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Learning in a Digital World

Marc Prensky’s idea of digital natives and digital immigrants makes sense when I think about my own experience as a student. Digital natives grow up using technology all the time, while digital immigrants learn to use it later. Due to this, learning can feel disconnected when classes rely mostly on lectures or long readings. I find it harder to stay focused in those situations compared to when information is broken up, visual, or interactive.


Prensky also says that students’ thinking patterns have changed because of technology. I can see that in how I learn. I usually understand material better when it’s organized clearly and gets to the point instead of dragging on. Visual examples and short explanations help me more than long lectures. This connects to what Pearson et al. (2021) discuss in Chapter 14 about informative presentations needing to be clear, structured, and designed for the audience. When information is presented that way, it’s easier for me to pay attention and actually remember it.



Kirschner points out a different perspective from Prensky by saying that being a digital native doesn’t automatically mean being digitally literate. I agree with this. Just because I use social media or technology every day doesn’t mean I always use it effectively. Mazer’s (2019) case studies show how digital communication can cause misunderstandings or conflict, especially when people don’t think about tone or boundaries online. That’s something I’ve seen and experienced myself.


I think this course could do a better job supporting digital natives by using more hands on digital assignments. Creating short videos or online presentations would help students apply course concepts in a way that feels realistic. It would also make sense to include reflection on conflict and professionalism online, which Rothwell and Waters (2022) explain are important workplace skills. Overall, learning feels more useful when it connects to how communication actually happens outside the classroom.



References: 


Mazer, J. P. (2019). Communication and social media: Understanding and managing communication challenges in a networked society. Oxford University Press.


Pearson, J. C., Nelson, P. E., Titsworth, S., & Hosek, A. M. (2021). Human communication (7th ed.). McGraw-Hill Education.


Rothwell, J. D., & Waters, M. (2022). It’s all of our business: Communicating competently in the workplace. Oxford University Press.

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