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 marrying.  In the field of education, a huge generation gap also exists and will continue to widen unless some changes are adopted at the proper time. 

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 generations, especially along matters of traditional value systems.

·         Alvin Toffler’s book, Future Shock, show how the information age has begun to create many cultural changes in the family, societies, businesses, governments such as what he calls throw-away society, modular man, kinetic image, scientific trajectory, fractured family, surfeit of sub-cults, psychological dimensions.

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.

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 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 survey 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.

 The only permanent in this world is change; nobody can cease a thing to grow. Despite of some negative effects still human continue to discover and invent something that could make life easier and comfortable. As future educators, we need to adapt to the fast changing development of technology in order for us to be effective. We need to be adept in using technology because children nowadays learn fast because of gadgets. Just like Bruce Lee said “You must be shapeless, formless, like water. When you pour water in a cup, it becomes the cup. When you pour water in a bottle, it becomes the bottle. When you pour water in a teapot, it becomes the teapot. Water can drip and it can crash. Become like water my friend.” We must be like water; we need to learn to adapt in any given situation.