Digital Natives, Digital Immigrants
Mark Prensky believes that people born in the digital age "digital natives" think and learn differently from those who adapted to technology later in life "digital immigrants". He thinks this new generation learns faster, can do multiple things at once, and prefers visuals. Paul Kirschner disagrees. He and his colleagues say there's no solid proof that "digital natives" learn differently. Kirschner believes that the basic way we learn hasn't changed, so we shouldn't quickly change teaching methods based on this "digital native" idea.
According to Prensky I would be classified as a digital native because I grew up using technology. I think this has affected my learning in a good way because I have more access to information. Instead of using a library to look up information this digital age has access to videos, articles and much more information. This also gives me different opinions and viewpoints on certain matters. With these tools we also have to be up to date and keep learning all the new things that come out. I think this is amazing because I am currently finishing my degree all online and this option is the only way I could complete it at this time in my life. One of the myths Kirschner discusses is that being a 'digital native' doesn't necessarily mean one is 'digitally literate.' Kirschner argues that growing up with technology doesn't mean one automatically knows how to use it wisely. It's like the difference between driving a car and understanding how its engine works. I personally know many people my age that do not know a lot about technology. Having digital literacy is important now that it has become so important in our day to day lives.
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