are digital natives a myth or reality?  

It is apparent that technology has impacted the younger generation’s ability to absorb information. This generation is often referred to as ‘millennials’ or ‘digital natives, the “native speakers'' of the digital language of computers, video games, and the Internet. (Prensky, 2001,p.1). Millennials are known for interacting with technology in a manner that differs from generations before them.

 

Before engaging in any articles, I was in fact dubious about whether digital natives were a reality or a myth. Being born into the technologically advanced period myself I can understand and would in fact label myself as a ‘digital native’ having been exposed to technology from a young age, becoming more and more reliant on technology as it develops. However, after much consideration of the research conducted I would not necessarily characterize all millennials as digital natives. 

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Concurrent students also referred to as digital natives, are known to be more experienced and knowledgable when it comes to technological-based tasked. They become more enhanced and motivated to complete certain tasks when there is a relation to technology. However, although millennials do feel more comfortable and enjoy technology more than the generations before them it does not necessarily mean they are better equipped or more experienced in those areas. (Kirschner and Bruyckere, 2017). Kirschner and Bruyckere, 2017, allow one to understand and appreciate the fact that allows millennials to enjoy using technological devices they are not necessarily as experienced as the generations before them who can complete major tasks like coding, rather than basic level skills like emailing, spreadsheet, wordprocessing amongst others. 

 

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Prensky 2001, coherently acknowledges the reality of digital natives “ as a result of this ubiquitous environment and the sheer volume of their interaction with it. Cognizing that ‘today’s students think and process information fundamentally different from their predecessor’s (Prensky, 2001). Being born into a more technologically interactive time period students establish methods of learning that their educators as ‘digital immigrants’ adopted. These digital natives are able to adapt to new developments in technology, however, today’s older generation is now processing a “ new language” due to the fact that they were socially indifferent to their children. (Prensky, 2001). This counts as a major problem in the education system as these digital immigrants are not able to keep up with the learning standards of their students are “struggling to teach a population that speaks an entirely new language.” (Prensky, 2001). As a future teacher, I will ensure to continuously update the use of technology in order to meet the standards of the children. Engaging with students in a language that is much preferred by them will allow me to captivate their attention, creating a more enjoyable and content learning experience for them. 

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In culmination, after engaging with the above articles I have affirmed the position that digital natives are in fact a reality of today’s society. However, there remains some skepticism with the fact that not all individuals born into this currently technologically advanced world fit the label. As a future teacher, I will ensure to continuously update the use of technology in order to meet the standards of the children. Engaging with students in a language that is much preferred by them will allow me to captivate their attention, creating a more enjoyable and content learning experience for them.