Digital natives: if you aren't one, get to know one

Abstract

PurposeTo outline the different learning and working styles between generations in our current digital environment.Design/methodology/approachConnects common theories of popular author and library industry study. These are presented alongside personal views on the current trends.FindingsAs native speakers of digital language, young people think and process information in an entirely different way from previous generations. Experts suggest that they may have remapped their brains.Originality/valueThe article stresses the importance of gaining a better understanding of the learning styles and tastes of young people. Libraries should consider tapping into this resource for future development, since these people are the future support base for libraries.

The ‘digital natives’ debate: A critical review of the evidence

“…In the seminal literature on digital natives, these assertions are put forward with limited empirical evidence (eg, Tapscott, 1998), or supported by anecdotes and appeals to common‐sense beliefs (eg, Prensky, 2001a). Furthermore, this literature has been referenced, often uncritically, in a host of later publications (Gaston, 2006; Gros, 2003; Long, 2005; McHale, 2005; Skiba, 2005). There is, however, an emerging body of research that is beginning to reveal some of the complexity of young people's computer use and skills.…”

Determining factors of academic library Web site usage

“…Lee, Cheung, & Chen, 2005). Academic library Web sites need to motivate students to participate, promote excitement, and include interesting features to attract students (Long, 2005).…”

The ‘Nearly Digital Natives’ of Brunei Darussalam: A Review of Digital Diversity, Nativisation, Wisdom and Dissonance in the Digital World

“…Confirmation bias based on their subjective observations of learners' fluent use of digital technologies may also lead to an unquestionable belief that learners are indeed digital natives, without considering the digital dissonance that exists between using technology for learning purposes and using technology for social and entertainment purposes [5]. Beyond Prensky's work, the digital natives theory in its first five years did not have a pronounced impact on academic literature with a few fleeting studies at best [6], [7], [8], [9], but regardless 6 years after its introduction it eventually made its way to Brunei.…”