The Net-Generation Methods of Learning, Online Activities and Upbringing Outcomes

Members of the net generation are born and grow up in a digital world. They are different in attitudes and behavior from their parents and teachers who had to adapt to digital trends. The introductory part of the paper analyzes their typical characteristics and their special, new-millennium style of learning and gaining knowledge. These skills, which are supported by leading contemporary paradigms (constructivism and connectivism), have provoked interesting changes in the theory and practice of education, but frequently neglected upbringing outcomes. This paper, based on the researched literature, examines possible influences of digital media on the formation of habits and creation of new patterns of behavior that are practiced in learning and everyday activities such as speed, multitasking, searching for information. It researches their immediate profitability and wide span of attention that results in lack of patience, perseverance, superficiality, thoughtlessness and physical and mental laziness. Although the new wave of Internet usage is being associated with positive educational qualities such as sharing, mutual help, support, honesty and tolerance, there are also some negative sides of it, specifically irresponsible and incorrect behavior towards others (electronic violence, disrespect for intellectual property), but also oneself (false self-presentation, (no) self-criticism and invasion of privacy). Since modern technology is forming the young generation and becoming an important force in shaping modern society, the conclusion emphasizes that with positive changes in the educational domain, attention should also be directed towards developing educational qualities such as perseverance, consistency, patience, criticism and self-criticism, responsible behavior, mutual respect and appreciation. Croatian Journal of Education Vol.18; Sp.Ed.No.1/2016: pages: 259-277 Review paper Paper submitted: 26 November 2015 Paper accepted: 26 April 2016 doi: 10.15516/cje.v18i0.2065 Bilić: The Net-Generation Methods of Learning, Online Activities and Upbringing Outcomes 260 It should be noted that, in the Croatian language, education and upbringing are different terms, which is why in the English version we used the terms education and upbringing separately.