Digital+Natives

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 * Digital Natives vs Digital immigrants**

What is the distinctive difference between Digital Natives and Digital immigrants? Many people have the same question and have been unable to discover the difference between the two. According to Prensky (2001) Digital immigrants are “Those of us who were not born into the digital world but have, at some later point in our lives, become fascinated by and adopted many or most aspects of the new technology.” On the other hand Digital natives are ““native speakers” of the digital language of computers, video games and the Internet.” (Prensky 2001). Students in our schools and classrooms are considered naives of the digital language which in many cases have to be adapted by adults. This term may seem a bit bizarre for technology; however, it is quite appropriate because if a person is not born into a thing or place they are considered an immigrant and the language has to be learned. The same applies to “digital natives” and “digital immigrants.”


 * Digital Education**

These two terms was coined by Mark Prensky founder of games2train and author of three published books in 2001. When Prensky first published an article in October of 2001 he explained the difference between the two subgroups and asked the question of whether or not they thought differently. Later, in December of 2001 Prensky discovered through research and the use of educational games that “digital natives” and “digital immigrants” do in fact think differently. In many cases educators are digital immigrants and had to learn the language associated with the digital age. The students however know the digital language and are able to easily maneuver their way through some simple yet complex activities. Some examples are video games, downloading music or games, downloading applications for cellular phones and many other activities. For digital native, these are very simple tasks; however, digital immigrants have to learn these tasks and have to adapt to the many changes occurring around them.


 * Applications/Implications**

Learners today are very different from learners five years ago. Today, an educator in not simply at competition with a simple video game of a portable phone, the competition has grown and is growing daily. Educators are at odds with phones, I pods, mp3 players, hand held video games, internet capabilities on phones and many other distracters. As a result of these many threats to “digital immigrant” educators, it is important that the language become familiar and a movement towards embracing the many distractions become evident. “Digital Immigrant” teachers should become familiar with the many advances and figure out the many ways that these technologies can actually develop educational experiences to more positive experience. One of the major implications is the fact that “digital immigrants” have to make the time necessary to enhance their vocabulary and will also have to make modifications to their methods of delivery to their “digital native” students. This requires an investment of time and motivation to on the part of educators. Due to the fact that a large majority of American children in schools are “digital natives” educators need to become aware of the needs and adapt to the diverse needs of our children. 
 * Conclusion**

Today’s learners will become tomorrow’s teachers; I believe there is an important balance to be made between ‘digital immigrants” and “digital natives.” Educators need to be aware of the many needs of digital natives; however, they also need to ensure that the necessary information in every subject area is effectively passes along to “digital natives” as they will soon become educators. “Digital Immigrants” are currently teaching “digital natives” and there should be a shared knowledge between the two groups to learn from each other to enhance educational experiences for today and the future. The ability to adjust the teaching and learning process will prove beneficial in the long run and educators need to understand this to better prepare students for a future of “digital natives”


 * References**

Prensky, M. (2001). Digital Natives, Digital immigrants. //On the Horizon//, //9//(5), 1-6. Prensky, M. (2001). Digital Natives, Digital Immigrants Part II: Do they really think differently?. //On the Horizon//, //9//(6), 1-9.