Digitally Native, Yet Technologically Illiterate: Methods to Prepare Business Students to Create Versus Consume

Abstract

This paper discusses the technology gap in today’s students where students are often believed to be more technologically astute than they really are. Students are consumers of technology, but they have limited skills in using technology to solve business problems. Three recommendations are presented that could aid educators in bridging this gap: building proficiency of business software in an academic setting, educators being the convener of learning in a digitally focused classroom, and applying design thinking in a classroom setting. An example of how these principles can be used in the classroom is provided. Helping students to bridge this gap will allow them to be better prepared for career success.