LESSON 4 Bridging the Generation Gap

In simple things like the manner of dressing, socializing, and more intimate relationships like friendship and marrying, shows apparently that there is a generation gap between the older generation and the younger generation.

Even in education, traditional schooling has hardly changed even with the clear indication of a digital world. A huge generation gap exists in the field of education and it will continue to widen unless some changes are adopted at the proper time. Given the rapid emergence of digital technology, the Information and Communication Technology (ICT), there is a need to prepare for bridging the digital gap in society.

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

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. As sophisticated technology advances at a dizzying pace, the satisfaction of educators to stick to traditional education systems and approaches become ineffective, it not deteriorating.

Since new generation 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 someplace of questionable value. If schools fail to respond to the emergent changes and needs, new learners may lose appreciation of the educational system, and drop out of school.

My previous post gives an example of this generation gap. As the teacher required us to use Manila papers for our reporting, we, new learners or digital learners find it hard because we are more used to present our reporting using a LCD projector and PPT slides. But due to our respect and we are just students anyway, we couldn’t do anything about it and we comply the requirement. It isn’t a big deal though but the fact that this generation gap really affects the learning of the learners is truly a BIG DEAL.

Also, because this generation gap, a misunderstanding will generally occur. At home, my lola and me had a heated conversation about the manner of dressing of a certain artist on the television. I, as a paramour of art, explained to her that it was just because of entertainment and it’s very common on TV, nowadays. But she kept on insisting that it was “malaswa” and all, but for I think the dress was just fine, it was because of her role that’s why the artist dressed up like that. Well, generation gap.

Generation gap as a common scenario in schools or any other place, even at home, this exists. It will be a challenge for educators to inculcate the integration of the traditional system, the style they are more comfortable to do so, and the new system, a digital system wherein the use of technological devices will aid the teaching and learning process. Considering about this one, me, as a future teacher will not defy the fact that generation gap is a part of education but since a teacher you should adapt to the changes and if you think, especially specialists think, that it will be the betterment of everyone then you should be open to it. Why keep on struggling to stick with the old system when there is a better one? Everywhere you can see this generation gap, like on the first paragraph of this post, indeed, the difference of the old generation and new generation is realized. It’s up to you as an educator, if you will be close minded about this generation gap and be steady or use still the traditional way of teaching or, comprehend the matter and do something about it to bridge the differences of the poles apart generations?

            The main answer of the dilemma about generation gap is adaptation. If you are the older one then adapt to fast changing world! I am not saying to change immediately your way of dressing or your usage of gadgets and the likes, we all know that change takes time. But understand the differences, be open-minded about it. Educators apply it by using it in their respective instructions, if your students are more comfortable using an LCD projector,  then use it. If you are inclined in using PPT slides but you’re students wants the “taplak-taplak” style then introduce to them the PPT slides. This is common when you are assigned to teach a school on rural areas. I am sure that they will be fascinated with how it works. I am very sure of it. So, educators and future educators out there, all we need is to adapt.