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Technology, Knowledge and Learning

, Volume 20, Issue 2, pp 147–158 | Cite as

Academic Versus Non-academic Emerging Adult College Student Technology Use

  • Joan Ann Swanson
  • Erica Walker
Article

Abstract

Emerging adult college students have developmental and educational needs which are unique to their phase of life. Emerging adults are also increasingly identified by their technology use and practices. Collegiate instructors will be better equipped for educating these individuals when armed with insights concerning emerging adults’ technology related practices. The purpose of this study is to examine academic and non-academic technology use by emerging adult college students. Survey results (N = 235) provide insights into emerging adult college student technology preferences and frequency of use for academic and non-academic purposes. This study found that emerging adult college students have distinct technology preferences and practices relating to both academic and non-academic use, and prefer contextualization of technology accordingly.

Keywords

Technology Emerging adults College Instruction 

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Copyright information

© Springer Science+Business Media Dordrecht 2015

Authors and Affiliations

  1. 1.Skidmore CollegeSaratoga SpringsUSA

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