Digital Natives: What Brain Research Tells Us: Summary

Angie Orozco

Professor Kaur

WRC 1023-012

09 February 2015

The Differences

Technological advances and promotion for every type of computer-based product flourishes everyday. The main focus is mainly on the younger generations -- Digital Natives -- who form the most avid consumer group, globally, for technology-based products. Every generation is influenced by the events and trends of its time. Nancy K. Herther, a recognized columnist and Librarian for Sociology, Anthropology, American Studies, and Asian American Studies at the University of Minnesota, addresses “Digital Natives and Immigrants: What Brain Research Tells Us”. For these newest generations, it's technology and social networking. Herther clearly responds with how the dominance of

Palfrey and Gasser express how the kids generation has come to be, such as, how they are “connected to one another by a common culture” (419). Herther explains how the younger generation has been “dubbed with differing designations” (419). Such as how the kids have been given several nicknames to express their capability in being a Digital Native, those who chose to use technology for several tasks. The story allows the reader to get lured in because of the research and helpful resources from others, thus, keeping it more intriguing about brain development between kids and adults. It allows Herther’s point to get across as well because of the diversified information on the brain activity and capability. The technique being used is effective to the readers who would want to be a part of such research and thought. Even though, Digital Natives do show immense interest in buying technological products, they seem to lack the interest or deep knowledge of what is actually inside them. Marc Prensky, game designer and consultant, promotes the older generation, “Digital Immigrants”.Those who are thirty and older show their skills in technology but in ways that show their non-digital

Herther reminds her audience that fast modifications occur as new technology forms, she asks, “ If something can be remediated in as little as a week, can this be a generational crisis or is it an issue of experience and choice?” (422). John Medina, author of popular book, “Brain Rules: 12 Principles for Surviving and Thriving at Work, Home, and School”, also a developmental molecular biologist with the faculty of University of Washington and director of the Brain Center for Applied Learning Research at Seattle Pacific University. He firmly believes that the second someone is born, they are imbued with a certain personality and behavior. With various types of patterns one shares with one another, Medina states how, “ . . . digital natives will have their brains wired differently in response to specific types of media exposure than other not so exposed” (422). Herther helps the readers to be known to many factors when it comes to different types of research and beliefs. She stays in tact with her idea or argument and at the same time, she brings various sorts of sources to help her make a creative