The New Digital Natives

Cutting the Chord

verfasst von: Alexei Dingli, Dylan Seychell

Verlag: Springer Berlin Heidelberg

Enthalten in: Springer Professional "Wirtschaft+Technik" , Springer Professional "Technik" , Springer Professional "Wirtschaft"

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Über dieses Buch

The first generation of Digital Natives (DNs) is now growing up. However, these digital natives were rather late starters since; their exposure to computers started when they could master the mouse and the penetration of computers in educational institutions was still very low. Today, a new breed of digital natives is emerging. This new breed includes those individuals who are being introduced from their first instances to the world of wireless devices. One year olds manage to master the intuitive touch interfaces of their tablets whilst sitting comfortably in their baby bouncers. The controller-less interfaces allow these children to interact with a machine in a way which was unconceivable below. Thus, our research investigated the paradigm shift between the different generations of digital natives. We analysed the way in which these two generations differ from each other and we explored how the world needs to change in order to harness the potential of these new digital natives.

Inhaltsverzeichnis

Frontmatter

Introduction

Abstract

The first generation of Digital Natives (DNs) is now growing up. However, these digital natives were rather late starters, since their exposure to computers started when they could master the mouse. In the early years of the new millennium, the penetration of computer technology was low in most homes [58] [64]. Laptop computers were slowly becoming mainstream but still, they were strictly secluded to the workplace. The main mobile device in existence was the mobile phone but still, it was just a glorified wireless telephone [265].

Alexei Dingli, Dylan Seychell

Who Are the Digital Natives?

Abstract

We are increasingly realising that the exposure of children and young people to technology is strongly affecting the way in which society develops. Individuals, who do not find the complexity of the digital era and constant updates in the field of technology problematic, are generally referred to as ‘Digital Natives (DNs). This notion was introduced by Marc Prensky [254] when he defined the gap in the way these two generations deal with computers and the Internet. Prensky’s essays [256] [254] discuss the concept of Digital Natives and Immigrants in the education context but this book takes it even further.

Alexei Dingli, Dylan Seychell

Paradigm Shifts

Abstract

From time to time, the world come across realities that simply cannot be ignored. These realities are sometimes conflicting with the current philosophy when these occur, thus facing reluctant acceptance. The change in the way of thinking is known as a paradigm shift. This term was coined by the science philosopher Thomas Khun. Kuhn states that scientific advancement is not evolutionary, but rather a series of peaceful interludes punctuated by intellectually violent revolutions and in such revolutions one conceptual world view is replaced by another” [176].

Alexei Dingli, Dylan Seychell

Blended Realities

Abstract

Emerging technologies and their applications are moulding the way in which digital natives are developing. Technology is affecting people’s lives. However, we also know that it is strongly affecting the way organisations function and develop. Digital natives will soon be the employees joining companies and soon afterwards, driving them. We also understand that we need to blend technology and operations with people. A good blend can result in a flourishing business. This is however not just limited to businesses. Our daily operations are also affected in the same way and it is therefore very important that there is a holistic understanding of blending technologies.

Alexei Dingli, Dylan Seychell

Nurturing Digital Natives

Abstract

[47] claims that education is there to guarantee that all students, irrespective of their background can benefit from the learning experience to the full. This is achieved by ensuring an active participation in the community. To do so, when considering our fast changing world, educators must move away from old methodologies and experiment with new ones in order to allow their students to reach their goals. This does not mean that the introduction of technology in the classroom is a guarantee of success.

Alexei Dingli, Dylan Seychell

Designing for Digital Natives

Abstract

With more children being exposed to technology, it is only natural to understand that this will also lead towards the creation of a new type of user group. The development of Human Computer Interaction (HCI) has always been effected by the struggle between the physiological and the psychological abilities of the users. This can be further expanded when dealing with the 2DNs. Children have their own inherent psychological and physiological limitations that strongly affect the software that is being developed for them. The entire development process has to be tailored to these realities.

Alexei Dingli, Dylan Seychell

Smart Homes

Abstract

According to [135], this term was first officially used in 1984 by the American Association of House of builders when they created a special interest group called ‘Smart House’, whose aim was to push forward the inclusion of the necessary technology into the design of new homes. This was a natural progression considering the massive advancements in technology which occurred throughout the 20th Century. In the early 1900s, it was mainly about introducing vacuum cleaners and sewing machines in the homes. This occurred mainly due to labour shortages, however technology spread like wildfire and in the following years, it became common amongst most households. Aldrich in [135] writes that By 1940 the proportion of households in UK with mains electricity had risen to around 65 per cent.

Alexei Dingli, Dylan Seychell

Digital Governance

Abstract

There exist various definitions of Digital Governance. Some claim that it is a synonym for e-government, internet government, online government or connected government. [3] defines it as being the use of the Internet and the World Wide Web (WWW) in order to deliver government services to their citizens. [129] focuses on the fact that e-government should improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the various services. Whereas we agree with these definitions, we believe that they’re incomplete and what we mean by digital governance is something wider.

Alexei Dingli, Dylan Seychell

Future Trends

Abstract

Predicting the future is something we all do as part of our daily life. In fact, we do not really live in the present, because as soon as you think about it, it is already in the past. Thus, most of our thoughts abound around future events. However, correct predictions are not easy. First of all we need past experiences through which we can extract a model of how the world works. Once we have that in place, we need to make assumptions and then infer new knowledge from the combination of the world model and those assumptions.

Alexei Dingli, Dylan Seychell

Backmatter

Titel: The New Digital Natives
verfasst von: Alexei Dingli
Dylan Seychell
Verlag: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Electronic ISBN: 978-3-662-46590-5
Print ISBN: 978-3-662-46589-9
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-662-46590-5