BRIDGING THE WORLD

ALMA P. MANALO

Digital world, this is what we often call the generation of today(21st century), where digital people exist. The older generation often feels like there is a generation gap between the younger and older generation, from a written letter to emailing and from face-to –face communication to web cam conversation.

In the field of education, a huge generation gap exists and it will continue to widen unless some changes are adopted at the proper time. Since digital learners are exposed to technology, education should embrace a new strategy to develop technology guided skills. It is understandable that the transition of this gap takes time especially to the third world country like the Philippines because of lack of budget. However, the rapid advent of technology alarms us that we need to prepare for bridging society.

Understanding two generations is like looking at two sides of a can. The older generation should understand that the elders believe may not be applicable anymore to the new generations and the other way around, as technology innovates the traditional way of teaching and approaches become conventional, if not balanced, because the digital learners are expected to face a future professional challenge of a more advanced world ahead of them so technology supported skills need to be taught in schools today.

If schools failed to respond to these changes and needs, new learners may lose interest and appreciation of the education system.

— oOo—

The author is Teacher III at Anao Elementary School, Mexico West District