Reaching and Teaching Gen Z and Gen Alpha: PLN 15B (EDCE 6100)

Introduction

The goal of this course is to deepen educators’ understanding of Generation Z and Generation Alpha and explore the social, cultural, technological, and educational factors shaping the lives of today’s students. Generation Z came of age alongside the rapid expansion of smartphones, social media, and an increasingly connected world, while Generation Alpha is the first generation to grow up immersed in these technologies from early childhood. For both generations, technology has influenced how students communicate, learn, build relationships, access information, and understand the world around them.

By taking on the lens of the student, educators explore the opportunities and challenges associated with growing up in a highly connected, rapidly changing world. The course examines the intersection of technology, smartphones, social media, mental health, identity, and learning, while also considering emerging influences such as artificial intelligence and the changing nature of education and work. Participants explore current trends affecting young people and consider how these trends shape students’ experiences in school. Through this work, educators deepen their understanding of both Generation Z and Generation Alpha while developing greater empathy for the learners they serve.

The main concepts covered in this course include the relationship between mental health and technology, the influence of smartphones and social media, generational differences in learning and communication, and emerging trends in education, technology, and society. Throughout the course, participants are introduced to educational strategies and lessons patterned on The Five Reading, Writing, and Talking Processes and The Four Lenses of Learning. These research-based approaches provide educators with practical ways to engage, connect with, and support today’s Gen Z and Gen Alpha learners while creating meaningful learning experiences across generations.