It is not too complicated to create a virtual classroom for Millennials. If there is one generation that would prefer to learn online, it is this group. This generation was born in the early 1980s and 2000s. They are the ones who were born just when the digital age exploded. This is why this is the generation who can really appreciate the various benefits of the digital world.
There is no doubt that the Internet is shaping our society in ways that we never really imagined. It is changing how we interact with each other. It is redefining how we work. It is also opening doors for us to learn and get information.
All of the benefits of the Internet is something that Millennials can really understand and appreciate. This appreciation places a huge burden on those creating and developing online classrooms for Millennials. You need to choose the right elements that will make your virtual classroom interesting to this generation. Since they know what the Internet can offer, you can bet that they will expect a lot from the online learning course that you will offer them.
To make your online classroom effective for Millennials, here are 4 important qualities that it needs to have.
Mobile
First of all, the virtual classroom has to be mobile. That being said, it has to allow access from a mobile device or smartphone. According to an article published on ThinkWithGoogle.com, 89% of Millennials in Australia access the Internet through their smartphones. This is significantly greater than their elders, the Baby Boomers. If you want the Millennials to access your course, you have to make sure it can be done via smartphones. If it is not possible to go through the entire course through a mobile device, then at least make sure that some activities can be done through this device. It will heighten the learning experience – at least, this is true for this generation.
Flexible
One of the reasons why Millennials love mobility is because it is flexible. This is another important quality for the virtual classroom that you will create. According to an article published on EY.com, flexibility in the workplace is very important for Millennials. In fact, 7 out of 10 respondents in a survey mentioned that this is very important for them. If they like flexibility in the workplace, you can be sure that they would like this in elearning as well.
Meaningful
The third quality that your virtual classroom should have is it has to be meaningful. According to an article on Forbes.com, 84% of Millennials made a charitable donation and 70% volunteered for a good cause. Although they might seem narcissistic at times, they have their hearts in the right place. This is why you need to make your online class meaningful because they care about improvement and personal fulfillment. You can be sure that they would go for value any time of the day.
Social
Finally, you have to make sure that your online classroom is social. In the same article from Forbes, it is mentioned that Millennials are inspired by their peers. While they look up to people of power and influence, they also hold the opinion of their peers at a high regard. If you want them to participate enthusiastically in your online course, make sure that social learning is a part of the learning process. This will not only engage them, it will also teach them to observe and participate when it matters most during the learning curve.
These tips should make any virtual classroom appealing to Millennials from all walks of life. While they may seem like an unpredictable bunch with a wide variety of learning preferences, they sure know how to appreciate a great online course when it is of value to them.
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