According to the definition given in Wikipedia, 'Categorization is the process in which ideas and objects are recognized, differentiated and understood'. But I feel categorizing people as Digital Natives and Digital Immigrants, is not fair.
The terms Digital Natives and Digital Immigrants are more or less based on the age of the user. My students fit in the definition of Digital Natives. They were born in a time when technology had invaded every home. They were aware of the presence of technology in the form of mobiles, computers, laptops, internet, video games, i-Pods, ....... and this list can go on. But being Digital Native doesn't make anyone tech savvy. One can sit on computer whole day playing a game but using it as a learning tool needs the willingness of that person as well as guidance from a facilitator. On the other hand as a late Generation X member ( if 1965-1980 is considered to be its range) I find myself wedged between baby boomers and Generation Y. The main characteristics of Gen.X such as being independent , resourceful , technologically adept, flexible and value the work (described by Sally Kane); somewhat allows me to fit in. The mindset that technology should be used wisely and appropriately is so firm that having any new gadget just because it is in the store, doesn't go down my throat so well. I believe in buying the new gadgets only if their need is there not because they are possessed by everyone around me.
Though I find myself being categorized as Digital Immigrant; neither do I print my e-mails nor turn to internet for information second rather than first. Probably as an 'Immigrant' I might have a faint 'accent' ( foot in the past) as suggested by Marc Prensky because I think that everything can not be fun. Some concepts need deeper and serious thinking on the part of a learner. One can be creative only when one has the ability to get inspired and imbibe information from different sources, reflect on them and then come up with something original . Lack of concentration due to multitasking takes a toll on the development of critical thinking skills amongst the students. One can't become a rocket scientist or a surgeon by engaging in 10 different tasks at the same time as a learner. Just as 'split attention' is not good for cognitive learning (as described by Clark, Nguyen and Sweller), the focus and dedication needs to be in one place too.
I remember the day when smart board was installed in my classroom. I was overjoyed to possess it. Me and some of my colleagues who started using them extensively and got their students hooked onto various online resources and activities were Digital Natives as well as Digital Immigrants. On the other side, there were some Digital Immigrant complainers, who thought that old ways of teaching-learning methodology were the best in the world. This makes it ample clear that attitude towards the use of technology is irrespective of age or gender.
The terms 'Residents' and 'Visitors' given by David White appear agreeable to me because they are not based on gender or age. He has not made these terms rigid and impermeable. He agrees on this fact that these terms are not based on the skill to use Web either. Definitely some people thrive on web all the time. It's their source of entertainment; it's their place for socializing and it's their place to study. Their personality is entwined with the web. The opinions expressed in their blogs allow them to extend their thinking beyond their state or country. Those people who are extremely enthusiastic to share their thoughts, ideas and work with everyone in the World definitely fall in the category of Residents. They can be Digital Natives or flexible, progressive Digital Immigrants. He also states that being 'Resident' doesn't qualify anyone to be adept at using web. A 'Visitor' can be more skilled than a 'Resident' while doing a research using the web. David White's terms are extremely helpful to a teacher who plans to use Web as a tool for online learners. 'Visitor learners' will not feel comfortable to use blogs, feeds and social media as they see it as an invasion on their privacy. Whereas the 'Resident learners' will prefer expressing their opinions and socializing around the program of study.
Video from Remember the Titans
References:
- Kane S. (2011) Generation X [Web page] Retrieved August 22,2011 from http://www.legalcareers.about.com/od/practicetips/a/GenerationX.htm
- princessmia (Jan 28, 2010) Ain't No Mountain High Enough [Video] Retrieved August 22,2011 from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v= -nxkTD7VXEo&feature=related
- Clark R. C., Nguyen F. and Sweller J (2005) Efficiency in Learning
- Prensky, M. (2001)Digital Natives, Digital Immigrants [pdf] Retrieved August 22, 2011 from http://learn.education.illinois.edu/file.php/1647/Digital_Natives_Digital_Immigrans.pdf
- White D. (2008) Not "Native & Immigrant" but "Visitors&Residents" [Blog] Retrieved August 22,2011 from http://tallblog.conted.ox.ac.uk/index.php/2008/07/23/not-native-immigrants-but-visitors-residents/
- Senior Citizen using laptop [Picture] Retrieved August 23 from http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/images/similar.aspx#a:MP900422342
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