1.3: Digital Learner Characteristics and Their Implications
- Page ID
- 27206
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- Explore strategies for leveraging technology to engage and motivate digital learners.
Digital Learners and Their Tech-Savvies
Today's students, often referred to as "digital learners," have grown up surrounded by technology. They often intuitively understand the intricacies of devices, software, and digital platforms, and they expect the digital realm to be part of their learning journey. Unlike previous generations, where technology might have been a supplementary part of life, for digital learners, it is often integral. For example, you might see a toddler today might naturally attempt to swipe or tap on a TV screen, expecting it to respond like a touchscreen tablet or smartphone.
Keep in mind that there is, however, a significant amount of theory focused on the digital learner, but this effort is just beginning and fortunately seems to be “still growing.” As educators, we need to stay abreast of current research as we move forward with innovative and learner-focused programs.
Digital learners are known for their intuitive tech fluency, multitasking abilities, digital communication preference, visual and kinesthetic learning inclination, expectation for immediate feedback, self-directed learning, adaptability to digital evolution, digital content creation, preference for gamification, and continuous connectivity Overall, recognizing these characteristics is important for educators, parents, and technology designers to ensure that the evolving digital landscape aligns with the inherent tendencies and needs of this generation (NCES, n.d)
| Characteristic | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|
Intuitive Tech Fluency |
An innate understanding and comfort with digital technology, often grasping new tools without formal instruction. | When introduced to a new educational app in class, a digital learner immediately starts exploring its functionalities without needing a step-by-step tutorial. |
Multitasking Abilities |
Comfortably juggling multiple digital tasks or platforms simultaneously. | A digital learner might be working on an assignment on their laptop while listening to music and intermittently checking and responding to messages on their smartphone. |
Digital Communication Preference |
Leans toward digital platforms for interaction and communication. | Instead of discussing a project face-to-face, a group of digital learners might choose to collaborate and brainstorm using a tool like Google Docs or a group chat on platforms like Microsoft Teams or Google Chat. |
Visual and Kinesthetic Learning Preferences |
A preference for learning through visual mediums and interactive experiences over traditional textual formats. | A student might prefer learning history through an interactive timeline app rather than reading plain text in a textbook. |
Looking for Immediate Feedback |
Accustomed to instant responses and anticipate quick or instant feedback. | After playing an educational game, they expect immediate scores and progress information. |
Self-Directed Learning |
Independently seeks out information or tutorials online. | If curious about a topic not covered in class, digital learners might turn to YouTube tutorials or online forums to learn more. |
Adaptive to Digital Evolution |
Easily adjusts to new technological trends, tools, or platforms. | When a popular social media platform rolls out a new feature or interface change, digital learners are often among the first to try it, adapt, and even offer feedback. |
Content Creators |
Actively create and share digital content. | A student might create a video about their school trip, edit it, and then share it on platforms like Instagram, TikTok, or YouTube. |
A Preference for Gamification |
May enjoy elements of game design in non-game contexts (i.e. rewards, badges, and leader boards). | Might be more motivated to complete a reading assignment if they earn digital badges or points in a classroom management app. |
Continuous Connectivity |
An expectation or even habit of being constantly connected. May feel disoriented without internet access. | When faced with a question they can't answer, their immediate instinct might be to "Google it," even if it's in the middle of a conversation. |
Following are some additional resources provided for further exploration if you wish.
Student access to digital learning resources outside of the classroom. National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) Home Page, a part of the U.S. Department of Education. (n.d.). https://nces.ed.gov/pubs2017/2017098/index.asp
Bates, A. W. (Tony), & Bates, A. W. (2015, April 5). 10.2 Open Educational Resources (OER). Teaching in a Digital Age. https://opentextbc.ca/teachinginadig...e/chapter/oer/