Net Geners’ Multi-Modal and Multi-Tasking Performance in Complex Problem Solving

Who Are The Net Generations?

The Net Generation, also known as the Millennial Generation (or Millennials), represent a new generation after Generation X who, as Barnes, Marateo and Ferris (2007) pointed out, are independent and self-autonomous learners, actively seeking information using new technologies, and engaged in social interaction with others online or offline. According to Barnes et al., Net Geners prefer interactive environment with multiple forms of feedback and are interested in assignments that provide different resources where personally meaningful learning experiences can be derived. They are habituated users of new technologies including multimedia, mobile technologies, the web, and other forms of advanced technologies. They tend to multi-task when learning, using the Internet, mobile devices and playing video games at the same time. Net Geners are avid users of online social communication tools such as Facebook, twitter, MySpace, etc. More importantly, they display a social communication pattern that goes beyond time and space boundaries. Kennedy et al. (2010) agree, “Net Generation students demand instant access to information and expect technology to be an integral part of their educational experience” (p. 332).