JISC

A briefing paper was published today which summarises the results of recent research undertaken by JISC and Ipsos MORI into the attitudes of 16-18 year olds who are planning to go to university.

The briefing paper has been prepared since the research carries important implications for universities, particularly in its findings on the expectations of young people as ‘customers’ of higher education, the near-ubiquity of social networking and the need expressed by survey respondents for clear social or academic benefits of new technologies to be presented. 

Among the results of the research were the findingsthat use of the Internet is the norm for these young people, with 76% having accessed the Internet from their bedrooms, nearly two-thirds using social networking sites ‘regularly’ and 84% agreeing with the statement that they ‘like to keep up-to-date with new technology and use it as much as possible both for study and in my free time’.

Charles Hutchings, JISC market research manager, said that the aim of the briefing paper was to ‘draw attention to the findings of this research and the potential implications these may have on higher education institutions. Given the complexity of the subject and the diversity of students, it’s important that further research is conducted to better understand the changing experiences and expectations of today’s learners. This briefing paper will hopefully stimulate discussion in the sector and provide a useful starting point for JISC’s upcoming Committee of Inquiry.’ 

To read the briefing paper, please go to:  Briefing paper

For the report: JISC/Ipsos MORI report 

For the full announcement: Great expectations of ICT