Digital competence: Is it an innate talent of the new generation or an ability that must be developed?

Introduction Several researchers have stated that the current generation, called “digital natives” or the “Net generation,” have different technological skills and preferences from previous generations because they were born and have grown up in a digital age (Oblinger & Oblinger, 2005; Prensky, 2001, p. 1). For that reason, many studies have focused on defining this generation’s expectations related to education and meeting these expectations. Although there is increasing effort in the literature to address the new generation of students, there is a lack of empirical data about their technology-related knowledge and skills. Therefore, this study briefly discusses whether the new generation actually has key competencies in technology usage or they need to develop the knowledge and skills to use digital technologies for educational activities.