Challenging the concept of digital nativeness – Through the assessment of information literacy and digital literacy

Milla Aavakare*, Shahrokh Nikou

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Chapter in Book/Conference proceedings/Edited volumeConference contributionScientificpeer-review

3 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

New opportunities for learning and teaching are introduced as the aftermath of the emergence of new digital technologies. Concurrently, change is taking place within the concept of literacy, as different dimensions of literacy have emerged. Information- and digital literacy are prominent examples of this, as their significance in the 21st century has received an array of scholarly attention. However, dimensions of literacy and technology acceptance within the educational context have been extensively bound to the discussion of digital natives and digital immigrants based on their age factor. A generalisation of this nature disregards diversity within the suggested groups, as differences can appear in other influencing factors. Hence, this study aims to look beyond age as a divider of digital nativeness, and instead takes a focus on other possible boundaries of characterisation. The results show that both information and digital literacy are important factors, and that literacy is a competence that depends on the access, frequency of use and the ability to use digital technologies. As such, the interactions of individuals with digital technologies should be used to classify individuals as digital native and digital immigrants.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationWell-Being in the Information Society. Fruits of Respect - 8th International Conference, WIS 2020, Proceedings
EditorsMirella Cacace, Raija Halonen, Hongxiu Li, Thao Phuong Orrensalo, Gunilla Widén, Chenglong Li, Reima Suomi
PublisherSpringer
Pages211-225
Number of pages15
ISBN (Print)9783030578466
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2020
Externally publishedYes
Event8th International Conference on Well-Being in the Information Society, WIS 2020 - Turku, Finland
Duration: 26 Aug 202027 Aug 2020

Publication series

NameCommunications in Computer and Information Science
Volume1270 CCIS
ISSN (Print)1865-0929
ISSN (Electronic)1865-0937

Conference

Conference8th International Conference on Well-Being in the Information Society, WIS 2020
Country/TerritoryFinland
CityTurku
Period26/08/2027/08/20

Keywords

  • Digital immigrants
  • Digital literacy
  • Digital natives
  • Digital tools
  • Digitalisation
  • Educational institutions
  • Information literacy

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