20 years down the lane, Alphas will be the most educated generation
The Generation Alpha (children born since 2010) will be incomparable! With the rate of 2.5 million Alphas born every week, by 2025 two billion Alphas will be around the globe.
Being blessed to be born in the digital age, the Generation Alpha will shine as the most unique and dynamic generation. The Alphas will be most intensely educated and economically rich too.
As this new generation brings new rays of hope, there seem many challenges as well.
The first fundamental characteristic is their relationship with the Information Technology. They live an IT-enhanced life and digital device is an essential part of their lives.
Another characteristic of Generation Alpha is the assumption that their interaction will be simple and prompt. The generation will spend a longer period of time in education and other adult responsibilities as the beginning of the career, marriage and family will follow later.
The first Generation Alpha is now seven and has begun their formal schooling. And twenty years down the lane, they will be the most educated and tougher than any generations so far.
The goal of education should now shift from content-driven education to empowering students with strategies for “how to learn”. They should be taught the system or structure to gain next levels of learning.
We will have to bring change in the institutional structure. The educators will have to progress to be a guide on the side and not the sage on the stage. These digital natives will demand mentors and not teachers.
Considering the challenge in holding the interest and engagement level of students in the higher education system, the faculties should focus on providing hands-on experience to teach the practical skills set. The Generation Alpha will look forward
The educators will have to progress to be a guide on the side and not the sage on the stage. These digital natives will demand mentors and not teachers.”
to specialty learning than a broad education pattern or a strict curriculum.
As there are two sides to every coin, the Generation Alpha may encounter with the difficulties of face-to-face contact, social interaction to name a few. As educators, the main goals in the education of the Generation Alpha should be on the well-being of mind, body and environment.
The significance of personal connections and social interactions should be emphasised. It should focus on openness to learning and re-learning and risk management.
The education system should lay emphasis on moral and value education. The major learning that will help Generation Alpha to succeed are adaptability, resilience and perseverance.