The oldest digital native I know is my mum. She uses facebook, hotmail and orders shopping online. She also does online courses, which means she can write essays and edit on the screen as well as make presentations using applications such as Powerpoint.
I often communicate with her via social networking sites and text, as opposed to by letter, or by phone, making her the oldest digital native I know.
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I find it strange how some adults can pick up technology better than others. My mum is almost computer illiterate so she follows Prensky's theory but your mum doesnt. How does that work?
ReplyDeleteDo you think she is able to use digital media because she worked at it and learnt how to or because she was born with the ability to comprehend technology?
How do you think she differs from your Grandma weho you think threatens the DI/DN notion?
ReplyDeletePersonally, I think Prensky's definitions aren't clear enough the categorise everyone, as people seem to blur the boundaries between DI and DN.
ReplyDeleteI think because my mum is younger, and works in a job where she uses a computer everyday, it is necessary for her to have a grasp of technology such as the internet and email. She also travels a lot for work, so a mobile phone is a necessity for her. My grandma on the other hand, has no real reason for using technology, and has taught herself to use things like computers and mobile phones, not because she has to, but because when technology developed, she didn't want to 'miss out.'
Personally, I think many people can't be defined simply by DN/DI and therefore I think the labels are useless in terms of categorising users of technology.
Sorry, I didn't realise how much of an essay I wrote:s
ReplyDeleteYeah i definitely agree that the DI/DN boundaries are far too rigid. And they don't seem to fit with Prensy's ideas of neuroplasiticy meaning the wat a brain works can ACTUALLY change through life, not just learn new things but learn to function in a different way.
ReplyDeleteAlso as i mentioned here: http://kayrodge.blogspot.com/2009/03/week-9-7c.html
about being an immigrant for some tech's and not for others. Arguably when new technologies come about this flexibility will increase with people being immigrants for some and not others.