An interesting article on self directed student learning blog by Eric Wilson (Apr 5, 2005) on the rise of 'Net Gen learners' in Unis. This refers to a clash of cultures between the new "wave of young people empowered to create knowledge, not merely absorb it" and traditional ways. This new generation has been dubbed the "Millennials."

Here is an extract from the blog.
Individuals raised with the computer deal with information differently compared to previous cohorts: "they develop hypertext minds, they leap around." A linear thought process is much less common than bricolage, or the ability to or piece information together from multiple sources.

The major differences as outlined make very interesting reading.
The book, "Educating the Net Generation", has been published by Educause.