Intergenerational Connection
The History Is Us! project is proposed as a unique and innovative initiative to address one of the most significant challenges of our time. It's about the generational digital divide.
Addressing our Seniors in particular, the project aims to combat digital exclusion and promote active and aware citizenship, enhancing historical and biographical memory through the use of digital technologies. This article is dedicated both to those who read it for the first time and to those who like to reread concepts, ideas and ideas, to make them even more their own, therefore also to those who, engrossed in their conventional activities, had not had the opportunity to appreciate its decisive importance for our present.
Project Objectives
The main objectives of History Is Us! are summarized in:
Countering the generational digital divide: According to 2021 data from Plan International and Bocconi University, in Italy the senior group is the one most excluded from digital access. Our project aims to provide digital literacy paths that allow this generation to access the digital sphere of social and democratic life.
Expanding access to global information: Through digital literacy, we offer greater participation in democratic life and a contribution to building a more inclusive European society.
Creation of audiovisual stories: These training courses materialize in the creation of biographical stories in audiovisual format, a way to enhance collective and individual memory.
Reduction of the digital gender gap: Italy records a notable digital gap between genders, which accentuates with age. Eurostat data highlights how women are particularly penalized in the use of digital technologies.
Expected results
The project aims to train women and men over 67 in the use of digital multimedia technologies and web platforms, allowing them to:
• Create biographical testimonies;
• Get visibility on social media;
• Actively participate in the digital network.
Results will be measured through tools such as:
• Questionnaires and surveys: To monitor the skills acquired and strengthened.
• Self-evaluation sheets: Guided by trainers.
• Satisfaction questionnaires: To evaluate the effectiveness of the training course.
• Practical tests: To verify the contrast to the digital divide in the short and medium term.
• Participant observation: To measure the increase in technological skills.
Inclusion and diversity. A priority approach
The target group of the project, also in terms of value, is represented by women and men living in Italy, over age of 67, a segment of the population that often experiences digital and social exclusion. In particular, without prejudice to the Pareto theorem, i.e. in the 80/20 ratio, always with reference also to value, the beneficiaries here are those who:
• They live alone and need new communication tools to overcome isolation.
• They have a low level of education (primary or middle school diploma), a factor that negatively affects health and social relationships.
• They have a limited income or are disabled, conditions that increase the risk of social and health exclusion.
• They are women, who represent the majority of the digitally excluded population.
Motivations for the project
History Is Us! is based on multiple motivations:
Education to European citizenship: The initiative aims to promote a sense of belonging to the European community, placing emphasis on cultural diversity and the importance of a shared historical memory.
Enhancement of humanist memory: Through the life stories of the participants, the project contributes to the construction of a European memory culture, in line with the objectives of the European Historical Memory (2013).
Continuous training: The project recognizes the importance of Life Long Learning (LLL) and Learning by Doing, fundamental principles for the development of skills throughout life.
Digital citizenship skills: Following the guidelines of the Digital Citizenship Education Handbook, the project focuses on ten key skills, including:
Access and inclusion;
Learning and creativity;
Media literacy;
Ethics and empathy;
Privacy and security;
Active participation.
Contribution to the EU digital strategy: In line with the Digital Education Action Plan (2020), the project promotes European cooperation and the use of digital technologies for learning.
An innovative methodological approach
The method adopted by History Is Us! is based on a step-by-step approach, which places the value of join change at the centre. The project activities are designed to be replicated, ensuring a positive impact even beyond the duration of the project, expected in this new year 2025.
Opportunities for the target group.
The project responds to the needs of the target group by offering:
• Tools to overcome social isolation, particularly for those who live alone.
• Access to new ways of communication and social participation.
• Digital training to address challenges related to health and personal resource management.
• Support in creative expression and in the construction of a digital collective memory.
A collective memory for the future
One of the distinctive elements of the project is the creation of a digital collective memory, which is achieved through the collection and sharing of participants' life stories. These contents, created in audiovisual format, become a precious cultural heritage for future generations. Inclusiveness is also guaranteed by subtitles for the deaf and multilingual translations, promoting cultural integration.
Contribution to the European inclusion strategy
History Is Us! fully supports the EU Digital Strategy, which aims to ensure that technological transformation benefits all European citizens. Furthermore, the project contributes to the Sustainable Development Goals, in particular:
• Objective 5: Promote gender equality in access to digital technologies.
• Objective 10: Reduce social inequalities through digital inclusion.
European partnership
The project takes advantage of a European partnership that includes bodies, institutions and organizations involved in the adult education sector. Transnational collaboration ensures an exchange of good practices and a positive impact on a European scale.
Conclusions
In an increasingly digitalized world, History Is Us! represents a concrete example of how it is possible to bridge the generation gap and promote active and aware citizenship. Thanks to an innovative and inclusive approach, the project not only enhances digital skills, but also builds a collective memory that unites past, present and future. An important step towards a more equitable, inclusive and participatory society.
For more information, visit the site www.historyisus.eu or contact the email address info@historyisus.eu