Through previous blogs the same issue keeps on occurring when discussing about Prensky's notion of 'digital immigrants' and 'digital natives'. The same issue that keeps on occurring is that his notion is such a generalised view - 'digital immigrants' are people who were born 'pre digital age' and 'digital natives' during and close to the beginning of the 'digital age'. However, Prensky does not take any other factors into consideration i.e what about 'digital immigrants' who work in the technology industry e.g. Apple?
Therefore, for me the person who most threatens Prensky's notion of 'digital immigrants' and 'digital natives' is that of my Grandpa. He was born way before the 'digital age' and can write absolutely perfectly pen to paper, however in addition, he can type perfectly on a computer, surf the inet and send numerous of emails without having to look for the manual for help. He himself has allowed the software to teach him without reading a manual or information booklet - something which Prensky believes to be a positive trait of only 'digital natives'.
On many occasions i have emailed him telling him what i have been up to and he is now starting to use the 'lingo' that us 'natives' use also - replying to my emails with 'lol' and 'atm.'
In addition, i think it is great that he does threaten Prensky's notion because it allows me to communicate with him easier, cheaper and faster and i can keep him up to date with what i have been doing by sending him pictures. At the age of 75 i think that is pretty impressive.
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i think that is pretty impressive to! It put a smile on my face when reading it. It shows that Prensky's notion of the age division being the difference between a digital native and immigrant sometimes is not the right way to decide. If your grandad is doing all those things, and my dad is actually teaching me everything about computers still then is age the right way to determine a digital native from a digital immigrant?
ReplyDeleteyeah you are definately right kerry. it just shows that prensky view is just too generalised.
ReplyDeleteI think that Prensky's definitions are very blurred, and, in my opinion, unneccessary. I don't really see a reason for labelling people as digital natives and digital immigrants, you can either use technology or you can't. Personally I don't think it makes a difference how old you are.
ReplyDeleteyou know what lucy, i think you actually have a point. i have always just stated that i think his view is generalised but after reading your comment, i think i agree with you. is there a need to label everyone? i don't think so
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