Kellye Parker

"Generation Techno - Bridging the Gap" is the winning program developed by Parker to connect the elder generation and the teen generation. Parker, a reading and English teacher, will partner her eighth-grade students with elderly persons in the community. The first phase of the program is sharing and gathering information to help build the bond between the students and elders. Topics that will be covered include childhood, early adulthood, family values, the impact of generational changes and predictions for the future. In the second phase, students will begin to teach their partner about current technology. The elders will learn about texting, digital photography, video film, basic computer skills and user-friendly software. At the end of the year, each pair will create a project that depicts their friendship. Parker, who lives in San Antonio, hopes that the program will have a lasting impact and will provide lifelong skills and experiences for both generations.