Generation V

Gartner Group have identified a new "generation": "Generation Virtual (also known as Generation V) is not defined by age — or gender, social demographic or geography — but is based on demonstrated achievement, accomplishments and an increasing preference for the use of digital media channels to discover information, build knowledge and share insights." They have identified 4 levels of engagement (from creator to lurker). The idea is that businesses will want to provide (virtual) tools to encourage Generation V-ers to socialise around the business, and thus help market, improve and promote products & services.
This would seem relevant to educational institutions who will have Gen V-ers as learners but also as staff. There is a recently published Gartner report which costs US$195 so I can't give any more details, but the press release is at http://www.gartner.com/it/page.jsp?id=721008 and there is an article in Forbes by a Gartner employee:
Sarner, A. (2008) "Generation Virtual". Forbes, 30 April. Although that particular article is awash with business jargon, the Gen V idea makes more sense to me than talk about "digital natives" or "Millenials".