title: Is there a "net generation" in veterinary medicine? A comparative study on the use of the Internet and Web 2.0 by students and the veterinary profession.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Informal and formal lifelong learning is essential at university and in the workplace. Apart from classical learning techniques, Web 2.0 tools can be used. It is controversial whether there is a so-called net generation amongst people under 30.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To test the hypothesis that a net generation among students and young veterinarians exists.
  
  
  METHODS
  An online survey of students and veterinarians was conducted in the German-speaking countries which was advertised via online media and traditional print media.
  
  
  RESULTS
  1780 people took part in the survey. Students and veterinarians have different usage patterns regarding social networks (91.9% vs. 69%) and IM (55.9% vs. 24.5%). All tools were predominantly used passively and in private, to a lesser extent also professionally and for studying.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The use of Web 2.0 tools is useful, however, teaching information and media skills, preparing codes of conduct for the internet and verification of user generated content is essential.
authors: Stiftung Tierärztliche Hochschule Hannover, E-Learning Beratung, Hannover, Deutschland. macleguan@gmail.com
authors: Christoph
authors: C
authors: Tenhaven
authors: Andrea
authors: A
authors: Tipold
authors: Martin R
authors: MR
authors: Fischer
authors: Jan P
authors: JP
authors: Ehlers
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D003194:Computer-Assisted Instruction / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D003625:Data Collection; D005178:Faculty / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005260:Female; D005858:Germany; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D008297:Male; D061108:Social Media / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D013334:Students / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D014730:Veterinary Medicine / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*
keywords: E-Learning; Lifelong Learning; digital natives; education; net-generation; professional training; social media; veterinary medicine; web2.0