Generation X vs. Generation Y (Pt.3)

According to a recent addition to Wikipedia (I know, I should know better than to read or even trust it) we are about to see the fruits of our labour undone by ‘Generation Z’.

This new sensation is defined as the “generation that will follow the Millennials” and “the Silent Generation”, but also has been called;

• ‘Generation V’ (for virtual),
• ‘Generation C’ (for community or content),
• ‘Internet Generation’, and
• ‘Gen @’

Generation Z are very young, yet very active consumers, born after 1995, they are very connected (from being born into a world of digitaltechnology). The have influence over their parent’s purchasing decisions, and are at ease with single-parent families or same-sex partnerships. They are comfortable with equality at home and in the workplace.

It is important to note that it is accepted that all generations are born into the most advanced technological periods in relation to their time, but ‘Generation Z’ are the latest addition (or edition) to the list.

Needless to say, the oldest individuals are only know entering their teen years, but they are already confident (sometimes aggressive) consumers who can and will break a brand, celebrity, etc if it (or they) no longer conform to what they believe or perceive as important to their daily life.

Generation Z, according to Virginia Matthews, are already considered to be “least physically active” and “content to travel our world virtually” group of individuals we have ever seen. But this will lead to all sorts of other issues; what employers save on business travel, they will no doubt spend on corporate gym membership and health insurance as the youth of today are already the most inactive and obese that have ever been.

Generation Z will;

• be an essentially transient workforce; they will move to where the work is, rather than expect to find employment in their home town,
• be relentlessly tested from an early age, they will see constant appraisal and feedback as the norm, not the exception,
• have more degrees, certificates and diplomas than any generation in history, but will need encouragement to notch up meaningful work experience,
• know sponsorship through their schools and clubs, by possible future employers, in a bid to secure young talent early on,
• have high salaries that will be less crucial; mortgages, bank loans and even private car ownership is consigned to the history books,
• live primarily via the web and for those who find work less than satisfying, a virtual or second life will become their comfort blanket,
• be loyal to employers; engagement at work will become an urgent priority as young workers switch jobs and locations more often,
• have had regular access to technology as children, but limited physical freedom means they will grow up fast, and
• use their political power via their online identities, not the ballot box.

“As Generation Y complete their secondary education and ease into further study and the workforce”, a point highlighted by the Generation Zwebsite, “the Generation Z’s will begin to move in. Generation Z’s will continue to be the dominant generation in high schools into the 2020’s. For tertiary and technical educators the Z’s will be the dominant generation until the 2030’s.”

From this we can deduce that the future of learning, and eLearning, depends on understanding and engaging with these learners.