So, I got burned for a group project, and now have 8 hours to write a 15 page paper and produce a 15 minute presentation on a topic....long story, not the point.

My topic chosen for the class was basically, the 'Grey Digital Divide' in that, with young peopke entering the work place, the vast majority of them have a greater grasp on technology than the seasoned employees of some companies. What are the advantages and disadvantages? Where can this cause problems? Examples of..., etc. Anyone have anything? I only come here because it's last ditch effort time...anyone have any stories to share of teaching an old timer how to use something, primarily a computer, or something else requiring computer or technological saavy? Maybe a mechanic for example? Basically, I'm trying to draw attention to the fact, and maybe even come up with solutions.

 

I would be glad to hel p you out......but this old codger is a bit slloowww on pickin' up things on these here new fangled com p u tors.

 

One thing about the younger set is that " if the computer is down they are lost as to what to do." For example on our farm we was looking for software to keep books for us. It was easier and faster for us just to keep a ledger on the old fashon paper rather than be on computer. Yes I tried setting it up on a spread sheet but by the time you put the labor into that we had the finished product done by calculator and paper.

Some people just can't think without the computer in hand 24/7.

 

That's a really good point bigred....I'm going to try and work that in. That's all I'm really looking for is some brainstorming or actual examples.

 

One problem is that younger people might know how to look stuff up on a computer, but they don't really know how it works in real life. Example--putting computers for clocking and inventory in a factory. Lot of employees know how the plant works, but not so much about how to use the computer, and new people coming in know about computers but don't have a clue how the factory works. Looking at a bill of materials on the screen tells you what you need, but doesn't give you a clue how it all goes together. I've seen some places where scheduling got screwy because the folks running the computers had no idea what actually had to happen to get parts made.

 

I have a few thought...

#1 - as stated above. Yes, the stereotypical generation gap does develop regarding technology. The younger generation is not only more comfortable with existing tech., and more willing and capable of adapting to new tech. as it emerges, but they also do become vastly dependent on it to function. This is most evident in lower level jobs, IMO. Ask a kid working at McDonalds to do away with the computer system, and hand him/her a pen and pad, a cash drawer, and see how long the store stays open...

#2 - The flip side, the older generation. We're not talking senior citizens here, we're talking about people as young as their mid 20's, all the way up from there. The key here, as you said, is, already established in the workplace. This "technology gap" is simply explained. Those folks who are already in a comfortable position career-wise, simply stop learning. They do not attempt to continue their education, and therefore fail to be exposed to newer technology and methodology until it is forced upon them, at which point, they are already well behind the curve.

One of the best ways to prevent all of this as an individual, is through open communication. If you, as a younger member of the workforce, know more about a certain skill or product, be willing and available to teach all those that are willing to learn. Just don't forget, those folks that you are showing how to work that new fangled software that tells you when to change your underwear, also have a huge wealth of knowledge to pick from.

You see this type of gap in almost every industry, from fast food right to Space flight. The key to defining how you will deal with it as an individual lies in how willing you are to learn and experience new things, and how willing to teach others you are.
From a corporate standpoint, there are several solutions also, ranging from simply ignoring the problem, almost guaranteeing a near total staff turnover with each new generation of technology, to many pro-active programs instated to ensure that every person within the company has the chance to acquire the skills to not only function, but excel in utilizing the constant influx of new technology available to them.

How's that for pulling it out of my butt. Now you know why I never had to do homework in school.

 

Very good about McDonalds. My wife used to work for them (25 years ago) and they had to memorize the prices and ring up the register and figure out the change. What would the current employees do??

 

Spit out their gum and faint at the thought of thought.

 

There was a segment on Detorit AUtoline or whatever the name of the show on SPeed channel on sunday that had a segment about getting rid of seasoned engineers and letting the new technologically advanced engineers run the show.

They thought they would get all these brilliant ideas but mostly what they came up with was ideas that the older guys already knew didn't work.

Mike

 

That's right.
All the ideas and creativity in the world can easily be foiled by three simple words from a more experienced colleague..
"Already tried that."

 

speaking of people being lost without calculators or computers, i bought a bottle of sprite at acheckers game. the bottle cost 4.00(yea, i know, but i ws thirsty). i gave the young minority woman working the cashbox a 20 dollar bill, and she had to use a calculkator to figure out how much change to give me!!!

sorry for the crappy ytping, i broke my scaphoid yesterday, but thats a story for another time

 

hey all...had the presentation today, and blew it out of the water. I think I actually used most of what was posted in here, and I actually only got to read a few. (Class was at 6) It went well aside from being stuck with the biggest bunch of stooges on the planet for group members. THanks for all of your help.