Digital Me is a platform for parents, teachers, and any adult that considers him/herself as an educator or a role model of the digital natives. In it they can find tools to empower and support them when bringing up pre-teens that are about to start, or have already started the process of exploration in the search of self-identity.

This study analyzes the technology experience and knowledge of students of the generation of digital natives at the University of Tennessee. In an online survey students were asked about their experience and knowledge of certain software applications, their daily computer habits and their ability and skills to troubleshoot a malfunctioning computer. In general, the results show that students’ computer experience and knowledge are limited to a specific set of software applications that is widened according to required needs. Students are knowledgeable in web browsing, using word processors, course management software and email. If academic courses require them, students learn how to use other software applications, such as Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint. At the same time a majority of students show a limited set of troubleshooting skills. A high percentage would still be able to resolve virus or spyware issues, but if it came to troubleshooting other problems, such as a malfunctioning network connection or a computer that doesn’t boot, they would consult an expert right away without attempting to resolve the issue themselves. Though the majority of students did not wish for more computer integration in their courses, they wished that their education of computer skills in high school had prepared them better for college. At the same time students show a lack of interest in computer workshops, which could improve these skills. They are rather interested in learning computer skills for their personal use, such as Adobe Photoshop or web design.

Social media has paved a new way for communication and interacting with others. ’What’s on your mind?’, ’How are you feeling today?’, ’Where are you?’, ’Who are you with?’. These allusions lead back to status update questions of the largest social network to date. This thesis seeks to primarily understand, to which extent and if, social media usage influences authentic leadership dimensions and education from the millennials’ perpective. Additionally, it portrays results of an online based questionnaire conducted among students and alumni within the millennial generation.

Younger learners are widely considered to be technologically savvy and computer literate because of their lifelong exposure to ubiquitous technology. Educators often rely on that assumption to justify changes to institutional curricula, technology initiatives, new classroom strategies, and calls for educators to meet the educational demands of the younger generation. This study examines the computer literacy skills of Net Generation Learners (NGLs). This dissertation is composed of a systematic literature review, an examination of learner computer literacy skills prior to completing a college level course, and an investigation of the effects of different types of instruction on learner computer literacy skills. In the systematic literature review, identified studies focused primarily on learner familiarity with emerging technologies and relied heavily on self-reported data. Few studies directly measured learner computer literacy skills, and none compared the skills of NGLs and non-NGLs. A causal-comparative examination of learner computer literacy skills prior to a college level computer literacy course found that both NGLs and non-NGLs exhibited inadequate computer literacy skill. A 1-way ANOVA indicated NGLs performed significantly better than non-NGLs on a computer literacy skills assessment; however, examining learner age as a continuous variable via regression yielded different results. There may be validity to claims regarding the comparative computer proficiency of NGLs to non-NGLs, but the level of skill exhibited by learners does not warrant calls for radical educational changes, and the imprecision of arbitrarily defining age as a dichotomous variable produces potentially erroneous results. The effect of type of instruction on learner computer literacy skills was explored. Based on the results in this study, direct instruction focused on a comprehensive scope of computer literacy skills better supports learner acquisition of skills than does informal instruction or instruction focused on a limited range of skills. Future research should use statistical methods that analyze age as a continuous variable while continuing to examine directly the comparative computer literacy skills of NGLs and non-NGLs at all levels of education. Further inquiry into the effectiveness of different types of instruction to support learner acquisition of computer literacy skills should also be conducted.

Orientador: Thaís Cristina Rodrigues Tezani / Banca: Loriza Lacerda de Almeida / Banca: Mariana Vaitiekunas Pizarro / Resumo: Esta pesquisa surgiu diante do reconhecimento de que, vivemos em uma era tecnológica e crianças que chegam à escola, os denominados nativos digitais, apresentam grande familiaridade com as tecnologias que se traduz na facilidade no uso das Tecnologias Digitais da Informação e Comunicação (TDIC). De acordo com o Programa Nacional de Tecnologia Educacional (ProInfo) em considerável número de escolas públicas há a presença de laboratórios de informática equipados por computadores ou notebook, sem, entretanto, a garantia de uso eficaz atrelado ao currículo. Pretendemos, com o presente trabalho, auxiliar professores por meio do desenvolvimento de uma sequência didática apoiada no uso das TDIC disponíveis nas escolas como: o computador, tablets, netbooks, câmera digital, internet banda larga. Nossa pesquisa, portanto, é uma pesquisa de natureza qualitativa do tipo participante e experimental, realizada com alunos do 4° ano do Ensino Fundamental I. Efetuamos, portanto, o seguinte percurso metodológico: 1) revisão bibliográfica; 2) questionário inicial com alunos envolvidos; 3) construção da sequência didática que utilize as TDIC como ferramenta pedagógica; 4) aplicação da sequência com os alunos; 5) considerações e avaliação sobre a sequência didática; 6) questionário final com alunos envolvidos; 7) análise dos dados e possíveis cruzamentos. Verificamos com esses passos que os estudantes puderam superar o uso ingênuo e sem preparo das TDIC, demonstrando-se ativos nos procedimentos a... (Resumo completo, clicar acesso eletrônico abaixo) / Abstract: This research has emerged on the recognition that we live in a technological age and children who come to school the so-called digital natives have great familiarity with the tecnologies that translates into ease-of-use of Digital Information and Communication Technologies (TDIC). According to the National Program technology education (ProtoInfo) in considerable number of public schools for the presence of computer labs equipped for computers or notebook, without, however, guaranteeing effective use tired to curriculum. We want, with this work, help teachers through the development of a didactic sequence supported the use of TDIC available in schools such as: computer, tablets, noteboks, digital cameras, broadband internet. Our research, therefore, is a qualitative research of type end and experimental, performed with 4th grade students of the elementary school (I). We have carried out, therefore, the following methodological path: 1) literature review; 2) initial questionnaire with students involved; 3) construction of didactic sequence using the TDIC as pedagogical tool; 4) application of the sequence with the students; 5) consideration and evaluation on the teaching sequence; 6) final questionnaire with students involved; 7) data analysis and possible crossings. We check with these steps that students have been able to overcome the use naive and unprepared of TDIC, demonstrating active in procedures adopted and with the possibility to be authors of their own knowledge, favoring thus the articulation of the TDIC to curriculum and the teaching and learning process / Mestre

