oblinger

some recent papers - the general theme is what it means to be net savvy

Balancing Agility and Stability in Higher Education (connectivism conference abstract)
//By [|Diana Oblinger]// Information technology has catalyzed the creation of new forms of communication, self-expression, and collaboration. Social networking, podcasting, and videoblogging exemplify a do-it-yourself culture where peer-to-peer, multi-modal communication challenges traditional text-based, authoritative channels. The co-creation of material and the emergence of amateurs as authorities, as epitomized by wikipedia, signal a cultural shift among many of today’s learners. And, with the Web as learners’ information universe—not the library—no learner is ever far from abundant information. In a rapidly changing environment, how well is education keeping pace with learner expectations, IT capabilities, learning principles, and cultural shifts? How much agility—or stability—is required?

[|Games and Learning] quotes Richard Van Eck extensively

[|Getting Past Google: Perspectives on Information Literacy from the Millenial Mind] (editor) Many Net Generation students understand how to find information and post their own content online. However, they may have only limited knowledge about how to effectively evaluate online resources and ethically use them. Likewise, large numbers seem unaware of the limited control they may have over the personal information they divulge online and the implications that holds for how their content is used, by whom, and for what purposes. This student perspective on information literacy uses anecdotes, personal examples, and statistics on Net Generation Web usage to highlight gaps in students’ net savviness. Also discussed is how faculty, librarians, administrators, and students must work together to close those gaps.

[|How Choice, Co-Creation and Culture are Changing what it means to be net savvy] By George Lorenzo, Diana Oblinger, and Charles Dziuban The Web has changed our habits, expectations, and norms. We have come to view the Internet as the information universe, not just the library. We expect information to be instantly accessible. In text and other formats, information is not just created by experts—it is created and co-created by amateurs. More than ever before, we can choose what, when, and where to use information. The Web—and how we interact with it—has become part of our culture. As a result, what it means to be “net savvy” is changing because the nature of information itself has changed.

[|Ensuring the Net Generation is Net Savvy] (editor) Although the current generation of students may have never known life without the Internet, they are not necessarily “net savvy.” Exposed to huge quantities of information on the Web—in text, audio, image and video formats—sorting valid information from misinformation is a constant challenge. Beyond the quantity and variety of information, students are now creating information, not just consuming it. This white paper explores the challenges of functioning in an information-rich environment where students must blend skills in finding information, using technology, and thinking critically.

[|Is it Age or IT: First Steps Toward Understanding the Net Generation] by Diana Oblinger and James Oblinger Detailed description of the net generation