Mark Prensky’s 2001 article, “Digital Natives, Digital Immigrants,” introduced a valuable framework for understanding the generational divide in how people interact with technology. Prensky coined the terms digital natives—those who have grown up with technology—and digital immigrants—the adults who didn’t, but are now learning to adapt. These terms have helped us understand how different generations approach the digital world. However, as technology continues to evolve rapidly, another term might be necessary to describe those who struggle even more to navigate this shift: digital refugees.
The idea of digital refugees was sparked by a comment from librarian Barbara McCrary during a workshop for Tulsa Public Schools. She noted that many educators may feel like they don’t belong to the digital world, choosing to remain outside its boundaries rather than trying to integrate. This new term highlights a group of individuals who not only resist digital change but actively retreat from it, feeling disconnected and overwhelmed by the digital landscape.
Let’s explore these new categories:
- The Natives: Students who have grown up in the digital age, surrounded by technology and seamlessly incorporating it into their daily lives. They are the “tech-savvy” generation, naturally adept at using digital tools for communication, learning, and creativity.
- The Immigrants: Older adults who didn’t grow up with technology but are now working to adapt. These individuals may be more open to change than refugees but still face challenges in embracing new tools and methods. They are learning to “speak the digital language,” but often struggle to fully integrate.
- The Refugees: Older adults who have actively distanced themselves from digital culture. They may feel overwhelmed or threatened by technology, perceiving the digital world as foreign and hostile. Digital refugees often resist change, deny the existence of the new digital landscape, or refuse to learn new methods. They may be actively opposed to digital tools and may even work against the integration of technology in education.
- The Bridges: These individuals exist somewhere in between the digital natives and digital immigrants. Often characterized by millennials, digital bridges can communicate effectively with both groups, understanding and using technology while also respecting and navigating the more traditional approaches. They are adaptable and can serve as intermediaries, facilitating the connection between the two worlds.
- The Undecided: These individuals have not yet chosen a side. They may be immigrants or refugees, but they haven’t fully committed to either group. Their relationship with technology is still evolving, and they may be in the process of deciding where they belong.
The concept of digital refugees is particularly relevant in the education sector. Many educators, school boards, and district administrators may fall into the digital refugee category, especially those who resist or refuse to embrace new technologies in the classroom. These individuals may be labeled as “laggards” for their reluctance to adopt digital tools, but it’s important to recognize that their resistance is often rooted in fear and uncertainty.
As David Warlick suggests, we should stop “acting like immigrants” and begin “acting like natives.” But what about the digital refugees in our midst? How do we engage them in the process of digital transformation? Especially when they hold leadership positions that influence the direction of education, their resistance can be a significant barrier to innovation.
While the challenges are real, it’s essential to remember that change is not only inevitable but also empowering. Those who identify as digital refugees may need additional support, encouragement, and training to cross the bridge into the digital world. By fostering a culture of collaboration and support, we can help these individuals transition from fear to confidence and ultimately embrace the transformative power of technology in education.
In the end, the journey to becoming a digital immigrant or native is a personal choice—and it’s never too late to start learning.