Made available in DSpace on 2016-06-07T17:12:28Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2015-11-26. Added 1 bitstream(s) on 2016-06-07T17:17:11Z : No. of bitstreams: 1 000864835.pdf: 7270131 bytes, checksum: 5053c52378772c190a9b2977cf766072 (MD5) / A presente pesquisa tem o objetivo principal identificar como a criança nativa digital aparece ou é representada na propaganda contemporânea. Mais especificamente, pretende-se verificar os contextos em que a criança nativa digital é apresentada em filmes publicitários produzidos para televisão e quais aspectos da hipermodernidade são difundidos nas mensagens e as representações sociais dessa geração de crianças, transmitidas pela publicidade. Nativo digital é denominação de Prensky (1999) à geração de crianças nascidas a partir do século XXI que possuem domínio nato da tecnologia digital e fazem uso das tecnologias de informação e comunicação com extrema facilidade. São crianças que vivem na hipermodernidade, termo empregado por Lipovetsky e Charles (2004) para designar a sociedade contemporânea que se caracteriza pela evolução crescente e incessante dessas tecnologias e pela velocidade intensa do fluxo de informação e de comunicação. Por meio da Análise de Conteúdo de Bardin (2011), foram analisados nove (9) filmes comerciais veiculados na televisão aberta e fechada brasileiras entre 2009 e 2015, nas quais aparecem crianças de até aproximadamente 12 anos em interação ou não com dispositivos eletrônicos. Com o apoio da Teoria das Representações Sociais e fundamentando-se nos modelos de representação infantil, identificados por Sampaio (2000); Meurer, (2002); Osaki (2003) e Orlandi (2012) na mídia nacional que, regularmente, emprega estereótipos para representar crianças, visualizou-se a possibilidade de definir um novo estereótipo ou modelo de representação infantil, relativo à criança nativa digital, visando contribuir com o campo de investigação acerca da formação psíquica da criança na contemporaneidade / This research aims to identify how the digital native child appears or is represented in contemporary advertising. More specifically, we intend to verify the contexts in which the digital native children is presented in advertising films made for brasilian television and which aspects of hypermodernity are widespread in the messages and social representations of this generation of children, transmitted by advertising. Digital Native (Prensky, 1999) is the name to the generation of children born from the twenty-first century that use digital technology with ease. Are children that living in hypermodernity, a term used by Lipovetsky and Charles (2004) to designate the contemporary society that is characterized by growing and unceasing evolution of these technologies and the intense speed of information flow and communication. By Bardin (2001) Content Analysis we analyzed nine (9) commercials films of brazilian television between 2009 and 2015, featuring children up to about 12 years interacting with or without electronic devices. With support from the Theory of Social Representations and relying on models of child representation, identified by Sampaio (2000); Meurer, (2002); Osaki (2003) and Orlandi (2012) in the national media that regularly employs stereotypes to represent children, envisioned the possibility of defining a new stereotype or model of child representation on the digital native children, to contribute to the research field about the psychic formation of children nowadays

