Last updated: 04/03/08
Inquiry into Google’s impact on uni launched

An independent inquiry looking into how the use of new technologies by the ‘Google generation’ will shape higher education was launched last month.

The inquiry will consider the impact of new technologies such as social networking and mobile devices and the behaviour and attitudes of students who are approaching or have just arrived at university, and the issues this poses for universities.

Prof Sir David Melville, who is chairing the inquiry said, “We know students have different attributes and expectations - particularly in the first and second year - in the way they interact with each other and universities when they come in.”

Melville said the arrival of students with different experiences and expectations has far reaching implications for institutions of higher education.

“The interesting question is whether this attitude to social networking changes their expectations in the way they might learn,” he added.