Digital learners

Natives, immigrants or … Classification of digital learners Digital learners levels of participation

Natives, immigrants or … Users of digital technology can be classified 7 distinct categories, namely: Digital recluse: use of technology as a result of the need to function in the current environment, not used by choice; computers are prohibited at home. Digital refugee: forced to use technology; prefers hard copies, does not trust electronic resources; seeks assistance; may have grown up with technology or adopted it as an adult. Digital immigrant: willingly uses technology, but not familiar with its potential; believes technology can be used successfully for some tasks; may have grown up with technology or adopted it as an adult. Digital native: chooses to use technology for numerous tasks; adapts as the tools change; may have grown up with technology or adopted it as an adult. Digital explorer: uses technology to push the envelope; seeks new tools that can do more and work both faster and easier. Digital innovator: adapts and changes old tools for new tasks; creates new tools. Digital addict: dependent on technology; will go through withdrawal when technology is not available. Digital immigrant and native Marc PrenskyGrandparentsVideo

Marc Prensky Marc Prensky is an American writer and speaker on learning and education. He is best known as the inventor and popularizer of the terms "digital native" and "digital immigrant" which he described in a 2001 in an article in "On the Horizon". Back

Classification of digital learners Digital learners can include all 7 types of digital users. Digital learners can be classified according to the level of access to digital technology and the level of participation in digital learning events. The types of digital learners can be presented graphically. Level of access Level of participation Connected lurker Collaborative learner Disconnected nomad Willing participant

Connected lurker A lurker is typically a member of an online community who observes, but does not actively participate. Have a number of technologies and levels of access at his disposal. Decides to be a part-time or frequent participant. Prefer to consume, absorb and interpret content than actively participate. Prefer to participate occasionally. Lurker Technologies Decide of participation Consume content Interpretation More

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Collaborative learner Access to technology is an essential component of the learning process. Has access to at least one device and the Internet most of if not all the time. Multiple devices allows them to be connected wherever and whenever. At least partial if not fully participation in the learning process. Technology At least one deviceInternet access Muliple devices Participation

Technology – essential component Back

Willing participant(s) They are handicapped by the availability of time and tools. They possess the enthusiasm to actively be part of the learning process. Learning processLearning styles

Learning process Back A learning process consist of various stages of activity allowing the learner to acquire new or modify and reinforce, existing knowledge, behaviours, skills, values, or preferences.

Learning styles A learning style is an individual's natural or habitual pattern of acquiring and processing information in learning situations. Back

Disconnected nomad This learner has no or very low access to digital technology. This learner has low or non-existent level of participation. This type of learner utilize technology at a public library, school, community center or friend’s home. Participation is also limited. Nomad Public librarySchool Community center Friend’s home

Nomad A nomad is a member of a community of people who move from one place to another, either with their livestock or subsisting on hunting and gathering Back