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

As a freshman who just recently experienced the transition from high school to college, I found the claim that "The digital age has set Gen A up for failure in school" to be overly generalized and not fully supported by evidence. While it's true that technology has introduced challenges like shorter attention spans and screen fatigue, it's also opened up powerful tools for learning. According to Stanford University, digital tools can help students access education more easily but may negatively affect attention and mental health if misused. However, a Purdue University study highlights the benefits of tech in expanding access and fostering collaboration in the classroom.  The reality is nuanced—Gen Alpha faces challenges, but it’s not accurate to say they've been "set up for failure." It depends on how we adapt education to tech. https://news.stanford.edu/stories/2023/04/technology-might-be-making-education-worse

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

Answer 2

Although some Gen Alpha students are still proficient in reading in writing, the majority of them are facing the repercussions of being born in a time of new technology. It was stated in the Emory Wheel article that many fifth grade students don't even know how to spell their names correctly. Writing your name shouldn't be considered a skill, as you should be writing it everyday and know it by the time you start school. Children born after 2010 are lacking the fundamental skills to communicate with their peers and participate in class discussions. After the COVID-19 pandemic, children were used to spending days at a time on their devices and speaking to only their family members. Gen Alpha students weren't properly prepared to re-enter the classrooms and start learning and socializing again. Students also didn't know how to sit in a classroom and behave anymore because there were little to no rules while learning from their bedrooms. The statement that they are "set up for failure in the classroom" is slightly exaggerated due to it being backed by a journalist. But it is not far from the truth because Gen alpha students are too young to learn how to use things like AI properly. Gen Z students are projected to be mature enough to handle AI and platforms like Chat GPT because they were young adults when it was introduced to the world. But for Gen Alpha, they are still adolescents and have been seen relying on AI more than their own brains. It is easy for them to get used to copy and pasting work into AI and asking it to do things and answer questions for them. Without proper framework being taught to young students, Gen Alpha will continue to decline in motor skills and lack the proper skills to function in school. Technology can be a great tool for students of all ages, but when it isn't used properly it can lead to lack of motivation and essentially a student who doesn't enjoy school. I agree that Gen Alpha education rates are declining due to the digital age. The original claim predicts the future of education in America and if students aren't taught how to properly use technology, proficiency rates will continue to decline. 

https://www.emorywheel.com/article/2024/11/digital-age-sets-gen-alpha-up-for-failure-in-classroom

https://educraft.tech/gen-alpha-growing-up-in-the-era-of-artificial-intelligence/

Answer 3

Based off of my findings, I can agree that generation Alpha has been set up for failure not only in the classroom but also outside as well all due to the impacts of technology. The word "iPad Kids" refer to the idea that kids are always on technology, and not being in the full present with people around them or even them selfs. In the article I found "The children of Generation Alpha have a technology problem" its states "Generation Alpha’s children are currently in a developmental state where they are learning to regulate their own emotions and to be respectful of others". This shows how important it is for the younger generation to use less technology and learn through other ways. Using technology in school especially at such a young age alters there development and learning abilities. 

https://dailycollegian.com/2024/04/the-children-of-generation-alpha-have-a-technology-problem/

Answer 4

The claim is partially true but misleading without full context. While the statistic is correct, it ignores other contributing factors and historical trends that predate Gen Alpha and the digital age. The decline in reading proficiency is a multifaceted issue, not solely a consequence of classroom technology use. The 2022 NAEP report (https://nces.ed.gov/nationsreportcard/reading/) confirms the 33% statistic but also highlights contributing factors such as pandemic-related learning loss, socioeconomic disparities, and limited access to early childhood education. Technology is mentioned, but it is not cited as the sole or primary cause. 

Answer 5

Even though I do agree with the claim made in this post. I think that the fate of Gen A is completely up to Gen A themselves. With the use technology increasing it may be beneficial to have lots of knowledge on it in order to keep up with the world around you. However, I think it is is harmful in the sense that it limits the social interactions we have as people, with the people around us. The use of technology as the primary form of communication is what I have found to be most harmful, not necessarily exclusive to the classroom. The idea that technology is going to ruin the classroom for Gen A is particularly opinion based. I found more in the article below and the information that I got is what I presumed to be one of someone who might be a little more impartial than someone else. 

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

Answer 6

Generation alpha has experienced technology and digital aid in a whole different aspect than everyone else.  "The children of Generation Alpha have a technology problem" is an article that explains and shows how generation alpha have experienced technology in a different aspect than other generations from AI to just growing up with easy access to technology at such a young age and not being able to let go. The author of this piece describes how it has had many affects in interactions, school, and other aspects of life. Generation Alpha has been known to use technology for the wrong usage such as cheating in school and important things in life. The author also goes into depth on how with the increase in technology its also a good thing for this generation to know more about it and how to use it in a useful way as lots of aspects in life and oppurtunities are paving ways into technology.

