New Revealing Book Presents Unique Research, Insight into Net Generation College Students

July 6, 2007; 07:02 AM
A Pennsylvania-based college professor -- Dr. Reynol Junco, NCC, LPC -- has released a unique book that provides rare insight on the "Net Generation." The book, co-authored by Dr. Jeanna Mastrodicasa, is entitled "Connecting to the Net Generation: What Higher Education Professionals Need to Know about Today's Students."

The enlightening book provides an overview of popular technologies, such as blogs, instant messaging, social networking Websites and file sharing programs, and examines how students are using these technologies to communicate and create a sense of community. The authors also compare generational values, as well as offer specific recommendations for ways to better serve Net Generation students in the areas of career planning, academic advising, campus safety, counseling and disability services, parental involvement and classroom learning.    

According to Dr. Junco, the Net Generation -- whose members were born in and after 1982 -- is the largest generation in U.S. history. This population segment, commonly referred to as the "Millennial Generation," exceeds 80 million and presents unique challenges to college campuses and universities and society. "It is clear that those from other generations are fascinated by how today's generation uses technology, communicates with each other, bonds with their parents, etc.," Dr. Junco said. "This book is meant to be used as a cultural guide to the Net Generation for all readers, especially those in higher education who must work with and provide services to these students."

"Connecting to the Net Generation" enables Junco to utilize his research expertise and experience as a faculty member and a student affairs professional. The book presents a collection of important, empirical research that has never before been collected on the Net Generation. "This is the first book of its kind, and it includes information from a nationwide survey with more than 7,500 respondents," Dr. Junco said.

The book is based on the "Net Generation Survey," which evaluates how college students use technology to build social networks and communicate. This survey by Doctors Junco and Mastrodicasa represents the responses of 7,705 college students from seven colleges or universities throughout the country. In part, the survey reveals:

• Ninety-seven percent own a computer, 94 percent own a cell phone, and 56 percent own an mp3 player.
• Students speak with their parents an average of 1.5 times a day about a wide range of topics.
• Seventy-six percent of students use Instant Messaging.
• IM users typically chat 80 minutes per day.
• Ninety-two percent of IM users reported doing something else on the computer while IM-ing.
• Forty percent of students reported that the television was their primary source of obtaining news while 34 percent reported that websites were their primary source (newspapers were the primary source for 11 percent and radio for 8 percent).
• Twenty-eight percent reported owning a blog and 44 percent reported reading blogs.
• Forty-nine percent reported downloading music using peer-to-peer file sharing (15 percent reported downloading movies and 16 percent reported downloading software).

About Dr. Junco:
Dr. Reynol Junco is an Associate Professor in the Department of Academic Development and Counseling and Director of Disability Services at Lock Haven University of Pennsylvania. A graduate of the University of Florida with a B.S. in psychology, he earned his Doctor of Education from Pennsylvania State University in Counselor Education. Dr. Junco's research interests include examining student development through the use of technology, online survey design, psychometric assessment, and using technology to enhance student success.