The "Digital Age" has set Gen A up for failure in school.

Question

My claim is that Gen Alpha has been set up for failure in the classroom due to the digital age usage in classrooms. It is very clear how technology has impacted education especially after the pandemics when everything was online. Now, even in as young as elementary school, assignments for kids are online. In the tagged article, it mentions that only 33% of fourth graders in America scored at or above proficiency on a reading exam. As technology and AI continue to grow, our education system will decrease.

Answer 1

While I believe this statement is true, I think this claim is more opinion based. 

After reading multiple articles I have found both pros and cons of the increasing amount of technology in the classroom. Some believe it is beneficial to Gen Alphas education to have these new achievements in the classroom. For example in an article by Purdue University, the writers note how "technology has greatly expanded access to education" and "Opportunities for communication and collaboration have also been expanded by technology." whereas in the article mentioned in the claim and in an article written by Stanford university they say "this current digital revolution is because of how these tools reshape students’ bodies and their relation to the world around them." and "Nearly every action that students perform in schools – whether it’s logging onto devices, accessing buildings, or sharing content through their private online lives – is noticed and recorded."

https://education.purdue.edu/2024/01/how-has-technology-changed-education/

https://news.stanford.edu/stories/2023/04/technology-might-be-making-education-worse

Comments

I like your perspective that this claim is opinion-based; I agree.  Although screens can be used negatively where children spend a lot of their time in front of one, there are still many positive uses of technology that have been proven to be beneficial. This claim is hard to put on an entire generation because how screens affect the lives of kids differs from person to person and is hard to force on an entire generation.

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I like your response a lot, your use of personal perspective is strong and how you include both pros and cons with technology use in today's world with your sources that you used. The claim is hard to combat because it is very opiniated, but I think you did a good job responding.

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I really like how you pointed out that the original claim is more opinion based and supported it with two contrasting sources. That helps show the complexity of the issue. One suggestion is to be a little clearer about how the Purdue article directly counters the idea of "failure"- you could explain more about the specific achievements or improvements seen in Gen Alpha due to tech.

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You have a very strong answer to this claim. I think the claim is more opinion based as well because there are pros and cons associated with this claim as you stated in your answer. I think you did great work expressing what the article states from the pros and cons. I believe you should add more of pros and cons and the specifics for both. Also how they affects young kids in each grade level and if the pros and cons relate to a certain age group but overall I think you did a great job identifying that this claim is a opinion based.

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I agree with your statement about it being primarily opinion based because the "fate" of a group who isn't even hear yet can not be predetermined.

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You have a very reputable answer to this claim, and I love how you addressed both the pros and cons to the complex issue. I love how you used your source in order to elaborate the pros and cons, and it demonstrates how complex this issue is. It is interesting that you call this claim opinion based, however, I can see where you would think that. Great answer!

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I agree with your response and appreciate the pros and cons you provide in your answer. The addition of pros and cons helped your argument significantly, and added background to information we didn't previously have. Overall, you've done really well, but I think expansion surrounds the Purdue article and this idea of failure that you pose. I get what you're saying but not where you're going.

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I really liked your perspective to this answer. It is important to note that there are both pros and cons to technology in classrooms. I also like how you included sources that support both sides of the argument. This is a topic that is up to the interpretation.

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You do have a good point with saying there are two sides. Some people think that technology aids children in education by giving them more ways of communicating and collaborating. Others feel it takes away from real life and has kids spending too much time on computer screens. Really, it depends on how technology is being used by students and schools. Do you think that students are being given the correct balance between technology and real-world learning?

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I really liked how you've weighed both the potential benefits and drawbacks of technology in the classroom, while backing up your points with those articles from schools like Purdue and Stanford. It definitely highlights the complexity of the issue. Your point about how the impact of screens varies so much from individual to individual, making it difficult to apply a blanket statement to an entire generation, is spot on. It reminds us that these are nuanced conversations we need to have, rather than making broad generalizations.

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I liked how you pulled from both Purdue and Stanford to show the pros and cons, great balance! You did a solid job showing that the claim might be more of an opinion than a straight fact. One thing that could make this even stronger is if you included a bit more on how Gen Alpha specifically interacts with tech, maybe some data or examples about their learning outcomes. Still, this was a thoughtful and well-supported response!

