I go back to my previous post as I still see the evolution as being less a statement of a particular generation and more a reflection of the technology and tools available to people. As Boomers are dropped into the latest iterations of technology, I watch them adapt in ways reflective of Gen Z... that piece of how do I take this information and apply it to my current needs? creates the sense of urgency. My husband, a Boomer, 'hates technology' UNTIL he finds that purpose and then he's hooked... streaming videos all night long. Or he uses the spreadsheets I create for our business to save him hours of manual calculations. Or he adopts an automated booking system and computerized inventory system for work. My other friend from the Silent Genearation is a social media addict who stays alive by connecting daily to her family across the distance. I truly believe that making the space for people to be human - no matter what our learning enviornment allows education to be both effective and personalized. Folks advocate for what they need when given the support and safety to do so. I simply believe we live in a time sufficiently fortunate to combine the latest tools in a postpandemic world to advance learning in ways that can be truly amazing.
Yet, this all doesn't account for positions of privilege - financially or racial constructs that accompany the generations and further complicate the limitations and biases perpetuated by each generation. The past several years have introduced a world to a post factual use of information in ways that is harmful to ALL generations and preys in particular on folks who came from the Silent and Boomer generations who embraced blind following and conformity. Where we evolve beyond these matters will be more interesting to see, I believe, and will also impact subsequent learning and even the legitimacy of publicly funded education, if they are not addressed well.
