Technology tools available to us today have created distinctions in our society. The question of access -- also known as The Digital Divide -- is often raised, but even among those who already have access to technology, there are differences in how technology is used and understood.

Mark Prensky, an author and educational consultant, has posited that individuals who have grown up with technology – digital natives -- differ radically from those who have adopted technology later in life – digital immigrants. In 2001, he published an article which has been creating a buzz in the educational community. The article is titled Digital Natives, Digital Immigrants: A New Way to Look at Ourselves and Our Kids .

In this essay, he describes digital natives as:

• Growing up with technology
• Accustomed to quick access to information
• Comfortable with multitasking
• Reliant on graphics to convey messages quickly
• Thriving on instant gratification and frequent rewards

and digital immigrants as:

• Adopting technology later in life
• Preferring to print media over electronic media
• Depending upon others to access electronic resources for them
• Reading instruction manuals before using software rather than jumping in and skimming menus, responding to error messages, or using online help

Why categorize technology usage?

Prensky uses this dichotomy to raise awareness of differences in technology usage and as the basis for recommendations for changes in approaches to educating students at all levels. He is a strong advocate for computer simulations and gaming in the education process.

While thought provoking, his analysis of technical skills of students and educators is very simplistic. Just as all educators do not reject or resist technology, neither do all students embrace technology. However, we are all denizens of a digital world.

Perhaps a few more more categories might be useful in raising digital awareness:

Digital recluse – A person in this category absolutely refuses to knowingly use electronic technology. Computers are forbidden in his/her household. Microchips exist only in tools where their true nature is disguised (e.g., automobiles, microwaves, heating/cooling systems).

Digital refugee – A person in this category uses technology unwillingly. It has been thrust upon him/her by his/her environment. Although using technology is a chore, not using it is even more of a challenge. S/he may have grown up with technology or may have been forced to adopt technology as an adult. S/he prefers hard copy and distrusts electronic resources. S/he may regularly enlist other for assistance in the use of technology, particularly reducing technology to a non-electronic form (e.g., printing e-mail before reading it).

Digital immigrant – A person in this category has willingly traveled to the land of technology. Although unfamiliar with the full potential of various electronic tools, s/he holds an underlying belief that technology can be a useful tool, especially for repetitive tasks. S/he may have grown up with technology or may have adopted technology as an adult.

Digital native – A person in this category uses technology in executing a wide variety of tasks and readily adapts to changes in the tools that s/he uses. S/he may have grown up with technology or may have adopted technology as an adult.

Digital explorer – A person in this category pushes electronic tools to the limit and is always on the lookout for new tools that do more, work faster, and work more easily.

Digital innovator – A person in this category doesn’t just look for new technology tools, s/he builds new tools and/or adapts old tools to new purposes.

Digital addict – A person in this category is highly dependent upon technology tools. S/he may become quite distressed when access to technology tools is disrupted.