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I like the way you cited several sources to outline the pros and cons of the argument—it makes your comment balanced and thoughtful. The quotations you cited from Purdue and Stanford help strengthen the pros and cons of technology in learning.

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It's not always easy to create a fact-based response to a claim that is solely opinion, but I think you've done a really good job of that here. You've chosen reliable sources and surveyed both sides of the situation to help inform your own reply, but have made sure to emphasize that this is ultimately a matter of opinion. Nice work!

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I like how you have pulled sources from two separate colleges. As places of higher education, these are very reliable sources. You have clearly done good research about Gen Alpha and were able to create a good response to a mostly opinion-based claim.

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I really appreciated this fact check as you chose not to choose either true or false, but actually assessed and analyzed it to get to the main point that can be made from the claim. You weighed both options and looked into sources from students at Stanford with lots of credibility as well as your own knowledge on the topic to assess that the claim is more opinion formed.

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I like how you didn't answer if it was true or false. I also liked how you used both opinions to say that the claim was opinion based

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This is a great factcheck! I like how you made it clear that this claim has no real true or false answer. You used reliable sources to provide evidence such as Stanford and Purdue. One thing that could possibly be changed is that you could add some of the ways that Gen A has been using technology and has affected them. I appreciate how you looked at both sides and assessed that the claim is more opinion based. I also like how you directly quoted the two articles instead of just referencing them. Overall, great job!

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You did a great job showing both sides by using sources from Purdue and Stanford. One thing I might add is to help clarify that while the claim may sound like an opinion, the Stanford article is based on research about how tech affects students’ bodies and behavior, which makes it more evidence-based. Adding a specific study or data point from either article could help to make your argument even stronger.

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I think you have done a great job with your response. you had great sources and it makes it that much more impactful coming from sources that are places of educations. I think that this has been a major issues in our society and isn't just affecting gen a kids but people all over the globe.

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I think your fact check was a good start, and I liked how you pointed out that the claim came from a TikTok account, not a reliable news source. You also did a great job showing the argument from both sides and including credible sources from Purdue and Stanford. One thing I would clarify is how you talked about brainwave-tracking headbands being used in China, as that doesn’t really prove the U.S. is planning to require them in schools.  Lastly, I liked how you included direct quotes from each article.

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I really liked how you talked about the pros and cons of using technology in the classrooms. Reading through your factcheck I can see that you took quotes from the articles which really showed you took time to research your points. I really liked how you talked about the benefits of technology, but also bringing attention to the fact that there are overall concerns.

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I thought your fact-check was interesting, but I was kind of unsure about the source you used. That blog didn’t seem super reliable, and I’ve seen other research that says tech can actually help kids learn if it’s used the right way. Like, I found a study from Common Sense Media that said it depends more on how tech is used, not just how much. Just wondering if you looked at stuff like that too?

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You’re absolutely right that there are both pros and cons to the rise of technology in education. While the original article leans heavily into the negative effects, especially on Gen Alpha’s behavior and academic outcomes, it is, as you pointed out, largely opinion-based and doesn’t capture the full picture. The Purdue article does a great job of highlighting how technology can improve access to learning, foster collaboration, and create new opportunities for students, especially those in remote or underserved communities. At the same time, the Stanford article brings up valid concerns about how technology affects students’ physical presence, autonomy, and privacy in the classroom. So it’s less about technology being inherently good or bad, and more about how it’s used, who has access to it, and what safeguards are in place. It’s important to keep looking at both sides of the issue because the impact of technology in education is complex and still evolving.

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This is a very well thought out answer, but i think in order to strengthen your argument you could include more specific examples of the negative and positive effects of increased technology use for school aged children.

