Embracing the Technology Shift towards Mobile Technology in the Classroom: Using and Creating Mobile Apps in IT Related Business Courses

A virtual team environment is an essential component for successful global communications among many businesses. The Generation Z/Pluralist Generation have grown up connected through social and mobile communication by posting, tagging, and tweeting information all over the internet. Hence, one would assume that this generation would be more likely to interact and accept virtual team communication. The goal of this presentation is to share the professors’ experiences with students using various virtual video communication applications within undergraduate business and technology courses. This presentation will discuss the various video conferencing software programs used to help engage team members in training, project management, and virtual team environments, as well as students reluctance to using the video tools. This presentation will also address issues occurring with Generation Z/Pluralist Generation and using the video technology applications in a virtual business environment. Some of the 21st century virtual business communications applications discussed in this presentation include, but are not limited to, the following: Skype, Google+ Hangout, Adobe Connect, and Screen-O-Matic. All educators, regardless of skill level, domain knowledge, or comfort level, are encouraged to attend this presentation. The purpose of this presentation is to discuss how to encourage and engage students in Face-to Face interaction in a Virtual Environment – dealing with issues of fear of accountability and answerability.