About the Net Generation

Also known as the Digital Generation, Milenials, or Generation Y, "this generation is the first to grow up with computers at home, music downloads, instant messaging and cellular phones." Students in this generation frequently use Internet technology for Education (Information, Research), Communication, Entertainment, and Self-expression (Wikipedia). According to DoIT's 2002 student computing survey, computer ownership was at 91% (DoIT Student Computing Survey ).

In addition to being computer-users and frequently "on the Net, "many students of the Net Generation are using a variety of Internet technologies on a daily basis that many of their instructors have never used. This website is designed to introduce instructors to these technologies and to help inspire professors and TAs to incorporate these technologies into their academic courses. This page also offers some information about how exposure to the Internet has impacted the Net Generation as learners.

"Today's youth are different from any generation before them. They are exposed to digital technology in virtually all facets of their day-to-day existence, and it is not difficult to see that this is having a profound impact on their personalities, including their attitudes and approach to learning."

Tapscott, Don. (2005) The Net Generation and the School. Milken Family Foundation.

Characteristics of The Net Generation:

• They are able to multitask / multiprocess: Net-geners can do several things at once.
• They "have little tolerance for delays." They expect webpages to load quickly, responses to e-mail immediately, etc. (Skiba)
• They tend to be more comfortable constructing their knowledge than being instructed.
• They prefer to be interactive: "They want to be users--not just viewers or listeners." (Tapscott, 1998, p.3)

Please see the Resources page for a list of resources on The Net Generation.

LTDE Support

This site will provide you with an introduction to a number of the Internet technologies that are familiar to many students these days. If you would like additional support incorporating any of these technologies into your UW Madison academic course, please contact Learning Technology & Distance Education (LTDE). We offer individual consultations and walk-in help.