"Digital Natives are used to receiving information really fast. They like to parallel process and multi-task. They prefer their graphics before their text rather than the opposite. They prefer random access (like hypertext). They function best when networked. They thrive on instant gratification and frequent rewards. They prefer games to 'serious' work." (Prensky, 2001a, p.2 as sited in Thomas, 2011, p.50)
I don't necessarily completely agree with this. There are several assumptions being made about digital natives in this quote. I think of myself and my friends my age, and I can't be think that some of these assumption just don't apply. There are issues when slapping all of these assumptions on to a group of people just because they have a particular thing (birth year) in common. Yes, I am used to and like receiving my information quickly. And, yes, I like to multi-task. But neither of these two likes means that I 'thrive on instant gratification and frequent rewards' nor that I 'prefer games to "serious" work'. I don't really like how digital natives are thought of in this manner.
Chapter 5:
"They shift time and space from the hitherto domesticized viewing context into their everyday context while also selecting people for co-viewing."- Toshie Takahashi(Thomas, 2011, p.75)Out of this chapter, there were a few things that I found interesting and considered elaborating on. This line, however, caught my attention and I agreed with it immediately after reading it. I can related to it on SO many levels. On my TV, I have On-Demand. I have an app on my kindle that allows me to watch any TV program any time I want. I no longer have to be home and sitting in from of my TV Thursday night from 8-9 to watch Grey's Anatomy! Like the author says, I have the freedom to decide what to watch, when to watch it, where to watch it, and whom I watch it with.
Chapter 6:
"Characterizing young learners as a homogeneous group through the use of terms such as "Digital Natives" is problematic for a number of reasons, but the main one is that through a broad generalization such terms gloss over the need to identify and recognize difference." - Levy & Michael (Thomas, 2011, p. 94)I chose this quote because I think that it is absolutely true. To label an entire generation, and all that come after it, as one group and assume that they all have the same characteristics just seems unreasonable. Obviously, when dealing with such a large group of people, there are bound to be differences. Someone just making the assumption that, because I was born after 1980 and am considered a digital native, I know everything there is to know about all the different types of technology that are available is simply incorrect. There is plenty that I don't know and that I probably will never know.
HATE TO WAIT
I chose to make this meme because I believe that it accurately reflects on digital natives. We live in a time now where all this information is at our fingertips WHENEVER we want it. Because of that, digital natives, myself included, have developed a sense of urgency when it comes to texting people and receiving a reply. It seems that people always have their cell phone and are almost always available to reach by text; so when it takes more than five minutes for a reply, different scenarios play out in our head about why this particular person hasn't responded. Digital immigrants (my parents) automatically assume I am, and I quote, 'dead in a ditch'.
Resources; Thomas, M. (Ed.). (2011). Deconstruction Digital Natives: Young People, Technology and the New Literacies. New York, NY: Routledge.
I really like your meme. I feel that this is fitting for about 95% of all texting people. It is very fitting for the reading that was assigned to us. In some ways I think that we don't have as much patience as older generations. I do not however feel that we are some how lazy and don't like to do work like the quote from chapter 4 said. I agree with your last quote in saying that although as a whole we are more technology say, we are still individuals who learn differently. I can say this is true for myself. I am young and use technology everyday, but I wouldn't say I am as comfortable with it as others my age, such as my husband.
ReplyDeleteI liked your meme as well. It correlated perfectly with the first quote that you chose from Chapter 4, which was about teens' need for instant gratification and lack of patience. I also agree with you on your stance from that quote. It is possible to like multi-tasking, fast-paced work, without being someone who needs 'instant gratification.' I also think that they have generalized 'social media' as 'play' in that quote. I can be on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram and not be playing, but receiving factual information at a fast pace. Great job!
ReplyDeleteAmanda,
ReplyDeleteYour Meme goes perfectly with your quote and how people really feel today with technology. I know that I can be impatient sometimes when it comes to receiving information that I need.
I completely agree with your quotes, especially chapter 6. Everyone is different, just like our students, and you can not put them in one category. Just because people are born in a tech-savvy time doesn't mean that all of them completely understand everything about technology. I have a lot to learn about technology and I'm sure that I'm not the only one. I know some of my students don't have a lot of background with the newest digital media that is out and some of my students are geniuses when it comes to the same things. We are all different and shouldn't be placed under one name or category to describe us. Great job!
Great quotes! The first quote pulled me in immediately. I personally love instant gratification, especially during an argument. Being able to get the answer right then can also help when doing homework, during a lab experiment, or just everyday tasks. If I don't know how to change the headlight in my car I will in the next 15 minutes after I watch the YouTube video on how it's done. The comment about games seems to be a blurred line for me. This is because I am active in the competitive esports community. This is when games become serious and your paycheck is on the line. Though I am not to that level, I do enjoy watching esports and going to events to watch these players go at it. Your meme is perfect! If I send something that I want the reply too immediately and have to wait I have a small panic attack because I am just thinking of all the possible answers and it stresses me out. This is probably not healthy lol.
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