Real-time Generation 2011


Real-time Generation 2011

For the fourth consecutive year, Logicalis UK has surveyed a representative group of 13-17 year old UK citizens, polling their views on a range of issues; from their personal technology habits, their aspirations for technology in education, their thoughts about their future work-life balance, and their consumerised view of higher education. After our initial survey in 2007, and from analysing the responses we received, we now refer to this group as the UK ‘Real-time Generation’.

Our surveys traditionally focused on digital habits and use of social technologies in social and education settings. However, in light of the new higher education fees coming into force this Autumn we felt it was vital to ascertain the mindset of the generation that are going to have to pay this cost. What we discovered could potentially radicalise the provision of higher education in the future:

  • 65% believe they will pay too high a price for a higher education service that doesn’t deliver value for money
  • 50% are prepared to forgo the social aspects of university to study from home
  • 75% want shorter degrees to help reduce the total cost of studying

What will the universities (and the businesses that depend on the students there) do to drive attendance by these teenagers who are already cynical about the value of a higher education?