An Interview with Shiang-Kwei Wang: Digital Immigrants versus Digital Natives

Abstract

In the field of instructional technology and educational technology, there has always been a discussion about the “great divide“ between digital immigrants and digital natives. Teachers often express exasperation as to the lack of skills that students often possess, and the general consensus that purports that the pupils of today are technologically literate and that their “learning curve” is vastly superior to those of past generations. In this interview, Dr. Shiang-Wei Wang responds to questions about the disconnect between the teachers of today, and their skill/competency levels, and the realities of the skill levels of entering students in the schools. Dr. Shiang-Wei Wang has provided a thoughtful analysis of the current situation, delineating the crucial variables and aspects involved in the assessment of the current zeitgeist of students, and the current crop of teachers.