This is Why Children Should Teach Grandparents New Technologies

Elderly people sometimes cannot cope with the new technologies around them and often just have no idea how to use them. Younger people cannot understand it as for they take new tools, devices, and technologies for granted: they were born with gadgets around and quickly learn how to use them while they grow up. As a result, a toddler handles a tablet more efficiently than his grandparents, and, actually, it is in the order of things: there was no need for him to conquer this technology. But that’s a typical thing for Generation Z kids.

By the way, if you want to learn more about the Gen Z and generation gap between them and their parents, here’s a good piece that allows to understand peculiarities of the Centennials and their way of life. No time to read? Then watch the video:

OK, back on topic now. A number of new devices appearing every year may be off-putting even for parents, let alone grandparents: a cell phone, a desktop, a smartphone, a tablet, virtual reality gadgets… God only knows what will appear next.

That is how technology generation gap emerges. But grandchildren can solve the issue of bridging it and bringing the family closer. By the way, it is advantageous not just for elders but for youngsters also:

· Coaching someone else improves skills of a teacher, so grandchild becomes more experienced and knowledgeable;

· It is their chance to build confidence as they teach people who are more way-wise but they know something that older people don’t know;

· A “teacher” and a “pupil” will spend more time together than usual, so their relationship may become closer.

When grandparents get acquainted with new technologies, this knowledge may help them to stay in touch with their grandparents using means of communication that are more convenient to youngsters. As a result, generations can communicate via email, texting or video conferencing.

How to help your grandparent to learn new technology?

1. Find out what technology is appealing to the grandparent rather than to a grandkid. That is a guarantee that an adult will learn it way quicker.

2. As more knowledgeable, grandchildren should decide on the plan of lessons, and what steps should be taken to learn something. And it would be a sound solution to note down some short, easy-to-follow prompts for elders describing the whole process of using the technology.

3. Come up with the schedule that meets the requirements and possibilities of both sides of teaching and learning process. Another important point: decide on the length of every lesson and make them regular.

Source: freepik.com

4. Make the process more convenient. If a grandkid teaches a grandparent after school, it is necessary to give him a possibility to eat and rest before training.

5. The process should be beneficial for both sides. For example, youngster tutors grandpa with the usage of Skype, grandpa helps youngster to prepare dinner or with a homework task.

6. It is a non-stop process. After learning one technology, move forward and teach more advanced technologies or gadgets. Thus the technology generation gap will never appear again.

How to start?

· It is advisable to start with emails. Create a shortcut to an email agent on a desktop, create an address book and show elders how to type emails and send them.

· The next step is texting via smartphone. Many grandparents face some challenges because of the size of the screen and buttons on the device, yet, if there is no problem, try to teach them, they’ll love it.

· Facebook is another step. The youngster can create an account for an elder, with links to accounts of all relatives. Even if they cannot make posts there, they will be able to stay tuned to the family news.

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