Bridging the Generation Gap: When Cyber Seniors and Millennials Meet

Cornerstone Ballroom Side A

For several years, the Family Life Education and Gerontology classes have been involved in an intergenerational teaching/learning project. By matching Millennials and Baby Boomers in computer literacy classes, it builds bridges across generations. The students are teamed up with Seniors through a “Cyber Seniors” project, under the auspices of Collat Jewish Family Services (CJFS), which in turn is supported by United Way. The Seniors are encouraged to develop and expand their computer skills on any electronic device of their choosing. Out of these interactions a number of anticipated and unanticipated outcomes were achieved. The project supports computer related skills, and internet safety and privacy for Seniors. The metacognitive learning that took place in both parties, was unanticipated and most rewarding. Students gained respect, empathy and greater understanding for the Seniors. Teaching, learning and socializing were intertwined and the Seniors spoke highly of the social benefits of these meetings.