by B. Jean Mandernach
B. Jean Mandernach is the Executive Director of the Center for Innovation in Research and Teaching at Grand Canyon University; active presenter and consultant in the field of online education and serves on various editorial boards including the Journal of Educators Online, eLearn Magazine, InSight: A Journal of Scholarly Teaching, and Journal of Instructional Research.
Effectively engaging Gen Z students requires that faculty understand their unique characteristics. Gen Z students are digital natives with shorter attention spans and prefer interactive, tech-driven learning; they value practical learning that connects to the real world, and prioritize flexibility, inclusivity, and social consciousness. To create meaningful learning experiences, faculty must adapt instruction and assessment to tap into these learning preferences. In this session, we will explore authentic, active learning strategies tailored to create dynamic educational experiences that develop both academic knowledge and essential soft skills.