Marc Prensky defines the term “digital native” as an individual whose entire life has been spent around or utilizing technology. He also believes that children can multitask and simultaneously engage in using multiple forms of technology at once.
The article by Jennifer Spiegel titled Prensky Revisited: Us the Term “Digital Native” Still Applicable to Today’s Learner? argues that this is not necessarily true. Numerous studies have proven this to be untrue as well. She believes that just because a child is born into the technology era does not mean they are digital natives or technologically savvy. The author of the article argues that Prensky’s definition is problematic in educational settings since all children already know how to use the devices provided. The definition insinuates that children already understand how technology works.
I remember using technology as early as under the age of 10. Even though I grew up around technology and experiencing new technology, such as iPhones, I am not personally technologically savvy. I do not know how to use Excel. I know the very basics of Microsoft Word. When I use Google Slides, I can never figure out how to change the theme in the ways that I see others too. Even today in class, I had to keep asking people to help me figure out how to navigate the blog website. I did not understand what ICloud was for a long time, and I barely know any of the Apple specific features on iPhones, even though I have an iPhone myself, and have for ten years. I definitely agree with Spiegel’s viewpoint. Just because a person grows up with technology does not mean they fully understand it.
