Digital Learners in Higher Education: Looking Beyond Stereotypes
Abstract: This paper summarizes the findings of the first phase of the Digital Learners in Higher Education Research project and discusses the emerging themes from phase 2. In the first phase we concluded there is no empirically-sound basis for most of the “net generation” claims. We also found there are no meaningful differences between net generation and non-net generation students at one Canadian post secondary institution in terms of their reported use of technology, nor in their perceived behavioural characteristics and learning preferences. Phase 2 of the study is exploring the “whys” of these findings and emerging themes are revealing some distinct “profiles of ICT use” amongst learners.
Presider: Zabin Visram, University of West London