Defining the characteristics of digital natives among engineering students in Malaysia / Muliati Sedek

This research builds upon the discourse surrounding digital natives. Digital native is generation of students, who born between 1980 and 1994, has grown up with technology from a very young age. They are hypothesized to possess sophisticated knowledge and skills in using technology and are highly motivated to learn digitally. Thus, this implies a need to change the knowledge content and methods of delivery in universities to cater to the students’ needs. However, many studies have revealed that the ‘digital natives’ use of technology is neither extensive nor diverse. No substantial studies have been undertaken particularly among the Malaysian Technical University Network’s (MTUN) students to support or refute such claims. This study, undertaken only at one MTUN, used a questionnaire to investigate students’ patterns in using technology and perceptions on the factors that contribute to the use of technology. The findings revealed that even though
students’ reception towards use of technology was very positive, there was a lack in diversity and sophistication.