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 simple things like the manner of dressing, socializing, more intimate relationships like friendship and marrying. 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 continues where schools don’t have the technology facilities, it is understandable that transition to digital education may take time. But given the rapid emergence of digital 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 generations
• Alvin Toffler’s book, Future Shock, shows how the information age has begun to create many cultural changes

Since the new generations are expected to face a future professionalism 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 school, as surveys show an increasing drop-out rate every year.

REFLECTION

This lesson is all about the differences of each generation. It also discussed if how the new generations help the older generations to overcome the generation gap. There are lots of differences between the old generation and new generation. In terms of dressing, socializing, relationships and especially in educational system.There are big changes that the older generation can’t easily accept and adapt. But, since, with the help of new generations, the generation gap can be solved. Since the new generations are expected to face the future professional challenge of a digital world.

APPLICATION

As future educators we should know how to help older generations to overcome the changes of the instructional technologies. We must open our mind that we new generations are the bridge of understanding the use of modern technologies. Nowadays, in order to make things easier, efficient and effective, updated technologies are very essential. It is also said that in order to achieve things, we should know how to understand, but understanding without action is nothing. Therefore, let’s make a move to solve the generation gap, new and old generations must be aware and equipped on how to use and manipulate updated technologies because obsolete instructional technologies will never help to develop the learning of each generation.