speicality... I'm sure they have better names than that but there's a couple.

LilPeanut, MSN, RN, NP · Mar 31, 2007

Gen Y is what they were originally termed, but I believe "millennials" is their preferred term, because apparently Gen Y seemed like too much of an afterthought of Gen X.

I would prefer a module on the computer to a class, unless it was a very involved (conversation/hands on) class on a topic I really was interested.

charlies · Mar 31, 2007

I would take a computer based class any day because of self-pacing. In the traditional class, mucho time is always wasted on getting the dummies caught up with the rest of us, on incessant, irrelevant questions, and dumb, barely related analagies from the instructor.

dawngloves, BSN, RN · Mar 31, 2007

What kind of learning styles is best for the Gen X's? It seems that our hospital wants to put everything on the computer as eLearning and it is already getting old. I don't have time to sit at the computer at work to complete required education. Give me a day away and a lecture. What does everyone else think>

I think it's cheaper for the hospital to put everything on a computer and tell you do it during your schedualed shift rather than pay you and an educator for an extra day of work.

I hate when I am told to do mandatories during my shift, like I have a ton of free time to sit at a computer for half an hour. Gee, guess I could skip lunch.

RNfaster · Mar 31, 2007

I am a Gen-Xer and I prefer QUALITY computer-based modules that are available when on and off-site. I don't think they should be done during regular shift hours, however.

sweetbeet · Mar 31, 2007

It depends on the subject matter. If I'm comfortable with it and it's a no brainer - computer all the way. If I'm not thrilled about the subject matter - I need the lecture to hold my feet to the fire. For somethings I'm a tactile learner, others visual, other auditory.

I like it when a couple of different options are offered.

PANurseRN1 · Mar 31, 2007

I would take a computer based class any day because of self-pacing. In the traditional class, mucho time is always wasted on getting the dummies caught up with the rest of us, on incessant, irrelevant questions, and dumb, barely related analagies from the instructor.

Gee. How nice. And here I thought it was called "interaction," getting ideas from each other. So glad you don't need to hear input from others. Also so nice to hear how you speak of your co-workers..."dummies." Wonder what they think of you?

PANurseRN1 · Mar 31, 2007

And FWIW, it's "analogy," but I won't cast aspersions on your misspelling it.