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.
You're right when you argue to support Spiegel's assertion that generation isn't critical to tech savvy. I know Gen Z people that are Luddites and won't text (or at least, hate to do it), and I know Boomers that are very comfortable navigating social media.
ReplyDeleteArg. This is Nate. What a weird interface that it doesn't automatically include your name.
DeleteThank you for such an honest and relatable reflection! I really appreciate how you connected your personal experiences to the arguments made by Prensky and Spiegel—it made your analysis feel grounded and authentic.
ReplyDeleteYou highlighted a really important point that Spiegel makes: growing up around technology doesn’t automatically make someone skilled at using it. Your examples, like struggling with Google Slides or not fully understanding iCloud despite having an iPhone for years, are so real—and I know many of us can relate. I think that’s exactly why Spiegel’s critique matters so much. The term “digital native” makes a lot of assumptions and ends up overlooking the individual learning curves and unique experiences that people have with tech.
I also agree with you that this assumption can be especially harmful in educational settings. When educators assume that all students are tech experts just because of their age, it can actually widen gaps and make students who don’t feel confident with technology feel ashamed or left behind. That’s why Spiegel’s push to look at how people use technology, rather than when they were born, is so important.
You did a great job breaking down both viewpoints and showing why Spiegel’s argument is more aligned with today’s reality. Thanks for sharing your story—it’s a great reminder that tech proficiency is learned, not inherited.
I appreciate your thoughtful and detailed response! I love your point about widening the learning gap. Some students may definitely feel embarrassed, especially if their peers understand the technology. This can definitely be a factor in them being left behind.
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