Session Title: Net-Gen? Not So Much: Investigating Claims of the “New” Learner

Time & Date: 11:00 A.M. – 11:45 A.M., Wednesday, June 17, 2009

Location: Rm. 261, Irving K. Barber Learning Centre (IKBLC)

Session Description: Much has been written about the new “Net Generation” learner and his or her facility with web 2.0 technologies. In the online learning environment, the spectre of these high-tech, tech-savvy, wired learners drives much of what is considered good education into the background in favour of the latest in educational technology. Many who teach online in adult and higher education are beginning to question the research that “tells us” who and how these young learners learn. This paper will review the literature, offer a critical perspective, and present conclusions based on analysis of learner response to learning situations supported by educational technologies over the past five years.

Conference Stream: Research

Session Format: Panel Discussion

Presenter: Wendy Burton

Presenter Bio: I began teaching at Fraser Valley College in 1979. As Director, Teaching and Learning, I manage our online campus and instructional media services. I have been engaged in teaching and learning online since 1994.