Do digital natives exist?
As society has changed over time, so too has our use of technology. In an increasingly technological world, children are growing up with technology at their fingertips.
With these changes comes a questioning of the ability that people have to adapt to a rapidly advancing technological world. The way that society is accustomed to communicating has changed, and as a result some see younger generations to be leaving behind those who have not grown up using technology. Those exposed to technology from a young age, or those born into the digital world are viewed as being "digital natives", in contrast to those who may be seen as "digital immigrants", having to learn to use technology for the first time at a much older age. (Prensky,2001)
Due to the minimal technology available in the past, it was much harder to communicate with people worldwide, while it now takes mere seconds. Although it has been argued that the gap in abilities relating to the use of technology is generational, some such as Timothy VanSlyke provide reason to believe that there is more to these terms than simply age. Access to technology, interest, willingness to learn and culture can also influence a person's ability to use the technology available. (VanSlyke,2003)
Regardless of circumstances, it does appear that overall there is a difference between generations and their ability to use technology. Without effort to adapt to this new form of communication, those labelled "digital immigrants" will struggle to keep up with a technologically advancing society. In a more recent article, Prensky alludes to the importance of adapting to technology in order to become "digitally wise”. Such a term can be used cross generationally, shifting the focus from age based technological ability to wisdom based technological ability. (Prensky,2009)
Rather than focusing on whether or not digital natives exist, it has become clearer with time that the focus needs to be on ensuring all people can use technology to benefit societal advancement. Regardless of age, it is vital that all people can become digitally enhanced, finding wisdom in new ways that technology provides. As a result of breaking age barriers to technology, people are enabled to learn and teach using it, and society can realise the true potential it has to positively shape future communication and learning.
References:
Prensky, M. (2001). Digital natives, digital immigrants part 1. On the Horizon, 9(5), 1-6. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com.ezproxy2.acu.edu.au/docview/214629645?accountid=8194
Prensky, M. (2009). H. sapiens digital: From digital immigrants and digital natives to digital wisdom. Innovate 5 (3). http://www.innovateonline.info/index.php?view=article&id=705 (retrieved 3 September 2017).
VanSlyke, T. (2017). The Technology Source Archives - Digital Natives, Digital Immigrants: Some Thoughts from the Generation Gap. Technologysource.org. Retrieved 3 September 2017, from http://technologysource.org/article/digital_natives_digital_immigrants/
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