Effective online facilitation = engage, guide, and motivate learners, and provide a safe and conducive environment for learning.

Communicating a value statement through a syllabus or code of conduct.

Understanding characteristics of each generation will help facilitate instructor-to-student (I2S), student-to-instructor (S2I), and student-to-student (S2S) communication. An understanding of these characteristics also helps build community in the course, as well as facilitate effective communication in the workplace.

This information will assist with differentiated instruction in which instructors need to understand where their students are "coming from", to be able to help them achieve the learning outcomes/objectives.

Instructors need to develop communication guidelines when considering these generational differences.

-Establishing a pattern of communication is essential for consistent communication.

-Guidelines must be established for effective communication.

-Develop protocols for respectful communication. Students must be made aware of the protocols and consequences for not following the rules. No surprises.

-The importance of identifying relevant communications tool.

-Survey students to help determine which tools they're familiar with.

-Determine the pros and cons of the tools to be used.