# The Application of Digital Technology and the Learning Characteristics of Generation Z in Higher Education

**Authors:** Ali Alruthaya, Thanh-Thuy Nguyen, Sachithra Lokuge  
**arXiv:** [2111.05991](https://arxiv.org/abs/2111.05991)  
**Date:** 2021-11-10  
**Summary page:** https://www.summarizepaper.com/en/paper/2111.05991v1/

## Key points

- Generation Z (Gen Z) are digital natives who have grown up in a world where the internet is an integral part of daily life.
- The rapid advancement of digital technologies has revolutionized how individuals go about their day-to-day activities.
- Gen Z individuals have developed unique learning characteristics due to their digital reliance, setting them apart from previous generations.
- Researchers have conducted an extensive literature review encompassing 80 studies to understand how digital technologies impact the learning behaviors of Gen Z in higher education settings.
- The influence of digital technologies on Gen Z's learning characteristics in higher education is being explored through a comprehensive framework developed by researchers.
- Each generation possesses distinct traits shaped by their birth year, as highlighted by sociologists Karl Mannheim and Norman Ryder.
- Understanding the learning characteristics specific to Generation Z and how their interaction with digital technology impacts higher education environments can provide valuable insights for educators and institutions adapting to today's learners' evolving needs.

## Summary

The Generation Z (Gen Z), also known as digital natives, have grown up in a world where the internet is an integral part of daily life. The rapid advancement of digital technologies such as social media, smart mobile devices, cloud computing, and the Internet-of-things has revolutionized how individuals go about their day-to-day activities. This shift towards digital reliance has resulted in Gen Z developing unique learning characteristics that set them apart from previous generations. This change presents new opportunities to explore how digital technology impacts the learning behaviors of Gen Z individuals, particularly within higher education settings. Through an extensive literature review encompassing 80 studies from reputable sources like The British Journal of Educational Technology and Computers & Education journals, researchers have developed a comprehensive framework for understanding the influence of digital technologies on the learning characteristics of Gen Z in higher education. Drawing upon theoretical foundations from sociologists Karl Mannheim and Norman Ryder, it is evident that each generation possesses distinct traits shaped by their birth year. The classification of generations into X, Y, and Z has garnered significant attention in various social sciences and humanities studies. By delving into the learning characteristics specific to Generation Z and examining how their interaction with digital technology impacts higher education environments, this research aims to provide valuable insights for educators and institutions looking to adapt to the evolving needs of today's learners.