Blog Post 6/24- Boyd vs. Prensky
Question: What do you make of the (divergent) positions of Boyd and Prensky (per our discussion in class and/or per the article above?) Where do you stand on the “digital native” terminology?
As I dove into the Boyd reading, I really do feel that automatically associating every millennial and/or young persons as "digital native" creates an assumption that every youth can access technology in many different forms and do it successfully. This is not always the case. Just as individuals carry their own identity traits concerning culture, gender, etc., they also carry an understanding of technology in their identity. One line that stuck out to me in Boyd's work right at the beginning was the line "The rhetoric of 'digital natives,' far from being useful, is often a distraction to understanding the challenges that youth face in a networked world" (Boyd, p.176). Children and teens live in a world where technology is a center of attention, knowledge, as well as social connection. Does every child have access to every form of technology? No. Does every child prefer to use technology over reading or writing with a pen? No. Would every child rather play an MLB or NFL video game than go outside and play the actual sport? No. These aspects must be considered before labeling an entire population as "digital natives". Just because children in 2019 live in a digital age does not mean that they are capable of utilizing and understanding every technological application given at home, or at school with/without instructional help. "American techno-idealism" (Boyd, p. 177) is the idea that America is now building a foundation onto technology. However, techno-idealism is often failing the kids who are assumed to be able to navigate all forms of media independently. It is very strange because during class, I related and agreed with Prensky's view and definitions... then I go on to read Boyd's work and now I feel completely on his side. It is crazy how two different perspectives on a topic can flip your thought process completely!
As far as using the term "native", I don't know if it is the most fitting of words. By definition, native relates a person to being the original or first of a group or to a place. Since this is the definition I know, I don't necessarily know if there is such thing as a digital natives . I instantly relate it back to the Native Americans. Although they were the first group of people to inhabit America, they were pushed aside... by immigrants from Europe. Immigrants, especially in today's society, are not shined upon in a positive light either. Many people see immigrants as low-educated people that do not belong in America because they are simply not "native". The two words, immigrant and native, do not necessarily play well together because of historical context. It ensures that there will never be an equality between the two categories, no matter the story or how much one category shows growth or digression. I think there are other ways to title the difference of technological knowledge without being so discriminatory. In fact, I agree with Boyd when he references the gaps of knowledge as the "digital divide" (Boyd, 193). I feel this term does not discriminate, but simply shows that there is a difference in thought and skill. BUT THAT IS OKAY.
"As far as using the term "native", I don't know if it is the most fitting of words. By definition, native relates a person to being the original or first of a group or to a place. Since this is the definition I know, I don't necessarily know if there is such thing as a digital natives."
ReplyDeleteYou are taking the thoughts right out of my head. I literally almost named my post, "Digital Native - Is there a such thing?" because I was thinking about what the word native means by definition. I agree with you that I don't know if there is a such thing. I feel like although kids are not brought up surrounded and exposed to technology and digital media, that does not equate to them being 100% native. When I think of it, I suppose the term I most closely associate with digital native is digital professional. We as teachers can't assume they are professionals and good at navigating all of the tech. We must help them grow and they in return must help us continue to meet half way. I also liked your comparison to playing video game baseball vs. outdoors baseball. Everyone has their own path and likes/dislikes, and we need to remember that and not make assumptions.
Tori,
ReplyDeleteI also agree that "native" is not the best choice of words. As teachers, we tend to think of it in a more cultural sense with language and being born into it. However, it becomes a disadvantage for those students without access/ or interest in technology. We cannot label them as a "native," just because of their date of birth. After reading Boyd's theory, I truly do not believe anyone should be considered a "Digital Native." We all can always learn and grow and especially with technology continuing to advance.
Good Evening Tori! Thank you for allowing me to read your blog post.
ReplyDeleteI completely agree with both you and Allison, to assume that all students and people for that matter, have access to technology or even WANT to use technology is unfair. This is a point that really resonated with me as I read chapter seven in Danah Boyd's book. I also think that along with your point, it is so important that we don't brush these students aside, and leave them behind. A point that Boyd stressed in her chapter really shouted "Stop using the term Digital Native as a blanket-assumption-like term, but DO something about the inequality that we have!" and that is exactly how I feel.
Additionally, I completely agree with your last four sentences. We should come up with new terms for digital literacy of people, as well as fix the "digital divide" that Boyd references.
I also agree with you and what people have said in the comments. There are many other factors that come with being a digital native or a digital immigrant. Regardless of which someone may identify as, there is learning that MUST occur in either setting. I think that being a "native" makes a person a little less fearful of that learning.
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