The document summarizes a study that examined claims about differences between generations in their communication preferences and technology use. The study found little evidence that students born after 1992 ("Net Gen" learners) have fundamentally different preferences compared to older students. While students use technologies like email and texting, their use does not appear to be driven primarily by age or generation. Contextual factors like academic programs and requirements are more influential on communication behaviors.

1. Communication Preferences of Postsecondary Learners: Are Net Gen Learners Really that Different? Adnan Qayyum, Mark Bullen, Tannis Morgan CNIE 2009, Ottawa

3. Net Generation Hype 5/13/2009

18. Net Gen Characteristics 5/13/2009 Item Level of Agreement Significance Digitally literate High Not significant Connected Moderately high Small relationship Multitasking Moderately high Small relationship Experiential learning Moderately high Not significant Structured learning Moderately high Not significant

19. Net Gen Characteristics 5/13/2009 Item Level of Agreement Significance Group work Low Small relationship Social Moderately high Not significant Goal oriented Moderate Not significant Preference for text Moderate Small relationship Community minded Moderate Not significant

20. Communication with Peers 5/13/2009 Mode Level of Use Significance BCIT email Moderate Not significant Personal email Moderately high Not significant Instant messaging Moderate Small relationship Text message (phone) Moderately high Small relationship Facebook/ MySpace Moderate Small relationship Talking via phone Moderately high Small relationship Talking in person High Small relationship WebCT Low Small relationship

21. Communication with Instructors 5/13/2009 Mode Level of Use Significance BCIT email Moderate Not significant Personal email Moderate Not significant Instant messaging Low Not significant Text message (phone) Low Not significant Facebook/ MySpace Low Not significant Talking via phone Low Not significant Talking in person High Not significant WebCT Low Small relationship

27. For More Information http://netgennonsense.blogspot.com [email_address] [email_address] [email_address] 5/13/2009