A New Generation Gap? Some Thoughts on the Consequences of Early ICT First Contact

Abstract

One possible consequence of information and communication technology’s rapid rise will be a new ‘generation gap’ arising from differing perceptions of the learning technologies. The nature, causes, and consequences of this gap are of interest to educational practitioners and policymakers. This article uses data from an ongoing project, together with a synopsis of research, to describe the ICT-based generation gap that currently exists between students and their teachers and parents. It is argued that this gap may exist between students differing in age by as little as five years. Results from a related project exploring Networked Information and Communication Literacy Skills (NICLS) are used to introduce a discussion on the nature of any skills gap that must be addressed in light of this generation gap.