Media and Generations - Compisternli
Background
In modern societies, members of the younger generations often have longer and more intensive experience with new technologies and media than members of older generations do. Adolescents are often more proficient in technology skills than their parents, grandparents and teachers, which is different from the traditional situation, where knowledge resides with the older generation. How does this change effect intergenerational relations? And what about other aspects of media literacy that are above and beyond technical skills, such as critical and need-specific use of the media?
CompiSternli is a Swiss research project that focuses on having children help seniors to learn how to use the computer. Besides active encouraging dialogue between the generations, the courses offered by CompiSternli aim to reduce the digital divide between the generations.
Aims
The aim of the ZHAW research project was to examine in depth intergenerational learning in the area of the new media based on data from the CompiSternli project.
- The main research question was whether and how new media change intergenerational relations.
- What aspects of media literacy are taught to whom by whom?
- Do children learn from seniors to reflect upon their own media use?
