Reconsidering University Educational Environment for the Learners of Generation Z

A deeper understanding, analysis, appropriate design and management of students’ educational environment can be a powerful tool to improve the performance of both students and universities in the 21st century. The need to focus on the development of learning environments in higher education is also expressed by educational policy makers. In view of the fact that generations change and learners gain unique characteristics that differentiate them from the earlier generations, it is essential that learning environments are constantly researched and reconsidered. In the current article attention is centered on reconsideration of university educational environment for the learners of the new generation – Generation Z. Based on the literature review, the current article dwells on the discussion about educational environments for Generation Z. First, most common characteristics of the latest generation of learners have been explored and grouped into the characteristics that have a positive impact on learning and those detrimental to learning. Second, the article examines the concept of university educational environment. Third, it investigates the features of university educational environment that could be acceptable to the learners of Generation Z in higher education. The article seeks to discuss what in particular should be reconsidered by educators when developing educational environment so that it would become an influential part of learners’ personal learning environments.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5755/j01.ss.88.2.12737