Digital natives & Digital immigrants

Natives: Tech fluent.

Immigrants: Adapt & learn. 

Digital natives refer to learners who have grown up in a world where digital technologies are everywhere. They are typically younger learners, born in the era of widespread digital technology adoption. Digital immigrants are individuals who were born before the widespread adoption of digital technologies. They have had to adapt to the digital world later in life. 

These terms have been criticised for oversimplifying the complexities of individual experiences with technology. Not everyone within a particular age group fits neatly into the categories of digital native or digital immigrant, and individual learner differences, experiences, and exposure to technology can vary widely.

Also, as time progresses, the distinction between digital natives and digital immigrants may become less pronounced, as more individuals from older generations will become increasingly familiar and comfortable with digital technologies.

While the terms have limitations, they have been used to highlight the cultural and experiential gaps that can exist between those who grew up in a digital era and those who had to adapt to it later in life.

Read more here:

• Bennett, S. (2008). The “digital natives” debate: A critical review of the evidence. British Journal of Educational Technology., 39(5), 775–786.

• Bruyckere. (n.d.). Urban myths about learning and education /. Academic Press,

• Prensky, M. (2001). Digital Natives, Digital Immigrants Part 1. On the Horizon : The Strategic Planning Resource for Education Professionals., 9(5), 1–6.

• Prensky, M. (2001). Digital Natives, Digital Immigrants Part 2: Do They Really Think Differently? On the Horizon : The Strategic Planning Resource for Education Professionals., 9(6), 1–6.