Answer 2

Generation Alpha kids have grown up in the digital age of the world. In the article, "The Impact of Social Media and Technology on Gen Alpha," many statistics are brought up pertaining to the use of technology by Gen Alpha that are higher than most other generations. The author goes on to discuss the unknown and possible benefits of growing up in the digital age. A big portion of Gen Alpha are still developing in terms of social emotional growth so it's still hard to tell the long term negative effects, as well as positive effects. "Because of the grow­ing impact of tech­nol­o­gy on our plan­et, Gen Alphas are more like­ly to achieve edu­ca­tion­al goals. They will grap­ple with both the advan­tages and pit­falls of a ful­ly dig­i­tal world. Nonethe­less, Gen Alpha, armed with unique per­spec­tives and life expe­ri­ences, will make sig­nif­i­cant con­tri­bu­tions in every domain of life." Being used to the short attention span content of some social medias can effect the children's attention span during classroom or other educational studies. In another article, "Impact of Technology on Gen Alpha," Diaz suggests towards the end that we might be able to learn from Gen Alpha, and that they may start to use technology to their advantage rather than just use it for fun.

Overall, yes there have been studies and observations of negative effects on social emotional growth and behavior, but there have also been some proposed positive effects as well. We will be able to tell more in the future how technology effects Generation Alpha.

Comments

You explain well that technology as an upbringing can have positive as well as negative implications. It is helpful to children in the sense that it helps them meet learning goals and prepare for the future. It can be harmful in the sense that it destroys their concentration in school because they are used to having fun, short content online. It almost feels like we still have time to really get a sense of how this is going to affect them as adults. What do you think that schools should be doing to help children use technology in a healthful way?

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You used multiple sources and quotes to show the complex, evolving impact of technology on Gen Alpha. You highlighted both benefits and drawbacks well, especially around attention span and emotional growth. To strengthen your point, try making the language more concise and organizing your ideas more clearly, right now, it’s a bit hard to follow.

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I liked how you used multiple sources and highlighted the benefits of both claims. This was a little hard to follow but overall I liked your work.

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I found it interesting that you mentioned how some of Gen Alpha are still developing. Therefore, they are more susceptible to technology and are vulnerable. The Federal Trade Commission protects children from deceptive and unfair marketing and advertising. Such as this example, there are additional things one can do to protect children. It is tricky when some level of technology is helpful to children when they need education and tools to perform well.

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This made me think about how school itself has changed too, not just the tech. Like, Gen A is using tablets and apps, but they’re also dealing with stuff like shorter attention spans and less face-to-face interaction. I’m not sure if it’s tech causing failure, or if school systems just haven’t adapted fast enough. Maybe the problem isn’t Gen A, maybe it’s how we’re trying to teach them the same way as before.

Answer 3

Your claim has lots of positives and strong points, including your facts, but claiming that students are set up for failure in the classroom can be misleading. It seems like you are saying that screens are solely the cause of this, which is neither true nor false in my opinion. 

Your source is not a very reputable source; the Emory Wheel is a student-run magazine at the University of Emory, but non associated with the university itself. The student-author, Kristen Seo, is a political science major, and her bio says she enjoys journalism in her free time. Although the article is well written, it is a non-professional site and therefore cannot be fully credible. https://www.emorywheel.com/staff/kristen-seo

Although your source is minimally credible, according to the National Institute of Health, a study that analyzed different media consumption with academic performance provided evidence that the amount of videogame and television usage is correlated with negative academic performance, especially in adolescence. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6764013/

Furthermore, your percentage of reading test scores is correct. According to The National Report Card, in 2022, the percentage of fourth graders who tested at or above the proficient reading level was exactly 33%. One thing you don't take into account is how that percentage compares to past reading scores. Also, according to The National Report Card, in the early 90s to 2000s, when screens weren't prominent in the world of elementary education, the reading scores were lower than they were in 2022, proving that reading scores have actually improved. 

https://www.nationsreportcard.gov/reading/nation/achievement/?grade=4

Comments

I fully agree with youre answer and like how you added sources that show the both the past and current information. Great Job!

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You make a really good point about the source credibility! It's so important to dig into where information is coming from, and student publications can be tricky. I appreciate you bringing in the NIH study – that adds a helpful layer of nuance by focusing on specific types of media. And the historical context with the reading scores is key! It challenges the idea of a simple decline. It makes you wonder what other factors have shifted over time.

