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Keeping up With Technology—Digital Natives vs. Digital Immigrants

 


    Before this week's readings, I only partially thought about generational differences when it comes to technology. Yes, I know there have been distinct differences between how I grew up as a child compared to my parents and now my nieces and nephew with using technology. I did not always have the latest technology growing up, but when I did, it felt like I "had" to have it to stay connected to what my peers were experiencing. My nieces and nephew are now growing up with all types of technology (tablets, school laptops, YouTube, TikTok, etc.) because it is so prevalent in their experiences and upbringing. While reflecting on the readings, the part that shocked me the most would have to be the terms digital natives and digital immigrants (Prensky, 2001). I knew that these specific "identities" regarding technology usage existed, but I did not know there was a term that classified it all together until the Prensky (2001) article. As described in the article, digital natives grew up with technology and used the internet as their first place to discover knowledge and information. On the other hand, the digital immigrant does not grow up with technology or limited access/usage, and they seek the internet for learning as a second result and not first.

    I am constantly reminded of why I enjoy technology the way I do because it keeps me informed as I rely on technology (the internet) for a lot of information. However, heavily relying on technology can lead to misinformation and a lack of individual voice in how I view different aspects of the world. I chose this specific Gif because technology is constantly evolving at rapid rates, which we were all previewed to due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Before the pandemic, I did not fully utilize Zoom to its fullest potential. Several people felt the same, and Zoom, the platform itself, had to evolve quickly to meet the demands and needs of the world to continue work, school, doctor visits, and several other daily activities. This makes me think about the space I occupy as someone who would be considered, in my opinion, a hybrid version of a digital native and digital immigrant. There is so much with technology that I need to learn to stay with current times, and that is because of the constant evolution that has taken form with technology and digital devices. Lastly, this makes me think about when I have children, what would they be considered? Will there be another term that is different than a digital native that explains their generation's experience? As I know, there will be some advancements in technology 5-10 years from now. 

What are ways that you are keeping up with technology? Or do you feel that keeping up with technology is optional? 

Reference:
Prensky, M. (2001). Digital natives, digital immigrants part 1 On the Horizon, 9(5), 1-6.

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