Digital Native? I don't think so

Am I a Digital Native? Absolutely not.  There is no question about it, I am unequivocally a digital immigrant. Sure we had a computer growing up. It had a black screen and a cursor that blinked back and forth.  It had a slot in the front to insert your floppy disc. It was called an Apple IIGS and compared to the computers of today, it was archaic but for a child growing up in the 80's, it was innovative and exciting.  I am not even sure what I used it for, but it was exciting technology at the time. 

Having grown up right along with the advancement of technology, I am embarrassed to admit how utterly technologically un-savvy I truly am.  
My resume of computer skills include 

• Microsoft word 
• Checking my email
• Facebook
• Google
• Amazon

In our house, I am definitely the most technologically challenged, with the exception of my 20 month old daughter. My husband often comes to my rescue when I get into a pinch. For example when I can't get the picture that I just emailed to myself to download and once it does, I don't know how to save it or even where to find it.  

I am amazed at the the technological world that my girls are growing up in. Natalie, my 5 year old has no apprehension when it comes to navigating my IPad.  She knows how to swipe, close popup windows, click on YouTube and search for the videos that that she likes to watch.  She uses the IPad for a variety of reasons: videos, pictures, games, music and books.  She also likes to pretend that she is making her own YouTube videos under the name "Pickle Partners".  She is even teaching her younger sister. To her, this is just the way it is.  Technology is an everyday part of her life.   

When I think about Digital Native vs Digital Immigrant, I am somewhat reminded of the work Stephen Krashen has done related to second language acquisition. Did I miss the Critical Period of development?  Is my affective filter too high? Krashen says that the affective filter can be prompted by many different variables, such as stress, self-confidence, motivation and anxiety. I feel like all of these variables come into play when I am using technology.  Is there still hope for the Digital Immigrants out there like me? I sure hope so or I am going to be relying on my 5 year old a whole lot more in the future.