Boyd stated that when you were born or grew up in the
digital age, from 1982 to present, you are considered to be a “Digital Native”
compared to adults who were born before 1982, who are considered as “Digital
Immigrants” who needed to learn the various technological tools and
applications to navigate through a new and improved world. Prensky was cited
more as the originator even though he coined the term “digital native”
independently of either Rushkoff or Barlow. Prensky uplifted the term to
celebrate young people’s knowledge and fluency with technology. Thus, he got
more recognition than other authors. It is a way of promoting and celebrating
young people’s technological savvy.
As far as the “Digital native” terminology is concerned, I
totally agree with it in the sense that “native” is one who was born in it
while “immigrant” refers to one's need to immigrate or put effort to make
journey from one place to the next; it is the learning process from old things
to new things like technology. This process of acquiring new skills and
learning new things just like the new immigrants who immigrated to this country
requires them to adapt and learn new things in their new country. Along the
learning process, some vital information might not be acquired right away or
get lost during transition and translation. It is going to take time to adapt,
acquire, and acculturate to new things (costumes, cultures, and languages,
etc.)
Hi Loeun, While I agree that the terminology of native and immigrant might be used to describe tech users, it is important to also see that words hold power. I liked that Boyd brought up the notion that the relationship between natives and immigrant has many negative connotations. It implies that one has more ability than the other and it implies that it is necessary to conform or be seen as inept. I agree that we need to keep up with the changing world and the technology necessary to navigate it, but I don't like the way that native/immigrant is used to describe its users.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Boyd in saying that you can be a digital native & you still deserve to be taught about technology/media literacy.
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