Innovating for Generation Alpha in Our Schools

I was an educator long before I became a parent. When I became a parent, I was suddenly able to observe the ways of life for our youngest leaners around the clock. Through parenting I became intrigued and educated in the ways of Generation Alpha. Through my professional world I have finetuned the pathways to develop educational experiences that this generation not only needs but will increasingly expect from their K12 schools.

What is Generation Alpha?

When I talk with educators from around the country, very few have even heard the term Generation Alpha. A term coined by an Australian social researcher, the evidence on Generation Alpha is important to understand. The facts of this group of students are quickly emerging as educators, service providers, and marketers seek to understand the children of millennials.

• Generation Alpha includes any child born after 2010.
• Starting in 2017, Generation Alpha students began enrollment in Kindergarten.
• Generation Alpha students are skilled in navigating digital tools and have a way of “thinking digitally” about how things connect and diverge.
• Capturing the attention of online influencers that speak their language (like Pat and Jenn of Popular MMOs), Generation Alpha is seeking a storyline (not just commercials).
• In a recent survey of parents in the United States, a reported 81% of parents say that their Generation Alpha kids influenced parent technology purchases.
• Unlike other generations, Generation Alpha kids are part of the decision-making conversation in their households. Weighing in on purchasing priorities, vacation plans, purchases, and more.
• Technology is not just a toy or distraction, but a way of living, connecting, and learning for Generation Alpha kids.
• Recent reports suggest that this generation will surpass the technology skills of their parents by age eight.
• Their somewhat radical approaches to communication shouldn’t be shocking, 50% of them don’t have home phones and use free messaging services to text friends, relatives, and parents.
• Their use of Artificial Intelligence is commonplace and…