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Students map their own ICT landscapes

Abstract

It is clear that most university students make extensive use of information and communications technologies (ICTs). Many studies have attempted to describe the extent of this use. However, gaining a clear understanding of where, how, and why students use these technologies is more elusive. This project follows students as they use these technologies in their everyday lives, asking them to become co-researchers to take photographs, create diaries and record voice memos of their experience over a full day. Through the use of this novel qualitative approach a rich description of the perspective of student use of ICTs can be developed. The analysis of these data is also informed by a student survey on the use of ICTs. This work shows that students at the University of Cambridge are generally confident users of a number of ICTs, and suggests that students use multiple technologies in parallel to achieve a range of study, leisure and social tasks. In addition, a notably large proportion of Cambridge students reported making use of Facebook to manage their social lives. An analysis of reported locations suggests that students, and particularly undergraduates often use computers in their college rooms for extended periods. The article concludes by reflecting on the day experience method and suggesting possible adaptations for future studies.