Anna Osiadacz emphasized that we now live in a technology-driven world. Some of us were born before technology became an integral part of our lives, but for the past few decades, people have been born into it, fundamentally altering our learning and teaching processes.
She classified three different generations and their relationship with technology:
Millennials, born between 1980 and 1995, attempt to balance their passions, professional careers, personal development, and families. They are the most technologically advanced group, open to testing new technologies due to their exposure to a time when such technologies were not readily available.
Generation Z, born between 1996 and 2007, is the first generation of digital natives who have never experienced life without the Internet. They have constant access to information at the click of their smartphones, which they always have at hand. This strongly determines not only how
to best communicate with them but also how they function, work, and learn. Notably, their technology use aligns with their core values, influencing their purchasing decisions and brand preferences. This especially concerns companies that align with their beliefs, a trend accentuated since the outbreak of the war in Ukraine.
The Alpha Generation, born between 2007 and 2022, is often referred to as the artificial intelligence generation. They will grow up in the advanced world of AI and technological breakthroughs, redefining the way they use technology. This generation will witness transformations in social media and selfie culture.
The second question pertained to how young people receive information. We currently live
in a visual era characterized by selfies, social media, short reels, and the like. The methods
and tools used for acquiring knowledge have undergone a complete transformation, necessitating the diversification of educational programs. Whether we prefer it or not, we inhabit a world dominated by technology and must adapt to it. The question we face is, how can we effectively convey information to young people?
One of the prevailing sentiments today is that the ‘age of literature has died.’ This prompts
the question: Can we still use literature as an educational method? It's not that they don't read, but how much do they read? - Orit Margaliot
Conference participants, photo: Press Office