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You have a great argument for this claim. I think you went into the details for each of the article depth enough to be able to understand what they were talking about and their credibility. I liked how you stated that the original claim and the source they used isn't helpful because of the writer and they aren't a journalists. You have great sources to go with your answer. Over all this was a great answer.

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I like this opinion because it shows all different types of information we can be exposed to!

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I think you have a great elaborated argument for this claim. You addressed many details in depth and with credibility from your used sources. I love how you questioned the original claim and how they used their source and then did better while writing your answer. Good answer! Next time, I would love to hear more of your own personal thoughts, experiences to back up your sources, rather than just using information strictly pulled from the internet.

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The last paragraph was powerful and demonstrates that low test scores among students are common whether technology is involved or not.

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I agree with your findings about the source lacking some credibility due to it being a student-run publication. Also, I had the same discovery that the author is still in school. I wrote about these things similarly in my post. While these things are true, there still seemed to be some helpful findings the author found. Sometimes, some more prestigious universities would have more credible findings than others.

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You made some solid points in your fact check, especially when explaining the reading test score data. But the claim that students are being “set up for failure” because of screens feels a bit too extreme. It sounds like screens are the only reason, which oversimplifies a much more complex issue. I also liked how you pointed out that the original source isn’t very strong. Since The Emory Wheel is a student-run paper and the author isn’t a journalist or expert in education, it makes the claim less reliable. That was a smart detail to include.

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I think you did a great job analyzing the articles in detail to explain their main points and evaluate their credibility clearly. I especially like how you highlighted that the original claim relies on a source that isn’t particularly strong, given that the author isn’t a professional journalist. Overall, this was a thoughtful and well-explained answer!

Answer 4

This is a very interesting topic because it brings two issues into the discussion: technology and the effects of COVID-19. The COVID-19 pandemic kick-started this issue because young students went to online school, which took away very important and formative times in their lives for development. Taking away the ability to interact socially with other kids the same age was very impactful, in a negative way. Additionally, technology has improved and grown so much that it is being handed to children as a form of entertainment and distraction. These technology platforms are highly addictive and take away children's interest in real-life activities. The link that was provided in your claim was very insightful, and it included many hyperlinks to further studies on this topic. The claim that in 2022, only 33% of fourth-grade students were at or above their proficiency reading level, which is lower than what it was in 2019, is true, and that's a big issue we are facing. Another article (https://www.theblueandgold.sg/post/navigating-gen-alphas-challenges) talks about the issues that parents are facing while raising children in such a digital age as well. Overall, the claim is true, and it's quite a concerning issue during this time.

Comments

This was a solid fact check, good job bringing up points about how the pandemic has reshaped children's development and also their education. The statistics you used made your fact check feel well researched. Maybe you could have confirmed if technology really causes the decline of reading or if its just correlation.

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Good fact check! If possible it would be great to find a wider range of articles that have consistent claims surrounding this topic to be more convincing, or even better one that is credible and contradicts or provides evidence that something else is causing it. Keep up the good work!

Answer 5

This claim is true; declining test scores in gen alpha is due to decresed attention span and reduced congitive thinking. In 2013, educators took to social media to discuss the generations reading and math scores which where at an all time low, and many people blame technology. However, we could argue that this claim is also missleading for a number of reasons, the first and formost would be that in time when this new generation joins the workforce (and with everything going digital) they will have an inhearant adavntage to the new techonolgies business are introducing. As said in Impact of Technology on Gen Alpha, "With the help of all this technology at theyre disposable, one may come to wonder how far they come in the battle for a new and improved wrold". In the (near) future when evrything becomes digital the new generations skills and adapdability with techonolgy will show how valuable some of the things they have will be impactful.   

Comments

I really like how you pointed out both sides of the argument, especially how Gen Alphas technology skills might be estremely helpful. Its easy to focus on the negatives like test scores, but you brought a more hopeful and realistic view to this argument. The quote you used also helped to support your point about their potential in a digital world.

