(W2) Generation Alpha: Learning opportunities and challenges

    When I explored further about the concept of digital native and immigrant, generation names emerging from the search results have drawn my attention. The period when ones were born and grown up has significantly influenced their social, economical, educational and cultural traits at various degrees. Those belonging to Generation Alpha (born between 2010-2014) and living in a safe and sufficiently equipped circumstance without war, crisis, hunger or poverty are innately nurtured in a digital world. They are digital natives from birth. My daughter born in 2023 is one of them. As a parent, I truly care about how to accompany her in making the best of the digital world while mitigating potential challenges in her growing up journey. This post encompasses my views of learning opportunities and challenges for generation alpha children.

     The network and availability of information first provides learning opportunities for generation alpha's parents. They can access to a rich pool of knowledge ranging from child care, nutrition, health to education and so on, which all support them to raise a child better. From oral experiences transferred from one generation to another within a close network of families and friends, parents can now adopt knowledge from experts, research, organizations and other parents. Generation alpha children also have a myriad of learning opportunities. There are numerous educational apps, channels and games designed for their ages. They are engaging for kids while delivering learning goals informally, such as games and apps for learning a foreign language, mathematics or coding. The way content delivered is also very engaging in multimedia format and gaming experiences. Primary schoolers can also connect to teachers and classmates to discuss class-related topics through class management apps such as Edmodo. 

    On the other hand, regulating screen time of both parents and kids is a concern of this digital era. It can be eye straining as well as time consuming if there is an overdose of using digital devices. Short attention and easily lost focus are following outcomes. Other concerns include threats to privacy and safety of parents and children in networked communities with accessible private information, and inaccuracy and even toxicity of unregulated information.

    Overall, as either parents or educators, we need to be mindful of learning opportunities and challenges for us and our young learners. Regulating ourselves first in the digital world can be the first remedy to challenges. Then it comes to collaborative efforts among parents, educators and societies to nurture while protecting generation alpha children in the digital world.

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