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.

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