Topic 1 | minimal-layout

In topic 1 we were called to explore the concept of “digital visitors” and “digital residents” (White & Le Cornu, 2011).Through researching and discussing with my colleagues, I learned that this concept was best represented by a continuum rather than a two-category dichotomy. Through self-reflecting, I also came to understand that one’s position on this continuum needn’t be absolute. Instead, it can depend on the user’s goals, current state, current skillset, interest and more. Just like someone may live in one neighbourhood, but reaches a point where they need to move to or visit another neighbourhood.

This also explains why Prensky’s (2001) concept of “digital natives” and “digital immigrants” didn’t really fit the “online” picture. Digital familiarization does not necessarily have to go hand-in-hand with age.