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The terms ‘digital native’ and ‘digital immigrant’ were coined by Marc Prensky. He argued that digital natives and digital immigrants perceive and use technology – as well as approach learning – in different ways. This article explores the differences between these two groups.
Digital natives vs. digital immigrants: Which are you?
To keep pace with trends, digital immigrants are now actively involved in carrying out everyday activities and learning with the help of technology. Research findings show that older adults (aged 65 and over) have a positive attitude towards the use of learning technology in their everyday activities or areas of interest, such as sending emails or browsing the internet. Nevertheless, the learning process involves complex emotions and the struggle to tackle various tasks. Older adults need to be given time to acquire new skills, and care must be taken to support them throughout the learning process. On the other hand, older adults still lack confidence in using internet applications.
As Prensky stated, people who were not born in the digital age and only later acquired the new technology are referred to as ‘digital immigrants’, whilst those born in or after the digital age are called ‘digital natives’. The digital age began in 1980. Thus, according to Prensky’s definition, adults aged 40 and over were classified as ‘digital immigrants’.
“Is it just because I’m getting on in years? I find myself struggling to keep up with technology… I’m overwhelmed by the range and variety of technology available.” The interviewee goes on to say: “I can’t possibly learn everything. Sometimes I feel I can’t even learn the things that would actually be useful to me.” This statement was made by Lohan, a 56-year-old adult education specialist. Today, middle-aged adults are digital immigrants. They perceive technology differently from a digital native. Just how different are they? Here’s the difference:
Digital natives
- They love being constantly connected
- They favour their own, ubiquitous technologies.
- They prefer a direct approach and have a short attention span.
- Abbreviations are used in text messages and instant messages, such as: “c u”, “how r u”, “becoz”.
- People primarily use the internet to obtain information
- They tend to socialise online and are not very good at face-to-face communication.
Digital immigrants
- They prefer to talk on the phone or in person.
- They appreciate ‘correct’ English in text messages
- They prefer official communication channels, such as the telephone, detailed emails or face-to-face communication.
- They don’t understand the slang words and expressions used on the internet, such as ‘idk’, ‘brb’ and ‘t2yl’.
- He’d rather print things out than work on screen
On the other hand, in recent years, some researchers have argued that ‘digital categories’ should be grouped not by age, but on the basis of understanding, familiarity with and comfort with technology. Individuals are classified into four categories.
1. Avoiders shy away from using modern technology
This group includes older digital immigrants, who are unable to relate to modern technology, and young digital natives, who are philosophically opposed to the use of the internet and other modern online technologies.
2. Minimalists are reluctant to use technology
They are reluctant to be forced to use technology, but prefer printed copies and do not trust electronic sources. They may be ‘digital immigrants’ who are reluctant to embrace technology, or ‘digital native minimalists’. ‘Tourists’ are people who feel like visitors in the digital world. They pay attention to the ‘local’ or ‘native’ digital culture, learn its language, observe its rituals and understand its complexities. This group maintains an internal distance from technology, although they tend to use it appropriately and efficiently, as and when necessary, but not extensively. Internally, this group remains non-digital in terms of preferences and values.
3. Enthusiastic or passionate user. Enjoys working with technology.
They take part in online discussions on Facebook, news sites, blogs or through online learning. They may even create their own online content. Members of this group check their emails and are online all day; they find technology interesting and are sure to have a smartphone.
4. Innovators aren’t just enthusiastic; they work with technology to improve it
These are the game developers, programmers, engineers and technical writers. Innovators build websites, create applications and carry out other creative online tasks for their peers. Heavy users rely heavily on technology to pass the time. Many young digital natives belong to this group, and they are the gamers. If digital immigrants belong to this group, it is because of social networking.
Digital immigrants are not, in fact, born with computer skills. As the term ‘native’ suggests, digital natives have a better understanding of technology than digital immigrants. Children today learn and adapt to technology differently from adults. It is crucial to understand how digital immigrants learn to use technology as it becomes more accessible. Some digital immigrants, for example, belong to the ‘enthusiastic users’ group and actively participate in discussions on online forums. However, some belong to the ‘minimalist’ or ‘avoidant’ groups. They may simply ignore or be reluctant to participate in discussion forums set up by the higher education institution. Consequently, this results in a negative learning experience for them. It is therefore important for lecturers to understand how digital immigrants learn in an e-learning environment and to design improved teaching and learning strategies that meet the needs of digital immigrants. In this way, this group of learners would be able to complete their studies in the e-learning environment with ease and efficiency.