Generational assumptions - true/false?

After the running debate on generational differences, I was interested in the SBS Insight program "My Vote" on TV, Oct 16th.

The introductory text reads:
"There is now a generation of young Australians who have only ever known John Howard as Prime Minister. They are Generation Y, and while for some the Coalition represents stability, others are keen for change.
Their votes are ripe for the taking. Research suggests that Generation Y lack party loyalty and will change their vote according to who can address the issues they care about. In some key marginal seats, these young voters will have a significant impact on the election result.
Moreton, in the southern suburbs of Brisbane is one of them. Here, young voters outnumber any other age group." SBS Insight Webpage Video links at bottom of this post.

The following discussion revealed a great deal about how these young people communicate; what they know/think about the upcoming Federal Election; where they get their information; their impressions of the two major political parties involved; how they will decide to vote; and their preferred methods of communication.

Check back to posts from Robyn and Alex in this blog on October 4th for views on using generational labels.

The "My Vote" program reminded me that those of us educating young people need to look very carefully at our personal views and our personal bias for/against using ICT technology.
Do we make assumptions about our students'communication skills?
Do we ensure that they learn to research independently? (not just following links we provide)
Do they then process the information to form personal opinions?
Do they do this out of interest, or because they have-to?

Simple basics maybe, but worth revisiting Often!

These are the links to the video recording of the program if you are interested. There is also a link to post-show interviews.

PREVIOUSLY ON INSIGHT
MY VOTE
VIDEO: Part I
VIDEO: Part II
VIDEO: Part III Print introduction Read More>>