Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Networked Learning, Stepping Beyond the Net Generation and Digital Natives

  • Chapter
  • First Online:
Exploring the Theory, Pedagogy and Practice of Networked Learning

Abstract

This chapter critically examines the idea that young people have undergone a change in which exposure to digital and networked technologies has caused a step change in the character of a whole generation. The empirical and theoretical basis for this argument is reviewed and critical theoretical perspectives are assessed. Evidence from earlier research is compared and contrasted with evidence gathered from students who are said to be part of the new generation. The chapter explores the consequences of these ideas from the standpoint of networked learning. One aim of the chapter is to suggest ways in which the changes that have taken can be more adequately theorized in relation to the idea of networked learning. Arguments used to support generational change rely on a technological determinism and alternative accounts understand young people as active agents. I suggest expanding the notion of the agent to include persons enacting roles in collective organizations. Overall, the importance of the debate is that determinist arguments can close down debate and networked learning would be impoverished if this occurs.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Log in via an institution
Chapter
USD 29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD 84.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book
USD 109.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info
Hardcover Book
USD 109.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

References

  • Archer M. (2002). Realism and the problem of agency. Journal of Critical Realism, 5, 11–20.http://www.tonybates.ca/2010/02/14/a-critique-of-tapscott-and-williams-views-on-university-reform

  • Archer M. (2003). Structure, Agency and the Internal Conversation. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.http://www.tonybates.ca/2010/02/14/a-critique-of-tapscott-and-williams-views-on-university-reform

  • Bates, T. (2010). A critique of Tapscott and William’s views on university reform. Retrieved January 24, 2011, from http://www.tonybates.ca/2010/02/14/a-critique-of-tapscott-and-williams-views-on-university-reform

  • Bayne, S., & Ross, J. (2007). The ‘digital native’ and ‘digital immigrant’: A dangerous opposition. Paper presented at the Annual Conference of the Society for Research into Higher Education, Brighton 11–13th December 2007. Retrieved January 24, 2011, from http://www.malts.ed.ac.uk/staff/sian/natives_final.pdf

  • Bennett, S., & Maton, K. (2010). Beyond the ‘digital natives’ debate: Towards a more nuanced understanding of students’ technology experiences. Journal of Computer Assisted Learning, 26(5), 321–331.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bennett, S., Maton, K., & Kervin, L. (2008). The ‘digital natives’ debate: A critical review of the evidence. British Journal of Educational Technology, 39(5), 775–786.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Brown, C., & Czerniewicz, L. (2008). Trends in student use of ICTs in higher education in South Africa. Paper presented at the 10th Annual Conference of WWW Applications. Retrieved January 24, 2011, from http://www.cet.uct.ac.za/files/file/ResearchOutput/2008_wwwApps_UseTrends.pdf

  • Brown, C., & Czerniewicz, L. (2010). Debunking the ‘digital native’: Beyond digital apartheid, towards digital democracy. Journal of Computer Assisted Learning, 26(5), 357–369.http://www.cet.uct.ac.za/files/file/ResearchOutput/2008_wwwApps_UseTrends.pdf

    Google Scholar 

  • Browne, J. (2010). Securing a sustainable future for higher education: An independent review of higher education funding and student finance. Retrieved January 24, 2011, from http://hereview.independent.gov.uk/hereview/report/

  • Buckingham, D., & Willett, R. (Eds.). (2006). Digital generations: Children, young people and new media. Mahwah, NJ: Erlbaum.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bullen, M., Morgan, T., Belfer, K., & Qayyum, A. (2009). The Net generation in higher education: Rhetoric and reality. International Journal of Excellence in eLearning, 2, 1–13.

    Google Scholar 

  • Castells, M. (2000). The rise of the network society (2nd ed.). Oxford: Blackwell.

    Google Scholar 

  • Corrin, L., Lokyer, L., & Bennett, S. (2010). Technological diversity: An investigation of students’ technology use in everyday life and academic study. Learning Media and Technology, 35(4), 387–401.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Czerniewicz, L., Williams, K., & Brown, C. (2009). Students make a plan: Understanding student agency in constraining conditions. ALT-J, The Association for Learning Technology Journal, 17(2), 75–88.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Dirckinck-Holmfeld, L., & Jones, C. (2009). Issues and concepts in networked learning: Analysis and the future of networked learning. In L. Dirckinck-Holmfeld, C. Jones, & B. Lindström (Eds.), Analysing networked learning practices in higher education and continuing professional development. Rotterdam: Sense Publishers.