Orientadora: Elizabeth Piemonte Constantino / Banca: Matheus Fernandes de Castro / Banca: Cláudio Edward dos Reis / Banca: Lucilene dos Santos Gonzales / Banca: Geovanio Edervaldo Rossato / Resumo: A presente pesquisa tem o objetivo principal identificar como a criança nativa digital aparece ou é representada na propaganda contemporânea. Mais especificamente, pretende-se verificar os contextos em que a criança nativa digital é apresentada em filmes publicitários produzidos para televisão e quais aspectos da hipermodernidade são difundidos nas mensagens e as representações sociais dessa geração de crianças, transmitidas pela publicidade. Nativo digital é denominação de Prensky (1999) à geração de crianças nascidas a partir do século XXI que possuem domínio nato da tecnologia digital e fazem uso das tecnologias de informação e comunicação com extrema facilidade. São crianças que vivem na hipermodernidade, termo empregado por Lipovetsky e Charles (2004) para designar a sociedade contemporânea que se caracteriza pela evolução crescente e incessante dessas tecnologias e pela velocidade intensa do fluxo de informação e de comunicação. Por meio da Análise de Conteúdo de Bardin (2011), foram analisados nove (9) filmes comerciais veiculados na televisão aberta e fechada brasileiras entre 2009 e 2015, nas quais aparecem crianças de até aproximadamente 12 anos em interação ou não com dispositivos eletrônicos. Com o apoio da Teoria das Representações Sociais e fundamentando-se nos modelos de representação infantil, identificados por Sampaio (2000); Meurer, (2002); Osaki (2003) e Orlandi (2012) na mídia nacional que, regularmente, emprega estereótipos para representar crianças, visualizou-se a possibilidade de definir um novo estereótipo ou modelo de representação infantil, relativo à criança nativa digital, visando contribuir com o campo de investigação acerca da formação psíquica da criança na contemporaneidade / Abstract: This research aims to identify how the digital native child appears or is represented in contemporary advertising. More specifically, we intend to verify the contexts in which the digital native children is presented in advertising films made for brasilian television and which aspects of hypermodernity are widespread in the messages and social representations of this generation of children, transmitted by advertising. Digital Native (Prensky, 1999) is the name to the generation of children born from the twenty-first century that use digital technology with ease. Are children that living in hypermodernity, a term used by Lipovetsky and Charles (2004) to designate the contemporary society that is characterized by growing and unceasing evolution of these technologies and the intense speed of information flow and communication. By Bardin (2001) Content Analysis we analyzed nine (9) commercials films of brazilian television between 2009 and 2015, featuring children up to about 12 years interacting with or without electronic devices. With support from the Theory of Social Representations and relying on models of child representation, identified by Sampaio (2000); Meurer, (2002); Osaki (2003) and Orlandi (2012) in the national media that regularly employs stereotypes to represent children, envisioned the possibility of defining a new stereotype or model of child representation on the digital native children, to contribute to the research field about the psychic formation of children nowadays / Doutor

Purpose: The report investigates the manner in which spaces are currently designed and provided for learning in the context of higher education institutions, and whether these designs take into account the technology available for use in an educational environment. It therefore looks at the impact that these spaces have on the learning process and the related ability of planners to provide the necessary spaces for teaching, in relation to the context of a technologically enhanced teaching environment. Design/methodology/approach: A review of current literature is used to establish what types of spaces should be provided for teaching with technology in line with what is being done in universities abroad. Case studies of three universities will be used to gather data on the current trend in terms of the actual provision of space in universities. Interviews will be conducted with the participants of the case studies. Findings: Once the case studies are complete, data will be analysed to assess how well the selected universities are doing in terms of providing space that is suitable for the latest technology that is used in the field of education. Practical implications: In evaluating the spaces provided and the technology available, it will become apparent if the spaces provided are indeed relevant in terms of the technological world we live in. Originality/value: Most of the current research documented in the literature examines technology and how it influences learning space design. As such, this report compares these concepts with the reality of space provision in universities today and questions the relevance of Space Norms in the age of E-learning. Limitations: The report is limited to an investigation into Gauteng HEIs. Technology investigated is limited to types that are useful to teaching and is not an exhaustive range of technology available in the world. Spaces referred to are education spaces only. Institutions investigated are limited to face-to-face HEIs which are public institutions.

Digital natives, who are born and raised with digital technologies, have a deep affinity with social media. Social media has a great influence over an individual's daily life, even on his/her intimate and romantic relationship. As a breakup of romantic relationships can commonly happen to digital natives, and as it is likely to cause distress and psychological symptoms afterwards, this study attempted to find out the impact of breakups on social media use among digital natives. The quantitate survey was conducted with 175 valid participants between the ages of 18-30. These participants were those who currently live in the United States, who use social media at least once a month, who experienced a romantic breakup in the last six months. The results show that negative self-esteem plays a key role between breakup-associated factors and a strong attachment to social media use in their daily lives. Negative self-esteem mediates social media use with a breakup initiation status or depression prompted by breakup. Negative self-esteem also arises when a person's perceived responsibility towards the breakup or the cause of the breakup is high when they are rejected by their partner.

This thesis is a report of a research and design process for creating a layer for a certain Digital Library; a layer that allows users to communicate and socialize with each other within the environment of the Digital Library. Also, the effects that this layer could have on the users’ behaviors, social lives, and private lives, were evaluated.In the process, the most-visited Digital Libraries have been introduced and examined. Furthermore, they have been compared with each other using a united framework. In addition, the user group has been chosen, analyzed and categorized. According to that, International Children’s Digital Library has been chosen as the most suitable Digital Library for the target user group.Through series of prototypes and workshops done with a selection of user group representatives, design decisions were made and tried out. The final outcome of these workshops is a prototype layer for International Children’s Digital Library that allows users to communicate and socialize with one another. As a further matter, the potential effects it could have were explained.