Answer 6

This statement is found to be true, evidently given by the evidence and strong claim drawn. It is true that the act of technology in today's world can cause more harm than good, shown through everyday experience. Especially with technology becoming more developed, children are becoming more aware of the use of it and taking advantage of it. The article also speaks about how parents prefer to give their kid technology to deal with an issue for a child, than to deal with it first hand. The article is written by a professional writer that works for the Emory Wheel, and shares there personal perspective and studies they have found that interprets there argument, which is that "Gen Alpha are failed in a classroom environment due to the new digital age". As this is  a piece written that originated from the authors who created there own bias on this issue because it was written from there own interpretation of the issue, they acted a significant amount of valid and credible research too make the statement true. Also, this price of writing was so credible, that publishers from the Emory Wheel could publish this piece. The eEmory Wheel is a certified, credible student-run newspaper established by Emory University, that's publications hold high notability since there editorial and publication were actually awarded the "Corbin Gwaltney Award for Best All-Around Student Newspaper in the Society of Professional Journalists' Region 3". This article has proven to be credible all around the United States for students arguments to turn into knowledgable insight on the world.

In further research, many articles also argue that Gen Alpha will be the starting generation that experiences a downfall of knowledge due to the negative effects of modern technology. In another article, researchers explain that "Gen Alpha's exposure to short, flashy videos lead to a shorten attention span" affecting there retention to what is being taught and easily becoming distracted, and not taking in the knowledge that they must be taught. Children will then have half the knowledge that they should have learned in circle because they "will only pay attention almost half the time", if lucky. Another article states, that it won't just how they learn in school, but also how one interacts socially: "Due to the higher use of technology, Gen alpha engages in 30% less physical activity compared to Millennials and that 20% experience issues like social comparison and cyberbullying, unique challenges attributed to their digital immersion". The lack of physical interaction with ones self and others, will make a kid lack there full capabilities as a human. As a result, children will rely more on there screens to the use of interactive and creative thinking.

In all, the impact of digital technology on Gen Alpha will affect the education system for them, and not highlight there full intellect capabilities, and set them backward compared to other generations.

sources:

https://www.aecf.org/blog/impact-of-social-media-on-gen-alpha?utm.com

https://www.myprps.com/news/dangers-of-excessive-screen-time-for-generation-alpha--20250129213239?utm.com

Comments

I like your discussion post there is a multitude of angles here, however I think it should be classified as an opinion piece. For example the article by Emory Wheel is an opinion piece. And while Emory Wheel is reputable that does not mean her opinion is verified fact. Also the claim about Gen Alpha "failing in the classroom" is a large claim. I think you could consider reframing your post towards more about how the article raises important concerns but does not prove the original claim. Solid post otherwise.

Answer 7

The claim asserts a negative impact of digital technology in classrooms on Gen Alpha's educational prospects, citing the shift to online learning and a statistic about 4th-grade reading proficiency, and predicts a future decline in the education system. Gen Alpha is indeed growing up in a digital age, with technology deeply integrated into their lives, and it's widely observed that their exposure to and use of digital devices is significant. The claim suggests this digital immersion leads to "failure" in the classroom. However, the impact of technology is complex and multifaceted. Some research suggests potential negative effects on attention spans and social-emotional development, which could hinder classroom learning. It's important to acknowledge that technology also offers potential benefits, such as personalized learning, access to vast information resources, and the development of digital literacy skills. The COVID-19 pandemic undeniably accelerated the adoption of online learning. This rapid shift presented challenges for educators, students, and families, and it's plausible that it contributed to learning disruptions. However, it's crucial to distinguish between emergency remote teaching during a crisis and well-designed, integrated technology use in classrooms. The long-term effects of the latter may differ from the pandemic-driven online learning experience. The claim uses a statistic about 4th-grade reading proficiency to support its argument. To assess this, we need to verify the statistic's accuracy and source. Typically, data on student achievement in the U.S. can be found from the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) (https://www.nationsreportcard.gov/). We need to refer to NAEP data to confirm the 33% figure and understand the context (e.g., the year of the assessment, any trends). It's essential to avoid drawing a simplistic causal link between technology use and reading scores. Many factors influence reading proficiency, including socioeconomic status, teacher quality, curriculum, and home environment. The claim predicts a decline in the education system due to the growth of technology and AI. This is a speculative statement. While concerns about the potential negative impacts of technology are valid, it's also possible that technology and AI could be harnessed to improve education. For example, AI could personalize learning, automate administrative tasks, and provide new tools for teachers and students. Analyzing this prediction requires examining trends in education, research on the potential impact of technology and AI, and considering different possible scenarios. In conclusion, the claim raises important concerns about the role of technology in education and its potential impact on Gen Alpha. While there is evidence that technology can present challenges, it's crucial to avoid generalizations and acknowledge the complexity of the issue. Further investigation into the 4th-grade reading proficiency statistic and a balanced consideration of the potential benefits and drawbacks of technology in education are necessary.