    Google Scholar 

  • Goodyear, P., Asensio, M., Jones, C., Hodgson, V., & Steeples, C. (2003). Relationships between conceptions of learning, approaches to study and students’ judgements about the value of their experiences of networked learning. Association for Learning Technology Journal, 11(1), 17–27.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Goodyear, P., Banks, S., Hodgson, V., & McConnell, D. (2004). Research on networked learning: An overview. In P. Goodyear, S. Banks, V. Hodgson, & D. McConnell (Eds.), Advances in research on networked learning. Dordrecht: Kluwer.

    Google Scholar 

  • Goodyear, P., Jones, C., Asensio, M., Hodgson, V., & Steeples, C. (2001). Students’ experiences of networked learning in higher education, final project report (2 vols). Bristol: Joint Information Systems Committee (JISC).

    Google Scholar 

  • Goodyear, P., Jones, C., Asensio, M., Hodgson, V., & Steeples, C. (2005). Networked learning in higher education: Students’ expectations and experiences. Higher Education, 50(3), 473–508.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Harasim, L., Hiltz, S. R., Teles, L., & Turoff, M. (1995). Learning networks: A field guide to teaching and learning. Cambridge, MA: MIT.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hargittai, E. (2010). Digital na(t)ives? Variation in internet skills and uses among members of the “Net Generation”. Sociological Inquiry, 80(1), 92–113.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Herring, S. (2008). Questioning the generational divide: Technological exoticism and adult construction of online youth identity. In D. Buckingham (Ed.), Youth, identity and digital media (pp. 71–92). Cambridge, MA: MIT.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hosein, A., Ramanau, R., & Jones, C. (2010a). Learning and living technologies: A longitudinal study of first-year students’ frequency and competence in the use of ICT. Learning Media and Technology, 35(4), 403–418.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hosein, A., Ramanau, R., & Jones, C. (2010b). Are all net generation students the same? The frequency of technology use at university. IADIS International Conference e-Learning 2010, Freiburg, Germany.

    Google Scholar 

  • Howe, N., & Strauss, W. (1991). Generations: The history of America’s future and the fourth turning: An American prophecy. Oxford: Oxford University Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Howe, N., & Strauss, W. (2000). Millennials rising: The Next greatest generation. New York: Vintage Books.

    Google Scholar 

  • Jones, C. (2011). Students, the net generation and digital natives: Accounting for educational change. In M. Thomas (Ed.), Deconstructing digital natives. New York: Routledge.

    Google Scholar 

  • Jones, C., & Asensio, M. (2001). Experiences of assessment: Using phenomenography for evaluation. Journal of Computer Assisted Learning, 17(3), 314–321.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Jones, C., Asensio, M., & Goodyear, P. (2000). Networked learning in higher education: Practitioners’ perspectives. Association for Learning Technology Journal, 8(2), 18–28.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Jones, C., & Bloxham, S. (2001). Networked legal learning: An evaluation of the student experience. International Review of Law, Computers and Technology, 3(15), 317–329.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Jones, C., & Cross, S. (2009). Is there a Net generation coming to university? In H. Damis, & L. Creanor (Eds), “In dreams begins responsibility”- choice evidence and change: The 16th Association for Learning Technology Conference, Manchester 2009 (pp. 10–20). Retrieved August 3, 2011, from http://oro.open.ac.uk/18468/

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Jones, C., & Dirckinck-Holmfeld, L. (2009). Analysing networked learning practices: An introduction. In L. Dirckinck-Holmfeld, C. Jones, & B. Lindström (Eds.), Analysing networked learning practices in higher education and continuing professional development. Rotterdam: Sense Publishers.

    Google Scholar 

  • Jones, C., Ferreday, D., & Hodgson, V. (2008). Networked learning a relational approach – weak and strong ties. Journal of Computer Assisted Learning, 24(2), 90–102.

