There have been many attempts to define the generation of students who emerged with the Web and new digital technologies in the early 1990s. The term "digital native" refers to the generation born after 1980, which has grown up in a world where digital technologies and the internet are a normal part of everyday life. Young people belonging to this generation are therefore supposed to be "native" to the digital lifestyle, always connected to the internet and comfortable with a range of cutting-edge technologies.

Deconstructing Digital Natives offers the most balanced, research-based view of this group to date. Existing studies of digital natives lack application to specific disciplines or conditions, ignoring the differences of educational fields and gender. How, and how much, are learners changing in the digital age? How can a more pluralistic understanding of these learners be developed? Contributors to this volume produce an international overview of developments in digital literacy among today's young learners, offering innovative ways to steer a productive path between traditional narratives that offer only complete acceptance or total dismissal of digital natives.

About the Author

Dr. Michael Thomas is Senior Lecturer in language learning technologies and digital business communication in the School of Languages and International Studies at the University of Central Lancashire, UK.

Reviews

"Overall, Deconstructing Digital Natives is a very worthwhile book, which successfully brings a thoughtful, international perspective to the rather infamous topic of digital natives research. While readers may occasionally find portions of Part II a bit disparate or dry, the final collection is both strong and entertaining to read."
-Education Review

Book Information
ISBN 9780415889964
Author Michael Thomas
Format Paperback
Page Count 220
Imprint Routledge
Publisher Taylor & Francis Ltd
Weight(grams) 750g