Faith in the ‘Digital Native’ during online search in Australian home-schools

Abstract

Students today can access unlimited information online, and can do so, according to ‘generational digital divide’ rhetoric, without assistance. This paper explores the extent to which ‘generational digital divide’ rhetoric is supported by the discourse accompanying online search in five Australian home-schools. Observations and interviews were analysed using Critical Discourse Analysis. During search, discourse assumed greater student skill. In interview, however, parents and students reported doubt in the students’ search proficiency. Growing reliance upon search by increasing numbers of home-schoolers warrants greater understanding of such technology and its role in learning.