In an age where technology and digital tools are rapidly evolving, individuals must find a way to use them to their benefit. Intergenerational collaboration can become easier with the use of digital tools, since it’ll allow for a better, faster, and more efficient way for individuals to communicate with each other. Digital tools are referred to any internet or computerised resources such as websites, applications, and programs (Walkme, 2023).
In order to achieve intergenerational collaboration, we must first master intergenerational learning. This will be achieved by bringing youth and adults together to learn and acquire similar skills, in order to be able to use them simultaneously (Lyashenko & Frolava, 2014). Once we achieve that, then we can begin narrowing down the reasons why digital tools are effective.
To begin with, digital tools are more efficient, speedy, and allow for greater productivity, especially when working with others. For example, digital tools such as Google Workspace and Microsoft 365, make for a faster way of communicating with individuals (Walkme, 2023), regardless of where they are. This implies that both parties are on the same page regarding what needs to be done, making it easier to communicate. In addition, tools such as the above give the opportunity to users to have everything they need in one space. For example, both Google Workspace and Microsoft 365 have email and calendar access. This makes it more efficient since users will know that everything they need can be found with a click of a button. The ease with which these tools work, allows for individuals who are not so keen on technology (usually older generations) to learn faster. This, in turn, helps bridge the intergenerational gap regarding technology, and allows for easy and quick collaboration with other individuals. The above tools also enhance team productivity, since once again, they are fairly easy to use by individual of any technological level (CWI Labs, 2024).
Another digital tool which may aid in enhancing intergenerational collaboration is Artificial Intelligence (AI). AI, with its multitude of benefits, may become a tool which all organizations/team building environments may require. AI is used not only for knowledge sharing, but for social interactions as well (Vorecol Editorial Team, 2024). It can also be a tool used to help older generations get accustomed to technology, which will make the collaboration between older and younger generations much easier.
Using digital tools allows for the enhancement of intergenerational collaboration because it merges the digitalised mindset of younger generations to work with the analogue mindset carried by older generations (Pizzuto, 2023). Platforms such as Google Workspace and Microsoft 365 benefit users because of their quick and easy access to things, whereas tools like AI allow for a rapid sharing of knowledge and interactions between individuals.
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References
CWI Labs, (2024). Leveraging Tech for Productive Intergenerational Teams: How Digital Tools can Help Bridge Generational Gaps and Drive Innovation. https://www.cwilabs.org/leveraging-tech-for-productive-intergenerational-teams/
Lyashenko, M. & Frolova, N. (2014). LMS projects: A platform for intergenerational e-learning collaboration. Education and Information Technologies, 19, 495–513. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10639-014-9333-9
Pizzuto, C. (2023). Bridging the Gap: The power of intergenerational collaboration for strong AI ecosystems. AI for Good. https://aiforgood.itu.int/bridging-the-gap-the-power-of-intergenerational-collaboration-for-strong-ai-ecosystems/
Vorecol Editorial Team. (2024). Strategies for Implementing Software Solutions to Enhance Intergenerational Collaboration in the Workplace. Vorecol. https://vorecol.com/blogs/blog-strategies-for-implementing-software-solutions-to-enhance-intergenerational-collaboration-in-the-workplace-164189
Walkme. 2023. Digital Tools. https://www.walkme.com/glossary/digital-tools/#digital-tools-examples