Who are the digital natives? A
digital native is someone who was born during or after the introduction of
digital technologies and who has interacted with digital technology from an
early age. In other words, to a digital native, smart phones, computers, and
other digital devices have always existed in their world. I see this today with
my own granddaughters who are 19 months and 15 months old. Very early in their
lives, they were already reaching for the TV remote, a cell phone, or any other
items that had buttons they could push.
Back in the 1980’s, I produced a
promotional video program for Nylint Toys. The company was about to roll out
several large, metal, toy trucks, called Sound Machines, onto the market. It
was quite a new concept at the time. This video would be the company’s new
product introduction to their retailers across the country. Each truck made
real truck sounds. My son appeared in the video and played with several trucks
as we shot the scenes. I remember how his eyes lit up at the sounds. He was so
excited when he was allowed to keep one of the prototype trucks. Right then I
knew things in the toy business were about to change in a very big way.
Middle grade children today have
never known a time when their toys didn’t light up, make sounds, sing, or talk
to them. Before learning to walk, they had already become familiar with smart
phones and the many apps available just for kids.
Marc Prensky coined the term digital
native in his work "Digital Natives, Digital Immigrants" published in
2001. In his article, he applies the term to a new group of students enrolling
in educational establishments. More recently, a description of people who were
"born digital", first appeared in a series of presentations given by
Josh Spear beginning in May 2007.
Not long after, the debate began
among authors, publishers, booksellers, and others concerning the death of
printed books taken over by electronically delivered books. One only has to
look at the magazine business to see that most of the old standards have either
ceased publication, or they’ve gone digital. Many new start-up magazines are
offered in a digital format only.
And a publisher like Barbour who
recently announced Shiloh Run Studios which will publish original direct-to-digital serialized
fiction. Expect to see a lot more publishers doing the same thing.
A recent news story reported, “Bexar
County, Texas has opened a new library that has no books inside. Instead the
library is outfitted with iPad stations and iMacs loaded with digital books
available to check out, making it the first digital library in the country.
The library is called the
BiblioTech. Patrons can check out eBooks, audiobooks, and software training
databases, as well as eReaders. The library also hosts computer classes and
patrons can use laptops, tablets, and desktops at the branch.”
To illustrate the digital point even
further, this 1-year-old thinks her printed magazine is broken: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aXV-yaFmQNk
I’m often asked to speak to
elementary students in schools. One of the first times I did this, I remember
telling the students I had grown up at a time when there were no microwave
ovens, no cell phones, computers, or any of the other “necessities” kids depend
on today. When I tell them it seemed like our family must have been the last
one in the world to have a TV, and I had to go to friends’ houses just to watch
one, sighs break out across the room from those digital natives. The sighs are
quickly followed by comments like, “No microwave?” “No video games?” “I
couldn’t live without a TV,” “I’d die,” or “How awful.”
Today I’m
participating in a new serialized story concept with a publisher and will be
creating serialized stories for middle grade readers. Each story will have a
number of segments, most segments end with a cliffhanger, then the story will
finally reach its exciting conclusion. Next, the same characters find
themselves in a new adventure or mystery. The title for this series is, “The
Accidental Adventures of Kurt Benson and his friends, Riley and Jordan.” And my
first mystery is, “The Cat Burglars.” Here’s a sneak peek http://maxelliotandersonaccidentaladventures.blogspot.com
Recent
research concludes that readers, adult and children, want their reading
material in shorter versions, especially if it’s to be read on an electronic
device. Articles ask the question, “Are Smaller, Shorter Books More Appealing
to Time-crunched Readers?” The answer from several sources seems to be yes.
Even my printed books are shorter than most. The reason for this is I believe
it gives young readers a sense of accomplishment when they reach “The End” on
the final page. I’m not asking them to commit more time than necessary in order
to enjoy reading. And with this new concept of delivering each new chapter, by
subscription, for reading on digital devices, middle grade readers will have
new options for their reading time.
I’s never been more important to
get kids reading, no matter where they choose to find their information. And
exciting stories, with cliffhanger chapter endings, delivered to their smart
phones and other devices, are a great place to start attracting the digital
natives all around us.
Bio for Max Elliot Anderson
Max Elliot Anderson grew up as a struggling reader. After surveying the market, he sensed the
need for action-adventures and mysteries for readers 8 – 13, especially boys.
Using his extensive experience in the production of dramatic
motion pictures, videos, and television commercials, Mr. Anderson brings that
same visual excitement and heart-pounding action to his stories. Most books
have different characters, setting, and plot.
Ten books are published, ten more are under contract, with several
additional manuscripts completed. Young readers have reported that reading one
of his books is like actually being in an exciting movie.
My Youtube Videos http://www.youtube.com/user/Maxbooks100?feature=watch
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