Gen X and Gen Y represent two distinct categories of people who are born in two different times. As a result, the circumstances in which they grew up are very different which has some influence in their Learning preferences. What distinguishes the two generations is the way Technology influenced their day-to-day lives.

Gen X was a witness to the growth of technology; the age of computerization was at its earliest stage. Computers were still evolving, phones were a costly affair and mobile technology was yet to be explored. They were more accustomed to the pedagogical style of learning, as they had limited resources to procure information. Internet was relatively unheard and classroom learning was most popular method of teaching and learning. They relied on their instructor for their guidance. This generation of Learners went to libraries to seek information. Leveraging technology for seeking information was a distant thought.

On the contrary, Gen Y learners are surrounded with technology right from their birth. Gen Y learners can think of virtual learning which was a distant dream for their predecessors. Internet has made information available online and can be rapidly exchanged in the matter of mins through networks. This generation relies on google for obtaining information instead of spending hours sitting in a library. With web 2.0 technologies, learning has assumed a different meaning to them – edutainment, a combination of education and entertainment.

One generation witnessed the steady development of technology while the other sees technology as a backbone to their progress and development. Some Gen X learners might be very comfortable adapting to newer technologies. At the same time, there could be some Gen Y learners who do not take to technology with open arms. The fact remains that people fundamentally have different preferences in the way they wish to learn. Given these differences, how can you develop training programs that are suitable for both?