Answer 7

The claim that the digital age is negatively impacting students in the classroom is a complicated subject, however one that is becoming more and more true. Technology makes it easier to have information in a heartbeat, however, it becomes a tool to make the process 'easier' for teachers and students. 'Easier' does not necessarily mean better. With technology, there comes resources and misinformation, all of which kids are exposed to while they are doing their schooling. In a deeper sense, technology is not just being used for acquiring information, it is also used to track students' locations, make sure they submit an assignment in time or track their browsing history. An article published by Stanford News has a unique perspective on this idea, saying, "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." (Garcia, 2) This quote is very true for students of all ages, as technology becomes something that is present for everyday learning. Another complex issue towards impactful education is the used of Artificial Intelligence and the accessible tool that students have to gather information about any topic. This tool is great but can inhibit students' ability to truly learn the topic at hand and allow them to cheat throughout their own work. A statement made by Science News Today mentions that "The classroom of the future, powered by AI, will be one where students receive personalized learning experiences, teachers become more facilitators than lecturers, and administrative tasks are handled by smart systems." (Tuhin) There is no denying that AI will only become more powerful as time passes and will dominate the education system. Now, it comes down to how society manages that power into something that can be used for good rather than something destructive. 

Sources: 

Technology might be making education worse | Stanford Report

How AI is Shaping the Future of Education and Learning

Answer 8

This piece covers two big topics: technology use within schools and how COVID-19 affects education. The pandemic struck and schools closed and went digital, which caused the kids to miss out on precious time playing with children. That affected their learning and socialization. Today, more and more people use technology. Kids have the tendency to utilize it for entertainment and become distracted. It can potentially lead them away from genuine activity; like actually talking to other people. The mention of the given article provides more positive aspects to learn from. That a mere 33% of fourth graders could read at their level in 2022 is a fact, and it reveals how serious this problem is. Another article in The Blue & Gold also discusses the problems parents are having with raising children nowadays. In general, the accusation is indeed true since this is something we need to be concerned about today.

https://www.theblueandgold.sg/post/navigating-gen-alphas-challenges

Answer 9

There is some truth to this statement. Generation Alpha consists of those who were born after 2013-present. This means that they have surrounded by technology their whole lives and are considered to be tech-savvy. The source that was cited above, is a student-run newspaper from Emory University (McGuire). Meaning that their articles are written and published by university students. This article had a reflective tone where the author wrote about their own thoughts on the subject. To add on, the data consisted of opinions from teachers on TikTok. " A multitude of fed-up elementary and middle school teachers has taken social media by storm, expressing concern after concern." (Seo). While in was an insightful piece, there was very little use of citations in the article. According to The Annie E. Casey Foundation, "Gen Alpha kids are becom­ing pro­fi­cient with hand­held tech­nol­o­gy at younger ages than pre­vi­ous gen­er­a­tions, with 43% hav­ing a tablet before age 6 and 58% hav­ing a smart­phone before the age of 10." Screen time has been proven to limit an individuals attention span due to the fact that you are being exposed to short, attention grabbing content. There have been concerns about the amount of screen time Gen Alpha uses. "Six­ty-five per­cent of Alphas ages 8–10 spend up to four hours a day on social media." (The Annie E. Casey Foundation). Teachers have reported that the younger generation is having a more difficult time staying focused and being engaged with their learning which makes it more difficult for them to successful in school. The Annie E. Casey Foundation focuses on child and family well-being. A lot of their research is used to determine trends that are seen across the United States. With the information that they gather, they can influence public policies that can benefit children's well-being (Annie E. Casey Foundation). This citation is a reliable source of information. 

Citations:

McGuire, Lola. “Being Boundless, Reliable, Radiant as a College Student.” Being Boundless, Reliable, Radiant as a College Student - The Emory Wheel, 6 Mar. 2024, www.emorywheel.com/article/2024/03/being-boundless-reliable-radiant-as-a-college-student. 

Seo, Kristen. “Digital Age Sets Gen Alpha up for Failure in Classroom.” Digital Age Sets Gen Alpha up for Failure in Classroom - The Emory Wheel, 20 Nov. 2024, www.emorywheel.com/article/2024/11/digital-age-sets-gen-alpha-up-for-failure-in-classroom. 

The Annie E. Casey Foundation. “The Impact of Social Media and Technology on Gen Alpha.” The Annie E. Casey Foundation, 22 Oct. 2024, www.aecf.org/blog/impact-of-social-media-on-gen-alpha. 

“Annie E. Casey Foundation.” InfluenceWatch, 8 July 2021, www.influencewatch.org/non-profit/annie-e-casey-foundation/#:~:text=an%20*%20are%20required-,The%20Annie%20E.,Society%20Institute%2DBaltimore%20from%20closing. 

Answer 10

I believe that this fact check is true from my own experience after covid learning and memorizing information got a lot harder with online help. the only thing I don't about is the cites creditability. but doing my research on this topic I can see that there are multiple cites claiming similar claims. the website the charger online im not sure about the creditability on this one either but lots of cites are agreeing. but according to AEFC.org 65% of fourth graders from 9-10 year olds cannot read proficiently and are underperforming in reading. this fact check is true and I believe that student having online assignments and easy access to the internet have created a dependence on the internet.