1. Description of the project

This project aims to combine the unique learning experiences of the mature age Silent Generation with the technological literacy of the current Generation Y youth to foster intergenerational collaboration and use of the Internet.

The purpose of this project is to enhance the life experiences of Generation Y, people born between 1977 and 1997, and sometimes referred to as the Internet Generation, by promoting intergenerational learning and interaction with the Silent Generation, people born between 1925 and 1945.

This will be achieved by developing a learning framework that will assist in the design and development of programs and activities that will enable these two generations to learn, work, play and share collaborative information and communication technology. This approach addresses three interrelated issues: the relationship between Generation Y and their community; the profusion of technical knowledge embraced by young people; and the lack of technological literacy among the Silent Generation.

By connecting Generation Y and the Silent Generation, this project contributes to auDA’s commitment to research into the social impact of the Internet and more specifically, how to better integrate technology into society. The aim therefore, is to encourage Generation Y and the Silent Generation to communicate and share knowledge and experiences using technology. Now is an opportune time for a project that brings together these two groups of people to teach and share social and cultural knowledge through the Internet.

2. Aims of the project

The overall aim will be to make use of information and communications technologies (ICT), in particular web technologies and mobile technologies, to:

• scaffold the knowledge sharing process (by providing structures, activities, templates and seeds) and
• provide feedback on the process to participants and researchers; and facilitate the social-interactive aspects of knowledge sharing.

The overall outcome is to:

• develop a technology supported learning system that will assist in the development of programs and activities to connect traditionally disconnected generations of learners through the Internet.

3. The methods or strategies that will be used

Two strategies will guide this project. Firstly, the research aims to examine intergenerational learning that is mediated by technology. Secondly, we intend defining a model for intergenerational learning that is enriched by technology. The integration of technology supported learning and interaction affords meaningful and playful learning activities between Generation Y and the Silent Generation.

4. Likely outcomes

1. Identifying the diverse characteristics of Generation Y and the Silent Generation will contribute to an understanding of the experiences, learning styles, preferences, influences, values, and communication style of each generation. Therefore, tailored technological solutions to meeting the needs of these generations will expand the opportunities for intergenerational collaborations.
2. The development of a design framework and learning model that will support online and mobile interaction between Generation Y and the Silent Generation. The framework will support the design of knowledge sharing approaches that will assist each generation to explore, interact, and identify meaningful relationships and concepts through their communications and interactions with each other.

5. Project Plan

This project has two objectives:

• Objective 1: To identify the unique characteristics of Generation Y and the Silent Generation. This will allow the creation of a necessary and useful theoretical foundation on which to develop a historical, cultural and educational resource that will facilitate intergenerational knowledge sharing.
  • Strategy: A qualitative method will be used during the first stage of the research project. This will include semi-structured interviews with members of each generation and a comprehensive literature review. A case study approach will be used to analyse, interpret, and present data.
  • Outputs: The characteristics of each generation will be identified and assist in developing guidelines and methods for the development of online materials that are matched to the especial learning needs of each generation.
  • Indicators: The degree of interaction and connectivity between the two generations; the social knowledge acquired by Generation Y and the technical knowledge acquired by the Silent generation.
  • Timeframe: the first 6 months of the project
• Objective 2: To determine how intergenerational interaction can be enhanced by online learning technologies and Next G technologies. This objective satisfies auDA’s support of initiatives that stimulate connections between young people through information and communication technologies. Generation Y have a profusion of technical knowledge and expertise available to them that they can share with the Silent Generation and assist them in using technological devices in their everyday lives. In turn, the Silent Generation will have the opportunity to share and disseminate important social and cultural information about their lives and experiences with Generation Y.
  • Strategies: The strategy used to produce the outcomes is to enhance and encourage intergenerational interaction between Generation Y and the Silent Generation. This interaction may occur between grandchildren and grandparents, other family members, mentors and mentees, community leaders and young people and so on. This interaction will provide Generation Y with the opportunity to build their social connections with other members of the community.
  • Outputs: framework of intergenerational learning and knowledge sharing is specifically matched to the needs and circumstances of Generation Y and the Silent Generation. For example, this could be manifested in an intergenerational 3D virtual reality game application that enables sharing of interests and collaboration in achieving common goals.
  • Indicators: The use of the simulated educational game by each generation will be evaluated. The interactions between each generation will be evaluated by monitoring their use of the technology. The researchers will also engage in participant observation and conduct follow-up interviews with each participant.