Aging vs technology:

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Elderly IT-immigrant generation

I personally encountered this problem while collecting data for my research with teachers, it turned out to be that elderly ones have no e-mails, whereas in our digital world we actively use emails in ordering tickets, onine shopping and booking hotels.

In fact this trend is another explicit evidence of life-long learning given the fact that every day we see a widening gap between progress and society’s ability to cope with its consequences. Besides, 4th Industrial Revolution changes we see around us threaten to overwhelm us if we cannot collaborate to understand and direct them.

We are already talking about unprecedented advances in artificial intelligence (AI) and using them not only in education. More than that robotics, the internet of things, autonomous vehicles, 3D printing, nanotechnology, green energy, they all are totally blurring traditional boundaries, creating new opportunities. This on its turn requires creative teaching to grow creative IT-friendly learners.

Moorning Bilim
I think this is a very difficult goal to achieve with senior citizens.
Best Regards from Tunisia
Chokri

Morning, Chokri.

We now realize that pedagogy and technology interaction enhances learning. Teachers are responsible for the product and process. Learning happens in partnership of students and teachers increasing their mutual potential. Unless teachers are not open to learn acquiring new skill it will stay challenging

I think it would be a great idea to implement a buddy system in schools, where younger teachers with more experience using technology could assist their older colleagues in learning about new tools.

Hello Ana
indeed Mrs Anna, in principle this is what should be, except that some former teachers are opposed to this new technology and especially those who are close to retirement.
Best Regards from Tunisia
Chokri

@Ana_moderator I absolutely agree, Anastaciia, that buddy system works well. In our school it may look as far from the system but still in our special group chat we regularly share the resource and tools with the colleagues. We also share our findings at our regular collaborative meetings and the colleagues willingly try them and start applying those they find suitable.

I would also add that keeping your mind open to new technologies depends on nuruturing encouraging and supportive spirit within the teaching team. That is, if teachers do not compete with their colleagues but seek for collaboration they are always ready to leatn something new from each other.

@Ekaterina-P Moreover, keeping your mind open to new technologies depends on people`s curiosity and flexibility.

@Bousl2336873cb4
May be they feel comfortable with traditional teaching approaches compared using technology equipment. They might believe also that the traditional teaching methods are more effective and touchable with teachers and students.

@Ana_moderator
Hello Ana,
The buddy system is very effective in my school where young teachers share their know how with senior educators. Ultimately this encourages innovativeness in the teaching and learning process. The senior educators can embed new teaching techniques and methods in the classroom. Therefore it promotes discipline and inclusivity in the classroom.

@Shakhnoza No doubt, that is a primary factor driving teachers to continue their professional development. I guess, I' m lucky to work in the environment where these personal qualities are taken for granted

This observation highlights an important issue in education today. As technology rapidly evolves, older educators may struggle to keep pace, potentially impacting their ability to effectively teach and share their valuable experience. This situation calls for targeted support and training programs to bridge the digital divide, ensuring that the wealth of knowledge possessed by senior teachers isn't lost due to technological barriers. Schools might consider implementing mentorship programs where younger, tech-savvy teachers collaborate with experienced educators, fostering an environment of mutual learning and intergenerational knowledge transfer.

@Antonia said in Aging vs technology::

Schools might consider implementing mentorship programs where younger, tech-savvy teachers collaborate with experienced educators, fostering an environment of mutual learning and intergenerational knowledge transfer.

The practice of mentorship sounds very promising. Do you maybe know of any schools that implement this approach?

@Ana_moderator
Hello Ana,
In my school, Support Teachers who were new to the service, they were fully prepared to deal with students having learning difficulties by integrating technology in the teaching and learning process. They were coaching experienced teachers how to embed new technology to increase student's participation.

@Housna

Hi Housna,
Hope everything is going well.

That seems to be an amazing approach to share wisdom and good practices between colleagues. Sharing is caring, and that is a good example. Keep doing what you’re doing and you’ll get better results for you students.

Best,
Mr. Bryan

@MYLOG47799627c6 Addressing the challenges senior teachers face in adopting new technologies is crucial.... Tailored training programs, peer support networks,,, and gradual integration can help bridge generational gaps and enhance the adoption process effectively....

@MYLOG47799627c6 Hi Myloga, yes older adults working in schools often face challenges in adopting new technologies due to generational gaps and limited ICT knowledge.

This difficulty can hinder their ability to effectively transfer their expertise to younger teachers. Addressing this issue through targeted training and support can help bridge the gap and enhance technology integration in education.

@BRYANb8875625e5 hello sir hope you will be fine.
Exactly bryan no dought ict based learning is important but without we are also following our teaching an according to 21 st century skills requirement .skills of communication,collaboration ,critical thinking and creativity these are covered by other activities also not only by ict.

@MYLOG47799627c6
@Ana_moderator
I had that experience years ago, when the Power Point program was just starting to be used. During the summer vacations, when the students did not come to school, the director initiated that all the adults learn the program, they had to present at least one lesson with the program. I supported everyone with love and the result was not late.

Asalamo-alaiqum Sir,
Your insights into the use of technology to support the aging population are both thoughtful and enlightening. It's inspiring to see the potential of innovations like medical devices, smart homes, and telemedicine in improving the quality of life for seniors. Your emphasis on digital inclusion and the need for training programs to bridge the technology gap is especially important. It's encouraging to think about how future advancements in biotechnology and AI could continue to enhance the aging experience. Thank you for sharing these valuable perspectives

Asalamo-aliqum Sister
You've highlighted a crucial issue facing many older adults working in schools today. The rapid pace of technological advancements can indeed create challenges for senior teachers, especially when it comes to integrating new technologies into their teaching practices. The generational gap and varying levels of ICT knowledge can make this transition difficult. It's important to support these educators by providing targeted training and resources, enabling them to effectively share their wealth of experience and knowledge. Bridging this gap will not only empower senior teachers but also enrich the learning experiences of their students. Thank you for bringing attention to this important topic.