Abstract

This study explores how different generations (Gens) adopt and adapt to emerging technologies within Palestinian higher education. We focus on the unique experiences of Gen Z students and their Gen X and Y educators. Data were collected through in-depth interviews with participants from three Palestinian universities. The study reveals distinctive patterns of technology adoption shaped by local challenges and cultural contexts. Our findings challenge traditional assumptions about generational technology use, showing how Palestinian Gen Z students develop innovative learning strategies despite infrastructure limitations, while Gen X and Y educators create unique hybrid teaching approaches that blend traditional and digital methods. Unlike previous studies focused on Western contexts, our study uncovers how infrastructure challenges and cultural considerations foster unexpected forms of cross-generational collaboration in technology adoption. The study also reveals how Palestinian educators across Gens have developed locally appropriate solutions such as offline digital resources, flexible teaching modules, and community-based technology-sharing networks. These findings contribute to our understanding of how generational characteristics manifest differently in challenging educational environments. The results suggest meaningful educational innovation often emerges from working within constraints rather than despite them.