Lesson 4 Bridging the Generation Gap

The older generation often feels there is a generation gap between them and the younger generation. This is apparent in simple things like the manner of dressing, socializing, more intimate relationship like friendship and etc. Still, some old things are difficult to overcome, as there are still the caste system in India, pre-arranged marriage in China, female circumcision in Africa, and theocratic or religion-rule societies in the Middle East. Even in education, traditional schooling has hardly changed even with the clear evidence of a digital world. Reflect on how some teachers confine their teaching to the board talk-test method.

In the field of education, a huge generation gap also exists and it will continue to widen unless some changes are adopted at the proper time. In peasant third world countries where schools don't have technology facilities, it is understandable that the transition to digital education may take time. But given the rapid emergence of digital technology, at times referred to as information and communication technology (ICT), there is the need to prepare for bridging the digital gap in society.

First, we need to understand the potentials of ICT:

The new network of instantaneous communication is global, overcoming borders between countries and continents.

Much of what elders believe may not be applicable anymore to the new generation, especially along matters of traditional value system.

Given the speed and power of ICT for change, growth, innovation, it becomes critical that teachers understand the gap that may be perceived between them and the new generation of learners. Much of the old technology such as tube radio, platter records, cassette tapes, celluloid movies, antenna television, landline phones, have vanished or are quickly vanishing today. Even in communication, sending a written letter has become tedious with the advent of emailing and web-camera face-to-face communication. As sophisticated technology advances at a dizzying pace, the complacency of educators to stick to traditional education system and approaches become futile, if not retrogressive.  Since the new generations are expected to face a future professional challenge of a digital world ahead of them, technology-supported skills need to be taught in schools today, or else schools will become a white elephant. If schools fail to respond to emergent changes and needs, new learners may lose appreciation of the educational system, and drop out of schools, as surveys show an increasing drop-out rate every year. Learning at home and availing digital learning systems like the Open Universities may save the day, but the situation remains bleak for schools stolidly adhering to the old educational system.