    Google Scholar 

  • Jones, C., & Healing, G. (2010a). Net generation students: Agency and choice and the new technologies. Journal of Computer Assisted Learning, 26(5), 344–356.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Jones, C., & Healing, G. (2010b). Networks and locations for student learning. Learning Media and Technology, 35(4), 369–385.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Jones, C., & Hosein, A. (2010). Profiling university students’ use of technology: Where is the net generation divide? International Journal of Technology Knowledge and Society, 6(3), 43–58.

    Google Scholar 

  • Jones, C., Ramanau, R., Cross, S. J., & Healing, G. (2010). Net generation or digital natives: Is there a distinct new generation entering university? Computers in Education, 54(3), 722–732.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Judd, T., & Kennedy, G. (2010). A five-year study of on-campus Internet use by undergraduate biomedical students. Computers in Education, 55(1), 564–571.

    Google Scholar 

  • Judd, T., & Kennedy, G. (2011). Measurement and evidence of computer-based task switching and multitasking by ‘Net Generation’ students. Computers in Education, 56(3), 625–631. doi:10.1016/j.compedu.2010.10.004.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kennedy, G., Dalgarno, B., Gray, K., Judd, T., Waycott, J., Bennett, S., et al. (2007). The net generation are not big users of web 2.0 technologies: Preliminary findings. In ICT: Providing choices for learners and learning. Proceedings of ASCILITE Singapore 2007. Retrieved January 24, 2011, from http://www.ascilite.org.au/conferences/singapore07/procs/kennedy.pdf

  • Kennedy, G., Judd, T., Dalgarno, B., & Waycott, J. (2010). Beyond natives and immigrants: Exploring types of net generation students. Journal of Computer Assisted Learning, 26(5), 332–343.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kennedy, G., Krause, K.-L., Judd, T., Churchward, A., & Gray, K. (2006). First year students’ experiences with technology: Are they really digital natives? Melbourne: Centre for Study of Higher Education, The University of Melbourne.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kennedy, G. E., Krause, K.-L., Judd, T. S., Churchward, A., & Gray, K. (2008). First year students’ experiences with technology: Are they really digital natives? Australasian Journal of Educational Technology, 24(1), 108–122.

    Google Scholar 

  • Margaryan, A., Littlejohn, A., & Vojt, G. (2011). Are digital natives a myth or reality? University students’ use of digital technologies. Computers in Education, 56(2), 429–440.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • McNaught, C., Lam, P., & Ho, A. (2009). The digital divide between university students and teachers in Hong Kong. In Same places, different spaces. Proceedings ASCILITE 2009, Auckland, New Zealand. Retrieved January 24, 2011, from http://www.ascilite.org.au/conferences/­auckland09/procs/mcnaught.pdf

  • Oblinger, D. G., & Oblinger, J. (2005). Educating the Net Generation. EDUCAUSE Online book. Retrieved August 3, 2011, from http://www.educause.edu/ir/library/pdf/pub7101.pdf

    Google Scholar 

  • Oliver, B., & Goerke, V. (2007). Australian undergraduates’ use and ownership of emerging technologies: Implications and opportunities for creating engaging learning experiences for the net generation. Australasian Journal of Educational Technology, 23(2), 171–186.

    Google Scholar 

  • Palfrey, J., & Gasser, U. (2008). Born digital: Understanding the first generation of digital natives. New York: Basic Books.

    Google Scholar 

  • Pedró, F. (2009). New millennium learners in higher education: Evidence and policy implications. Paris: Centre for Educational Research and Innovation (CERI).

    Google Scholar 

  • Prensky, M. (2001). Digital natives, digital immigrants. On the Horizon, 9(5), 1–6.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Prensky, M. (2010). Teaching digital natives: Partnering for real learning. London: Sage.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ryberg, T. (2007). Patchworking as a metaphor for learning: Understanding youth, learning and technology. Unpublished PhD thesis, Aalborg University, Aalborg. Retrieved January 24, 2011, from http://www.telearn.org/warehouse/RYBERG-THOMAS-2007_(001783v1).pdf

  • Ryberg, T., Dirckinck-Holmfeld, L., & Jones, C. (2010). Catering to the needs of the “digital natives” or educating the “Net Generation”? In M. J. W. Lee & C. McLoughlin (Eds.), Web 2.0-based e-learning: Applying social informatics for tertiary teaching. Hershey, PA: IGI Global.

