Bridging the Technology Gap: Informatics Education through the Generations

In today's rapidly evolving health IT landscape, informatics educators must understand the diverse learning styles across generations, particularly when educating new clinicians on the use of electronic health records and other technology support applications for patient care. This presentation explores the learning preferences of baby boomers, generation X, millennials, and generation Z and how technological advances over the years have influenced these learning styles. This discussion underscores the application of theoretical frameworks and their significance in understanding generational learning preferences. These insights will better equip informatics educators to integrate these differences into their teaching practices.

As educational landscapes evolve, the differences in how generations engage with technology can present challenges for informatics educators. A growing technology gap reveals disparities in digital literacy, emphasizing the need for tailored approaches to create inclusive learning environments. Baby boomers often prefer traditional and structured learning environments. Generation X, referred to as digital immigrants, prefers a combination of traditional and technology-based learning methods. Millennials, having grown up during the rise of the internet, favor interactive, collaborative, and technology-driven learning environments. Generation Z prefers multimedia and immersive learning experiences facilitated by modern technologies.

Considering these generational differences with theoretical frameworks on adult learning and technology acceptance, informatics educators can better understand learning needs in group and individual settings and structure educational scenarios based on the clinician being taught. Utilizing the technology acceptance model (TAM), educators can predict user acceptance of a technology by assessing "perceived usefulness" and "perceived ease of use" from the end user's perspective. This can facilitate the ability for informatics educators to better understand opportunities for growth among generations that may be less familiar with technological innovations, fostering an environment that supports digital literacy development. Informatics educators can apply Malcolm Knowles' andragogy, or adult learning theory, by adapting instructional strategies to address varying levels of digital literacy, implementing technology-enhanced learning, and promoting greater inclusion and engagement among diverse age groups.

By synthesizing these generational characteristics, this presentation proposes tailored educational strategies that leverage each generation's preferred learning methods to enhance learner outcomes. It underscores the importance of adaptive teaching methodologies that cater to each generation's unique needs, ensuring clinicians of all ages can effectively master new health technologies. This presentation will provide educators with actionable insights to help bridge the technology gap, making technology-based training more accessible and effective for a diverse workforce.