We Finished …

Last night our group finally finished our assignment. After so many setbacks we all seemed happy with what we did. The setbacks were basically a result of a lack of direction in the beginning. It seemed that the question we proposed was giving us more than we can handle and so we spent a lot of time clarifying our focus. And so with the assignment done and complete some of the things that I learnt in addition to the content we covered included how important it is to continually reinforce the focus so that everyone is on the same page, that I can be very demanding, that it is harder to work with my friends because we always get distracted and that the best way to approach a question is to first of all accept that you may not always find a definite answer and explore all avenues. I am continuing on with the optional part of the assignment and will be writing a report that synthesises the case studies and establishes links and themes in the research. So far I have a general idea of what I want to write and I will probably be expanding on the following points:

• one of the advantages of e-learning is that it can be customised to the individual and so generational gaps may not actually affect how e-learning programs are designed
• the greatest effects may possibly be the fact that some generations may not be comfortable with new programs and so resist change, some generations have too much difficulty in using new programs
• linking de Vries’ article to the assignment – programs are probably not addressing the key points de Vries discusses namely not meeting the needs of the learner
• the exodus of the baby boomer generation
• the demands of gen x and gen y
  

Personally I think our group chose a good topic which has many facets worth discussing. We each contributed equally and have put a lot of effort into building what I believe is a strong and diverse discussion. My own case study was interesting as it wasn’t directly related to the question however I was able to recognise how generational gaps can affect Nissan and I think that because generational gaps permeate so many areas of society it is an issue that needs to be addressed very soon so as to be proactive to the problems that generational gaps can cause.