Week 10: Question 1- How might Wenger's notions on practice communities relate to Prensky's on education?

Wenger’s and Prensky’s notions refer to different groups within society, both of which tend to categories people on a generalised basis. Digital natives can interact with each other online using Multi User Environments (MUE). Either intentionally or incidentally, communities of practice will be created as more and more users come together because they have shared interests in technologies.
XXXXX
One thing that relates the two notions is the idea of the ‘authorised word’. For Wenger, CofPs can be led by a ‘leader’ either someone or an organisation that holds a higher standing in the community hierarchy. Looking at Prensky, he focuses on educators having authority, even if they may be digital immigrants.
XXXXX
Natives have different methods of thinking and learning to immigrants- many tend to have shorter attention spans and thus can find learning more of a chore in a world where answers can now be found with just a click of a button. The same could be applied between different CofPs; some groups will learn in one way, whereas others may enjoy using other methods in creating/bringing together joint enterprise.
XXXXX
Finally, the term ‘Community of Practice’ refers to a social phenomenon that goes back for centuries. It has always been there, but it is not until recent years the phenomenon has been recognised, studied and given a name. The digital native/immigrant concept could be considered very similar. Although a much newer phenomenon, is something that has been socially created. The digital divide could not be deemed completely natural as it was provoked by man-made technology; however both have only been able to develop through human interest in particular topics. (I hope that makes sense!)