ICT tools in breaking down social polarization and supporting intergenerational learning: cases of youth and senior citizens

ABSTRACT

Conflicts between young immigrants and older native populations are widely recognized as a challenge in different parts of the world. In the European context, the following paper focuses on presenting the research results of a community-based project entitled “ICT Guides” conducted in Gothenburg (Sweden), Sheffield (the United Kingdom), Madrid (Spain), and Berlin (Germany), in which we investigated the features and functions of the intergenerational learning of immigrant youth and unrelated seniors using ICT tools. We claim that both groups perceive intergenerational learning with the use of ICT as a chance to get to know the other group despite the age and cultural differences. Through the use of ICT tools in intergenerational learning, digital tools can help those who lack a good command of language when communication problems occur. ICT facilitates mutual understanding and contributes to breaking down the polarization that can occur between immigrant youths and unrelated seniors, to the mutual benefit of both parties.

KEYWORDS:

• Intergenerational learning
• social polarization
• immigrant youth
• community-based interventions
• learning with ICT

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

This research work was supported by (a) the international “ICT Guides” project financed by the European Commission [Grant Number 2015-1-SE01-KA201-012232] and the Polish Ministry of Science and Higher Education [Grant Number 3590/ERASMUS+/2016/2], and (b) international “EUCiTec” project financed by the European Commission [Grant Number 2017-1-UK01-KA201-036710].

Notes on contributors

Joanna Leek

Joanna Leek is an Assistant Professor in the Faculty of Education at the University of Lodz, Poland. Her research work focuses on international learning, citizenship education, policy of education in Polish context of education, peace education, functions of schooling, "proposed, implemented and attained functions of school curricula and programs" and policy of education. She took part in European and national funding research projects where she paid attention to how students and teachers can develop their leadership, and empower youth in and out of school activities, what are teaching practices, principles, methods in relation to teaching programs and curricula, and what are experiences of teachers and students with their national programs.

Marcin Rojek

Marcin Rojek a researcher, lecturer and teacher trainer from the University of Lodz, Faculty of Educational Sciences, PhD in social science (education). His research interests are adult education, especially workplace learning, mobility of students and digital tools in education.