Generation Alpha Needs Our Help – It’s Time to Rethink Education

Richard Poth
Mar 22
5 min read

Updated: Mar 23

A Blog Post by Richard Poth, Education Technology Specialist

**Empowering Generation Alpha: Modernising Education for a Digital Future.**

I’ve had the opportunity over the last few months to work in a school teaching Year 6 students. It’s been an eye-opening experience. The difference between teaching now and 20 years ago is startling, in that nothing really has changed. As both a teacher and a parent of a Year 6 child, I can’t help but feel uneasy seeing firsthand how the education system is (or isn’t) preparing her for the future.

Let me paint a picture. Scripted PowerPoint lessons. More paper than your average forest. Kids desperately hunting for pens, whiteboards, whiteboard pens, pencils, exercise books, and glue sticks – often getting stressed if they can’t find them or arguing with other students over missing resources, which in turn creates stress for the teacher. It’s a constant battle to keep them equipped and ready to learn. In this day and age, it’s completely unnecessary when digital tools like iPads with inking capabilities can provide all of this in one device. It’s exhausting to navigate this old-school, paper-based environment – especially when I’ve seen how much smoother things can be with digital tools. It’s like stepping back in time, and the frustration is palpable – for both students and teachers.

Something needs to change.

I try to create an environment where students can actually enjoy their learning and feel engaged. But when I ask them if they enjoy school, they look at me like I’m crazy. It breaks my heart to see how disconnected they feel from their learning. The moment they see “English hour” or “Maths hour” on the agenda, the groans and dissatisfaction are loud and clear. The curriculum is boring and uninspiring.

And it’s no wonder – schools are so focused on hitting targets and looking good on paper that they’ve lost sight of what students actually need. It’s become all about the data and the numbers rather than meaningful, relevant learning experiences. When the priority is just to tick boxes and move up the league tables, students become statistics rather than individuals.

But here’s the heart of the problem – students aren’t just struggling with content; they’re struggling to find any joy in learning at all. They’re not inspired, they’re not engaged, and they’re definitely not thriving in an environment that still operates like we’re preparing them jobs of the past. We have to move away from this outdated mindset and embrace a more digital and creative approach to education.

When I do manage to get hold of a few Chromebooks – usually by begging and borrowing from all over the school – the classroom atmosphere transforms. It’s incredible to see the difference. A simple Kahoot quiz to test times tables suddenly sparks energy and enthusiasm. Collaborative documents make peer feedback a breeze. One day, I tried using SchoolAI in the classroom, letting students ask the AI how to be a journalist for the B.B. Wolf vs. Curly Pig court case. The engagement shot through the roof – kids asking thoughtful questions and truly thinking like reporters.

Here’s the thing: many of my students have neurodivergent needs. Some are working at such a low level that they can’t access the mainstream curriculum. They need completely different learning paths – and with the right tools, they could have them. One day, I took the time to talk to these students individually, finding ways to give them more accessible, creative tasks. I introduced voice-to-text technology in Google Docs, and you know what? They thrived! Students who usually felt left out were suddenly writing their own e-books about subjects they were passionate about – most chose to write about their pets. Seeing students who usually feel left out come alive when given the right tools reminded me why I got into teaching in the first place – to inspire and empower. It’s proof that small changes can make a big difference.

It’s Not About Money – It’s About Mindset

Schools often claim that budget constraints make digital transformation impossible – but that doesn’t have to be the case. Too many schools are still focused on hitting targets and looking good on paper, making budget limitations feel like an insurmountable barrier to change. But with creative thinking – like reducing printing costs, streamlining outdated practices, and reallocating resources – progress is possible. Holding schools accountable for excessive paper consumption can free up significant budget, allowing for more innovative and sustainable solutions.

Why not ditch exercise books altogether and replace them with digital portfolios? Let students signpost their best learning and build portfolios of their top work that they can access and reflect on. I have considerable experience with implementing this approach, and I can confidently say that it fosters ownership and pride in learning.

The real issue is that leaders and teachers fear they won’t be able to enable this change. That’s why training, coaching, and mentoring of teachers is crucial. Use the expertise that’s out there to build capacity, and make digital learning part of the school’s DNA.

Contemplations from the Later Stages of My Career

A classroom filled with laptops basks in the warm glow of a setting sun, symbolizing a new beginning in education's embrace of technology.

Even as I approach the later stages of my career, my commitment to making a difference remains as strong as ever and I can’t help but reflect on the incredible journey I’ve had over the last 20 years – and even before that, in my previous careers within the workforce. I became a teacher because I wanted to make a difference in the lives of young people – to ignite a passion for learning and prepare them for the future. That drive hasn’t changed, but the world around us has.

I still see the potential for positive change. I know we can make a difference for Generation Alpha by equipping them with the skills they actually need for the future. We have to recognise that neurodivergent learners are not really the minority anymore, and we must embrace their potential with creativity and innovation.

My passion for education has never wavered, and I believe it’s more crucial now than ever to stand up for the changes that will truly benefit our students. We can’t afford to hold on to outdated practices just because they’re comfortable. We have to step up, challenge the norms, and do what’s right for the next generation.

It’s time to trade glue sticks and paper mountains for tools that truly prepare students for the future. Let’s bring education into the digital age – for them, for us, and for the world they’ll shape.