I think that learning how to use technology is a lot like learning how to speak a language. For the first few years of ones life, the brain is more capable of picking up on words and making them second nature. Being around people that speak this language constantly makes the brain naturally want to decipher the code. Communication interacting with everyday life helps a baby learn what words mean and how to use them.
Putting a child in the same setting with technology does the same thing. When they see it being used on a regular basis and are exposed to it they will naturally learn how to use technology. On the other hand, older generations have to teach themselves or be taught how to use it. They will have to put in the effort and time to manually teach their brains something that came naturally to a digital native.
In the debate I took the opposing side to my beliefs. I have learned that for a lot of people in the older generation have a knack for technology and don't have to spend as much time learning how to use new technology as others. As technology develops it becomes harder for natives to adapt, and it is possible that a non-native could learn easier. A lot of this does depend on how much time each generation spends with technology on a regular basis. A non-native could use technology in his or her workplace more than a native does in school. This could put the non-native above the native in terms of technology fluency.
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| Photo credit to Ken Lee |
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| Photo credit to Dave Winer |
This is a link to a great blog about digital natives. The author does not automatically claim that everyone in the younger generation is a digital native. Instead she discusses an idea that they still need to be taught and should in turn be called digital citizens. The author states that children will be able to figure out technology when handed to them, although they should be taught proper etiquette. These "citizens" should have guided assitance.
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