After reading I found myself agreeing more with Spiegel. I understand where Prensky was coming from when he introduced the idea of "digital natives but things have changed. Most people my age grew up with technology and slowly learned as it was developing but that does not make us experts. I struggle alot with basic computer skills but I do great at scrolling through instagram..Spiegel made me think about how different everyone's experiences with technology really are. Who is to say a family was low income and never had access to basic technology. I Access plays a big role.Not all people had typing classes like I did. Not all students had computer labs in their schools. Not everyone grows up with the same opportunities to use technology, so it doesn't make sense to assume everyone has the same level of digital knowledge. I think Speigels way of looking at tech is more accurate.
I don't like the term "digital native" because it feels too broad. It groups an entire generation together and ignores the fact that people have different life experiences and abilities. I feel like I fall into the group or generation that started off with minimal technology. I remember having house phones and computer labs and typing classes. As a teacher, I've seen this firsthand. My students are great at using TikTok, YouTube, and other apps, but many of them still need support with basic computer skills, research, and figuring out whether a source is trustworthy. They are struggling in 8th grade with even simply writing an email.The text states that “Clearly the term “digital native” is now outmoded. Prensky made a mistake by assuming that one term adequately describes all digital youth.” (pg1) and I agree. factors such as socioeconomic status, education, family support, and access to devices all influence a person's digital skills.
