The aim of the research is to provide an empirically based understanding of the Net Generation as they enter university. The research uses a mixture of survey methods, interview and observation to achieve the following objectives: (1)To explore their attitudes, expectations and experience of e-learning at university; (2)To explore any linkages between their prior exposure to gaming and digital networked technology and their expressed attitudes towards and experience of e-learning; (3)To investigate the use of social software;(4)To develop the theoretical basis for understanding any generational changes; (5)To provide timely evidence based advice for policy makers, teaching staff and administrators. This research will aim to explore students coming from the Net generation as they first encounter e-learning at university. The Net Generation are distinct as they grew up with games and digital technologies. They are distinct in ways that have a relevance to teaching and learning, including questions related to attention span and information searching patterns. At the same time universities in the UK have been exploring a more extensive use of e-learning. The policy direction emphasizes learners’ needs and aspirations but we have little empirical evidence of the changing student population.

The collection consists of Electronic/paper surveys (3), telephone interviews (80 interviewees, 79 interviews), cultural probe (involving 19 students) and 4 focus groups(4). Combination of one-time (Survey 1) and repeated study (Surveys 2 and 3). The collection contains both qualitative and quantitative data. Quantitative Data: Number of survey databases: 3. Survey 1 Database: 256 variables; 596 cases. Survey 2 Database: 124 variables; 1099 cases. Survey 3 Database: 127 variables; 716 cases. Qualitative Data: Interview transcripts: 79 documents (transcripts from 3 interviews attached); interview questions: 3 documents; cultural probe: 19 documents containing transcripts of videos and notebook entries; focus group transcripts: 4 documents. The studied population were 1st year students at 5 English universities and their staff. Number of students taking courses surveyed: 2415. Number of students interviewed: 68. Number of staff interviewed: 12.