Nicole A. Buzzetto-Hollywood|Ayodele Julius Alade
An Examination of Gen Z Learners Attending a Minority University
University of Maryland Eastern Shore|University of Maryland Eastern Shore
aimpurpose paper presents preliminary findings pilot survey sought examine technology uses backgrounds needs interests career goals professional expectations generation z students enrolled minority serving institution united states midatlantic region background students entering college today part generation z born late 90s 2016 known short attention spans heightened ability multitask already outnumber millennials first true digital natives born age smart phone methodology fall 2017 online student perception survey piloted students enrolled midatlantic minority serving institution survey included combination dichotomous likertscaled ranking questions survey administered electronically using survey monkey system students following completion core computer concepts courses explored technology backgrounds skills perceived computing selfefficacy role predict technology play future career data subsequently exported microsoft excel spss descriptive statistical analyses conducted contribution generation z descends college campuses technology dominated backgrounds different communications learning social preferences important better understand generation whose needs expectations help shape future higher education additionally study also provides research population firstgeneration minority college students expanding numbers higher education literature reports impacted negatively digital divide educational inequalities paper timely relevant helps extend understanding generation z findings findings show generation z learners enrolled minorityserving institution enjoy computer classes feel using computers comes easy perceive experts use social media mobile operating systems using smart phone searching web email participants also reported want technologically literate want skilled computer software applications interested learning cyber security terms future respondents also believe career require analyze information inform decision making additionally stated information security important future career finally results affirmed college computing courses remain important college students recognize technology play crucial role career employers wanting see job applicants strong technology skills recommendations practitioners generation z learners enrolled higher education need want wide range technology courses available order help meet rapidly evolving demands tomorrows workplace students study overwhelmingly see value enhancing technology skills especially areas computer software applications information management cyber security recommendation researchers institutions higher education invest thorough ongoing examinations information technology literacy skills needs perceptions students impact society understanding interests needs generation z learners imperative future higher education future research survey work progress part pilot study used help guide much sizable examination generation z learners