Herewith, the final publication of my master thesis.

Title: Learning environments for Net-generation learners (click on link for PDF file)
Author: Joost Robben
Supervisors: Dr. A.A.M. Wognum; Dr. M.R.M Meelissen

Abstract
Based on a written questionnaire among 224 students of preliminary vocational education in The Netherlands, the present paper explores the use of digital media and web technology and the characteristics of Net-generation learners as being the next generation of workers. Two developments in digital media and web technology have been taken into account: 1) virtual social networks and 2) multi-user virtual environments. These incorporate the general use of the internet, instant messaging, weblogs and gaming. Empirical findings from this study have shown that responding students from preliminary vocational education are intensive users of digital media and web technology. A social nature is exposed through the use of technologies that enable them to create and maintain relations or social networks. Further data analysis provides insights into possible differences caused by e.g. Social Economic Status, gender, and educational track. Furthermore, this paper explores the design of learning environments based on concepts of networks and communities of practice that make the most profound use of the digital media and web technology most used by Net-generation learners.

Key-words: Net-generation, learning environments, digital media, web technology, internet, communities of practice

I hope you enjoy reading it, please remind the CC licence if you want to use the information from this paper.

Last Friday 31 august 2007 I have received my Master of Science degree! Herewith, I've completed the master's examination of the educational programme "Educational Science and Technology, Track: Human Resource Development" at the University of Twente, Enschede, The Netherlands.

Many thanks to all of you who has helped me during the proces of writing my thesis and special thanks to my familiy and colleagues who drove all the way up to Enschede for making this graduation day an unforgetable event!