Bennet, Maton and Kervin (2008) show that the divide between so-called “digital immigrants” and “digital natives” is based on false assumptions. There are greater divides in information literacy between cultures, socio-economic groups, and even gender. Yet even those aren’t that big. The authors caution against “moral panic”.
They also show that knowledge of Web 2.0 is not widespread among young people. Only a minority of them use such technology. The view that educators are lagging behind students who are supposedly highly literate in Web 2.0 is erroneous. I’m certainly no expert in IT, but even I have shown young students how to use certain technology.
Prensky’s article, ‘Digital Natives, Digital Immigrants’ (2001), is an example of the “moral panic”. He presents little evidence to support his view. It’s more or less an opinion piece.
I'd like to raise the my own information literacy and that of students, but will not be swayed by any notion of "digital natives" or "digital immigrants".
it is quite difficultwhen trends establish themselfs on hear say without much evidence to back them up. it is also unhelpful if generalisation and labeling takes place across the generations.
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