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© Joost Robben, August 2007

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D Learning environments for Net-generation learners

Joost Robben

Educational Science and Technology; Track: Human Resource Development

Graduation committee:Dr. A.A.M. (Ida) WognumDr. M.R.M. (Martina) Meelissen

Master thesis: Learning Environments for Net-generation Learners 310/04/23

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Context

Tax and customs Administration

(picture: ster.nl)

Master thesis: Learning Environments for Net-generation Learners 410/04/23

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Context

Age > 50 Need for new workers

Master thesis: Learning Environments for Net-generation Learners 510/04/23

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Context

Generation of youngsters

Work & learn program VMBO students

Master thesis: Learning Environments for Net-generation Learners 610/04/23

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Mix of terms

Master thesis: Learning Environments for Net-generation Learners 710/04/23

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D Emerging digital media & web technology

Virtual social networks Online communication (MSN) Online networking services (myspace) Weblogging

Multi-user virtual environments Interaction through (online) games Gaming (fan) communities MSN - wiki

Master thesis: Learning Environments for Net-generation Learners 810/04/23

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N-gen characteristics

Literacy Learning Reasoning Action Social Nature

Master thesis: Learning Environments for Net-generation Learners 910/04/23

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Research questions

1. What is the use of digital media and webtechnology by students of preliminary vocational education?

2. To what extent do students show Net-generation characteristics as a result of their use of digital media and webtechnology? Differences between groups caused by SES,

gender, educational track

Recommendations for the design of learning environments for Net-gen learners.

Master thesis: Learning Environments for Net-generation Learners 1010/04/23

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Method

Instrument Written questionairre Taken online and offline Questions on:

Use of the internet (general)Use of MSN to send IMPlaying gamesWebloggingAccess to informationPerception on the use of digital media &

webtechnology

224 valid responses 4 educational institutes located in The

Netherlands Preliminary Vocational Education

Specialization in Economy3 Educational tracks3th Grade (born between 1990 – 1992)55% boysAverage SES = 3 (scale 1-5)

Master thesis: Learning Environments for Net-generation Learners 1110/04/23

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D Results

1. Use of the internet Extensive use was found On average one to several times a day

(picture: stockxpert)

Master thesis: Learning Environments for Net-generation Learners 1210/04/23

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14%24%

28%

Results

1. Use of the internet Most favourite websites are social networking:

Master thesis: Learning Environments for Net-generation Learners 1310/04/23

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2. Use of MSN to send IM

98% uses MSN On average once a day To keep connected with friends (90%) Chat with several persons (+ 10) 200 Friends…

(picture: msn.nl)

Master thesis: Learning Environments for Net-generation Learners 1410/04/23

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3. Playing games

79% plays (video) games On average several times a week Boys play more often 50% visits fan sites or communities

(picture: stockxpert)

Master thesis: Learning Environments for Net-generation Learners 1510/04/23

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3. Playing games

Most favourite games are online:

40%

22%

Master thesis: Learning Environments for Net-generation Learners 1610/04/23

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3. Gaming

Sport games:

(www.fifa2007.nl)

Master thesis: Learning Environments for Net-generation Learners 1710/04/23

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3. Gaming

Action games:

(www.counter-strike.net)

Master thesis: Learning Environments for Net-generation Learners 1810/04/23

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4. Weblogging

47% reads weblogs Only 15% writes in personal weblog

Most visited weblogs are read from people familiar in real life.

Students write about hobbies, music and movies.

Master thesis: Learning Environments for Net-generation Learners 1910/04/23

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Conclusions (1)

Wide adoption of digital media & webtechnology by this group

Most used technologies support relations with others

Differences between groups exist Gender differences No differences between educational tracks Other research has found differences

between other levels of secondary education (Duimel & de Haan, 2007)

Master thesis: Learning Environments for Net-generation Learners 2010/04/23

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Members of the Net-generation seem to expose a ‘social nature’ through the use of digital media & web technology

Social protocols

Conclusions on characteristics should be taken with care Multitasking Navigation

Conclusions (2)

Master thesis: Learning Environments for Net-generation Learners 2110/04/23

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Hey…

(picture: ster.nl)

Master thesis: Learning Environments for Net-generation Learners 2210/04/23

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…and what about learning ?!

(picture: ster.nl)

Master thesis: Learning Environments for Net-generation Learners 2310/04/23

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Communities & networks of practice Support social interactions between

learners using technology

Combine strength of tools Weblog / wiki are challenge

Differences between groups do exist

Social nature Reach of the internet

Recommendations for learning environments

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Time for questions/ discussion

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D Thank you for your Thank you for your attentionattention

Joost Robben

jrn@stoas.nlhttp://joostrobben.spaces.live.com/

This study was partly funded by Stoas Learning (www.stoas.eu)