Net gen: learning pedagogies and competencies on information literacy

Abstract

Postwar economic development is mainly focused on education, research and development, transport, agriculture and small and medium enterprises of the regions under the thresh hold of war. In this sense development of higher education system of the universities located at the war zone of Sri Lanka is very carefully planned and implemented as they are under pressure for last 30 years. As Library is considered as "heart of the university" academic performance of the students depends on the library services with the teaching and learning pedagogies of the faculty members and students respectively. Net Generation or millennial particularly those aged 18-22 who make our undergraduate population today are characterized as technologically savvy and wanting results instantly and easily. Traditional teaching methods and library services may be ineffective on this generation. Though faculties and university libraries are trying a variety of innovative services to meet the library users, it is necessary to identify the requirements of the Net Gen to develop the existing services and teaching practices. This study describes various characteristics of Net Generation, their requirements, learning styles and information skills. The purpose of this research is to identify the needs and wants of the freshmen students towards teaching, learning and library services. A survey for freshmen students of university of Jaffna, Eastern University and South Eastern University of Sri Lanka has been conducted. Questionnaire was used as research instrument. Students were asked to rate their preferences for a variety of questions. Results of the study indicate that Net Genres have different needs and wants towards library and faculty. Development of new technologies on teaching, learning and library services should be prioritized in order to educate the Net Generation according to their aspirations and requirements. It recommends the universities to gear and shift the systems in par with the requirements of these students. In addition they are not competent enough on Information and Communication Literacy (ICT) skills. ICT skills of students should be developed from high school level.