The document discusses the generation gap between older and younger generations, particularly in the field of education. It notes that traditional schooling has changed little despite evidence of a digital world. A large generation gap exists in education that will widen unless schools change to adapt to new technology. While transition to digital education will take time for some areas, the rapid rise of information and communication technology means bridging the digital divide in society. The document stresses that educators must understand this gap and move beyond complacent, traditional approaches, or schools will become obsolete and fail to engage new learners.

1. Prepared By:
Josephine T. Broñosa
Shiena Lomerio
Ana Mae Ordano

2.  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 relationships
like friendship and marrying, etc. Still, some old
things are difficult to overcome, as there are still
the caste system in India, pre – arranged
marriages 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.

3.  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.

4. 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, surfeit of sub cults,
psychological dimension, etc.

5.  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 systems and approaches become
futile, if not retrogressive.

6.  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 school, 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.