What’s in a name?

Well, quite a lot as it happens…

Back in 2018, in a post with the same title as this, I wrote about how I almost missed applying for a place on the PhD programme I’m currently enrolled in just because my search criteria did not include the term Technology Enhanced Learning. I probably would not even be here had the programme not been suggested by my good friend, Anshul Lau, who I met while studying Digital Education online at the University of Edinburgh.

I researched and wrote an essay for a University of Edinburgh module that led me to consider the concept of connected learning as a means of supporting our senior citizens to become more comfortable with technology and the digital world. Connected learning “combines personal interests, supportive relationships, and opportunities. It is learning in an age of abundant access to information and social connection that embraces the diverse backgrounds and interests of all young people.” (“About Connected Learning – Connected Learning Alliance”, n.d.). I asked myself:

Fast forward to April 2020 and a meeting with my programme’s director (Prof. Don Passey) to discuss two ideas for my PhD thesis that will be kicking off early in 2021. It was an enlightening 30 minute meeting during which I decided to follow my heart and choose the topic associated with what I loosely term ‘age based digital divides’.

The Eureka moment came when Don suggested reading up on the concept of intergenerational learning, a new term to me, but wait, was that not what I meant when I wrote about connected learning? Don connected me with a couple of departmental faculty members including Emeritus Professor Mary Hamilton who shared a few of her papers with me. By the time I had read them it was clear that intergenerational learning was the name associated with my broad research interests.

Until next time,