Global Awareness and Digital-age Communication

Global Awareness and Digital-age Communication

How many times have you had a ‘personal’ connection with ones phone, or have been in a relationship where most of your communication is done through the phone rather than communicating face-to-face? Digital communication is becoming more the norm in today’s social connections. The sharing of one’s feelings face-to-face is vastly becoming a thing of the past. With a variety of social networking popping up almost every day, it is no wonder that people are struggling with face-to-face interactions; and with each generation, it is becoming more and more scarce. We are losing the ability to professionally communicate with one another. Texting and short hand phrases and words, also known as texting lingo, are manifesting into this generation of students verbal and written communication skills.  Unfortunately, digital communication lacks the emotional connections students (people) need or crave.  In losing this more students are becoming socially awkward and unable to read non-verbal cues.

It is important for teachers to be aware of this in order to keep students from losing their communication skills. Practice writing and communicating every day. Allow students to verbally express themselves, and then express themselves through writing. Do not discourage the students from using digital communication (maybe even in the classrooms for a particular lesson), but rather educate yourself on the latest and greatest digital communication device, in order to educate your students on how to responsibly use such devices. Technology is without a doubt a part of this generation’s world; therefore, it is extremely important for students to completely understand how to responsibly use it.

Reference

http://smallhandsbigideas.com/generation-y/communication-in-the-digital-age-lost-in-translation/