    Google Scholar 

  • Salajan, F. D., Schönwetter, D. J., & Cleghorn, B. M. (2010). Student and faculty inter-generational digital divide: Fact or fiction? Computers in Education, 55, 1393–1403.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Salaway, G., Caruso, J. B., & Nelson, M. R. (2008). The ECAR study of undergraduate students and information technology. Boulder, CO: EDUCAUSE Center for Applied Research.

    Google Scholar 

  • Sánchez, J., Salinas, A., Contreras, D., & Meyer, E. (2010). Does the new digital generation of learners exist? A qualitative study. British Journal of Educational Technology, 42(4), 543–556. doi:10.1111/j.1467-8535.2010.01069.x.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Schulmeister, R. (2010). Students, Internet, eLearning and Web 2.0. In M. Ebner & M. Schiefner (Eds.), Looking toward the future of technology-enhanced education: Ubiquitous learning and digital native. Hershey, PA: IGI Global.

    Google Scholar 

  • Selwyn, N. (2003). ‘Doing IT for the kids’: Re-examining children, computers and the ‘Information Society’. Media, Culture and Society, 25(3), 351–378.

    Google Scholar 

  • Selwyn, N. (2008). An investigation of differences in undergraduates’ academic use of the internet. Active Learning in Higher Education, 9(1), 11–22.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Smith, S. D., & Borreson Caruso, J. (2010). The ECAR study of undergraduate students and information technology, 2010 (Research Study, Vol. 6). Boulder, CO: EDUCAUSE Center for Applied Research. Retrieved January 24, 2011, from http://www.educause.edu/ecar

  • Smith, S., Salaway, G., & Borreson Caruso, J. (2009). The ECAR study of undergraduate students and information technology, 2009 (Research Study, Vol. 6). Boulder, CO: EDUCAUSE Center for Applied Research. Retrieved January 24, 2011, from http://www.educause.edu/ecar

  • Tapscott, D. (2009). Grown up digital: How the Net generation is changing your world. New York: McGraw-Hill.

    Google Scholar 

  • Tapscott, D., & Williams, A. (2010). Innovating the 21st century university: It’s time. Educause Review, 45(1), 17–29.

    Google Scholar 

  • Thinyane, H. (2010). Are digital natives a world-wide phenomenon? An investigation into South African first year students’ use and experience with technology. Computers in Education, 55, 406–414.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Waycott, J., Bennett, S., Kennedy, G., Dalgarno, B., & Gray, K. (2009). Digital divides? Student and staff perceptions of information and communication technologies. Computers in Education, 54(4), 1202–1211.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Wellman, B., Quan-Haase, A., Boase, J., Chen, W., Hampton, K., Isla de Diaz, I., et al. (2003). The social affordances of the internet for networked individualism. Journal of Computer-Mediated Communication, 8(3).

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. The Institute of Educational Technology, Open University, Milton Keynes, UK

    Chris Jones

Authors
  1. Chris Jones
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Chris Jones .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. , Faculty of Humanities, University of Aalborg. Aalborg, Denmark, Kroghstraede 3, 1221, Aalborg, 9220, Denmark

    Lone Dirckinck-Holmfeld

  2. , Dept of Management Learning & Leadership, Lancaster University, Lancater, UK, Lancaster, LA1, United Kingdom

    Vivien Hodgson

  3. Dykehead, Port of Menteith, Stirling, FK8 3JY, United Kingdom

    David McConnell

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2012 Springer Science+Business Media, LLC

About this chapter

Cite this chapter

Jones, C. (2012). Networked Learning, Stepping Beyond the Net Generation and Digital Natives. In: Dirckinck-Holmfeld, L., Hodgson, V., McConnell, D. (eds) Exploring the Theory, Pedagogy and Practice of Networked Learning. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4614-0496-5_2

Download citation

Publish with us

Policies and ethics

Search

Navigation