Defining Generation Y: towards a new typology of digital learners

Becka Currant

Head of Learner Development and Student Engagement

Overview

• Introducing a new typology of digital learners

• Scenario planning for the future

• Outputs and outcomes

• Next steps

Developing a new typology of digital learners• Descriptions of ‘new’ students often relies

on established and sometimes unquestioned definitions of ‘digital natives’ and ‘digital immigrants’

• Work at Bradford (ELP 1 & 2; HEA projects) suggests a more complex picture

• Levels of digital fluency in social contexts may not translate or generalise into educational contexts

Digitally Inexperienced

Digital SocialitesDigitally Reluctant

Digitally Experienced

Experience of technology

Degree of educational contribution

HighLow

Low

High

The typology

4 categories of learners:• Digitally Inexperienced

– Mature students? Haven’t really been exposed to technology

• Digitally Reluctant– Not keen on using

technology but know it is there and can use it

• Digitally Experienced– Institution needs to

respond to expertise. Will it be fully supportive of their needs?

• Digital Socialites– How can the institution

harness their skills. Is there appropriate software available to support needs?

Developing the typology

Do you agree with it?• Who are these learners – what does your

experience suggest?• What skills, experiences and attitudes do they

bring with them?• What do we currently know about these

learners? Is there a national trend or significant variation? What do we need to know about them?

• How will we find out about (research) our learners and their experiences?

What do you think of the typology?

How do we deal with these learners?Activity: in groups scenario plan for the future:

• What does current research suggest about our learners?

• Does this reflect your experience and research?

• What skills, experiences and attitudes do new students bring with them?

• What do we currently know about these learners? What do we need to know about them?

• How can we best support them?

• 15 mins discussion. Be prepared to feedback!!

Scenario Planning

Group 1

Feedback from Group Activity

• Feed your ideas and experiences into the debate by joining our ning community:– http://elesig.ning.com

• Come to the next ELESIG F2F event:University of Greenwich 8 & 9 July 2008

Next Steps