Digital Immigrant Theory

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This chapter examines the basics of the digital native and immigrant theory as well as how digital literacy is being presented in today’s schools. Some of the readings examine how real-world ELA teachers engage their students using digital technology. In addition, it offers a list of suggested titles and technology applications across disciplines to present to current K-12 ELA students.

According to Marc Prensky, digital natives are students who view the world differently than previous generations. Digital immigrants are individuals who need to change their views in order to incorporate technology into their daily lives.

Since digital natives were born after 1980, the internet has always been a major part of their lives. They do not use phone books to find contact information. They use Facetime, Google searches, and texting instead of a home phone, an encyclopedia or pen pals. Siri is a friend. Most critically, they did not need to “immigrate” or change their views to conform to new technologies. This is simply the way the world has always been for them. These differences also extend to the classroom. …show more content…

Yes, i know how to use my Google calendar, but most days I just prefer paper. Even though I would love to say I am a digital native, I know am not. I am a digital immigrant who still goes back to paper and traditional ways of teaching and learning at times because that is how I was brought up. I use a SMARTBoard on a daily basis, but I still feel a jolt of excitement when I can use a chalkboard. Yet, this immigrant background helps me understand the teachers who resist technology. I recognize that change is difficult. This chapter will discuss many of these

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