Transcript Defining Generation Y: towards a new typology of digital learners

Defining Generation Y:
towards a new typology of
digital learners
Becka Currant
University of Bradford
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
The typology
High
Digitally
Inexperienced
Experience
Digitally
Reluctant
Degree of educational contribution
Low
Digitally
Experienced
Low
of technology
Digital Socialites
High
Developing the typology
4 categories of learners:
• 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?
• 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
What do you think of 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?
Scenario Planning
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!!
Feedback from Group Activity
Group 1
Next Steps
• 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 Bradford
Tuesday 3 June 1030-1530