Teaching the Net Generation: Reflections on the Practice of Blended Learning in First-year Post-secondary Education

Educators in post-secondary education recognize the value of creating a learning environment that is relevant to the times we live in. As an instructor in a first year university course, I wanted to explore some specific elements in course development and delivery that would be beneficial in creating a meaningful learning environment for students of the Net Generation. The purpose of this study is to explore the needs of first year students through the evidence gathered of their community and team building and online learning activities, as well as their use of online game-based assessment. By examining and reflecting on the pedagogy, learning activities and the elements that have shaped the experience of students in a first year course, I look at some alternative teaching methods that can be used to more interactively engage and motivate students in their university studies.