Digital native levels of Indonesia pre-service teachers

Abstract

The generation classification based on technology proficiency skill consists of digital native and digital immigrant. Digital native assumed as superior in technology usage. Viewed from demographic aspects related to age, elementary school-age children of the current era tend to adopt the digital native characteristic. These characteristics may require teachers to integrate the learning methods and technology. This study aims to assess pre-service teachers' digital native characters. They are projected to be teachers of digital native students. The assessment was made by using the Digital Native Assessment Scale developed by Teo in 2013. The use of the instrument was intended to pilot the DNAS in Indonesia education context. This study used a qualitative research design, since it involves qualitative data and analysis stages. The sample involved were 130 students (112 females and 18 males) of the Elementary School Preservice Teacher in Indonesia. Their age ranged from 18 to 24. Based on the study results, the digital native level of preservice teachers in Indonesia was high. If seen from a gender variable, the digital natives do not have any significant differences. Although this result cannot be fully generalized, it can be used as a reference both for curriculum development in teacher education.