Answer 8

I think despite this claim having truth in it, your claim can be slightly misleading when only looking at the negative impact's technology has on Gen A. I think this claim is opinionated as it can be interpreted differently by different people in different generations. For me, I agree newer technology can most definitely have negative impacts on students' engagement and learning abilities in the classrooms such as poor engagement, distraction, and test results, but I also believe there are some positives to these newer technological advancements and learning techniques. In some sources I found, they show some positives from the use of technology in the classroom such as, improved teacher efficiency, personalized learning, and preparation for future careers. Overall, I think yes, there are proven negatives to this new generation of technology but there are also positive effects as well. 

 

Technology might be making education worse | Stanford Report

Top 10 Positive Impact Of Technology On Education

Students Are Behaving Badly in Class. Excessive Screen Time Might Be to Blame

Comments

The response effectively presents a balanced view by acknowledging both the negative and positive impacts of technology in education. However, it's somewhat repetitive and could be clearer with more concise language and better structure. Improving the phrasing would strengthen the overall argument.

Answer 9

The claim that Generation Alpha is being set up for failure in school due to the digital age is supported by recent data and expert concerns. According to The Emory Wheel, only 33% of U.S. fourth graders scored at or above reading proficiency, a drop linked to increased screen time and tech reliance in classrooms. The Annie E. Casey Foundation also notes that Gen Alpha’s daily screen time (averaging four hours for kids aged 8–10) can reduce attention spans and affect learning. While technology has benefits, overuse without structure may harm academic growth. A balanced approach is needed to support both digital literacy and traditional skills.

Sources:

Seo, Kristen. "Digital age sets Gen Alpha up for failure in classroom." The Emory Wheel, Nov. 20, 2024. emorywheel.com
 

"The Impact of Social Media and Technology on Gen Alpha." Annie E. Casey Foundation, 2024. aecf.org

Comments

I really liked how applied additional information beyond the available information already provided. This supports your dispute in how generation Alpha is not going to benefit from technology in the classroom.

Answer 10

In my own personal experience, I have seen the effects technology has on children of the Alpha generation. Children have shorter attention and emotional spans; kids will have emotional outbursts when their overstimulating technical devices are taken away. The devices provided to young children are providing them with comfortability, which promotes laziness and lack of motivation. 

However, in the trustworthy article you provided, it states that "A handful of his students were unable to properly spell their own names when they first entered his classroom." Which in reality is a very scary realization, it brings to question what the future intelligence of people may be. AI has also played a big part in the dilemma, allowing students to rely on it, allowing their own thoughts to subside.

I think it's also important to understand the importance of understanding new age technology, because the direction that society is heading is going to require technical knowledge. without understanding technology, it could become an obstacle into the future of technology. 

Comments

Using your personal experience is very valuable, but you should also include legitimate sources to better bolster your fact-check. When using sources, cite in-text and provide URL hyperlinks.

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The response makes strong, personal observations about the effects of technology on children and thoughtfully references the article provided, showing engagement with the topic. However, the argument could be improved by avoiding generalizations, clarifying the connections between ideas, and correcting some grammar and sentence structure for better flow and credibility.

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While personal experience is very important, adding some reliable sources to back up your claims could make for a more relevant answer to the question. I'm sure you could find a source that adds credibility to your experience.

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Your response was very thoughtful and provided a lot of good ideas to think about when living in this technological age. Using your personal experience and providing examples from the provided article helps a lot with confirming the claim at hand. One thing I recommend is to use even more reputable sources to make your fact check even better. Overall, good work!