WSIS Forum 2023: The use of digital tools that facilitate effective intergenerational relationships

2023 Edition for the Track on “ICTs and Intergenerational Partnerships for a Sustainable Future
One of the key benefits for intergenerational relations could be the mutually beneficial collaboration of developing digital competence. “Digital Competence” is considered to be one of the key competences for lifelong learning representing an essential aspect of healthy and active ageing and adaptability to the evolving demands of future world of work. Such a competence could be vital for both generations, old and young.

Research generated evidence that social computing applications can support both students and workers in their development of new learning processes and skills (Redecker, Ala-Mutka & Punie, 2008). Yet the entrenched digital divide continues to prevent participation by all generations in this new reality. As a result, they tend to be left behind especially now due to the rapid technological innovations which makes it difficult for them who are on the other side of the divide to master the Learning 2.0 methodologies which has both economic and social impact.

Digitalisation of society from schools to workplaces has been accelerated by the onset of COVID-19 pandemic. Disparity of skills and knowledge development, especially related to Artificial Intelligence, have turned into future barriers of labour market participation for young persons of school age known as “the lost generation” and employability gap of the older workers who are not equipped with the skills to learn and advance their digital competences to remain employable in a workplace that is continuously automating and digitalising.

The focus of our debate is how to mitigate these disparities through the use of digital tools in promoting intergenerational partnerships at the workplace for mutual support and learning. The vital question remains: “To what extent does the use of digital tools promote closer and more effective intergenerational collaboration at the workplace?”

Three speakers will give their views to kick off the debate. Participants will then form groups to identify positive and negative examples for the use of ICT at the workplace that promotes or hinders intergenerational relations.

After reporting back by the group, a short round of comments by the three speakers will close the session.