TWO

The concept of a “digital native” was first established by Mark Prensky, who established that an individual who has grown up surrounding the development of technology will be able to use all forms of technology effortlessly and confidently, otherwise known as a digital native. Those that have not surrounded the advancement of technologies are considered to be “digital immigrants” as these generations have been educated to familiarise themselves with the advancement of technology (Prensky, 2001). The practise of learning technology skills draws parallels to the development of a new language, therefore digital immigrants will never be entirely fluent compared to a digital native (Prensky, 2001).

In regard to digital natives actually existing it is an idea that I often question. Of course, there will be a distinct difference between a child navigating a phone when compared to an 80-year-old, however I do not believe that if you are surrounded by technology you are automatically are able to navigate with its advancements. For example I for one according to Mark Prensky am a digital native however I strongly believe that large amount of older people who are labelled digital immigrants are more technology gifted compared to me as they may have a passion for technology and IT that I simply do not share. Steve jobs for example the CEO and co-founder of Apple Inc. was known for being the pioneer of the personal computer revolution and co-creator of the iPod and iPad. Therefore, my point being Steve Jobs died at 56 which is 37 years before I was born, however I believe should be considered more of a digital native than myself.

The difference between a 2001 digital native and a 2018 digital native is that there is now a larger range of technologies in which individuals are required to be natives for therefore it is a lot more difficult to be a digital native in 2018 when compared to 2001.