The largest generation in history will be more educated and technically-savvy than any other generation. Is your institution ready for them?

Three years from now, the first Generation Alpha students will join the ranks of your institution. Born in 2010, the year the iPad and Instagram were launched, today’s 15-year-olds are the most digitally connected generation.

What’s unique about Gen Alpha, is their “native” use of technology and its effects on how they see and engage with the world. Since birth, they have used screens as pacifiers, entertainment, social facilitators and educational aides. Having engaged with online learning as early as primary years throughout the pandemic, Gen Alphas are self-taught, expect instant answers and are likely to look for them online – via the likes of ChatGPT, TikTok and YouTube – rather than wait to ask their teachers.

As any Gen Alpha parent can testify, most of their conflict is around their use of screen time – whether on phones, gaming devices or TV. While the jury is still out on the effects of increased screen time on brain development, what everyone agrees is that the more time children spend online, the less time they spend engaging with the world around them. But is this a bad thing?

Well, yes and no. While most Gen Alphas love watching funny videos and memes, that’s not all they do online. They also love hacks, DIY and how-to videos, and learn valuable digital skills in the process. Skills they don’t learn in school. They are not only consumers of content, but also creators. The time they spend playing Minecraft, Roblox or Fortnite is not fully wasted. They develop important life skills, such as communication, collaboration, problem solving, strategy planning, creativity and better cognitive performance.  

At AppsAnywhere, we have been asking how Gen Alpha’s needs and behaviours will impact higher education.  We wanted to uncover 3 things: Is Gen Alpha different and if so, how? What is their current use of technology? and What do they expect from higher education? So, we partnered with The Insights Family to ask around 500 young people across the UK about their views and experiences. The new research findings were unveiled by our Marketing Director, Michelle Craig in a keynote address at the UCISA Leadership Conference in Brighton.

Our original research shows that:

• The physical and digital experiences are equally important
• Most Gen Alphas know how to code – some learned in school, but most taught themselves
• 72% think technology is crucial to their future success

The smartphone, their constant companion, not only provides entertainment, but also brings constant attention to issues that could previously be left at school or in the playground. Cyber bullying is the top concern for teens, followed by privacy and hacking, according to our data.

So, what does this all mean for universities and colleges? What do they need to do now to be ready to support the next generation of students to reach their full potential? Are your current strategies designed for long term success, and if not, what needs to change to be prepared for this generational shift?

It is essential for universities to understand changing needs, behaviours and expectations of the next generation, and prepare to engage them in meaningful ways. IT departments need to use their resources carefully to plan ahead not only to meet the demands of the students coming their way, but also to inform how universities can remain relevant and continue to demonstrate their value in an AI world. These are the kinds of thought-provoking questions and discussions our research raised with CIOs and IT leaders in the UK.

Join our next webinar, where we will share key survey findings and launch the research report.

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