Learning Transformation in Primary Schools: Digital Technology Integration for Generation Alpha

Maita F Casinillo; Muzi Latunil Isma; Nabila Nabila

Authors

Maita F Casinillo Visayas State University Author
Muzi Latunil Isma Universitas Islam Negeri Mahmud Yunus Batusangkar Author
Nabila Nabila Universitas Islam Negeri Mahmud Yunus Batusangkar Author

Keywords:

Digital Technology, Generation Alpha, Learning Transformation, Primary School

Abstract

The transformation of learning in the digital era has become an inevitability, especially in addressing the unique characteristics of Generation Alpha, who are born and raised amid rapid technological advancement. This article is driven by the urgent need to adapt primary school teaching methods to the demands of the times and the nature of today's learners. The main objective of this study is to examine how the integration of digital technology can enhance the effectiveness of the teaching and learning process in primary schools, particularly in developing 21st-century competencies among Generation Alpha. The research employed a qualitative method with a descriptive approach, involving observation, interviews, and documentation studies conducted in several primary schools that have implemented digital technology in their learning activities. The findings reveal that the appropriate use of digital technology can significantly increase student engagement, facilitate differentiated instruction, and foster digital literacy from an early age. In conclusion, integrating digital technology into primary school learning not only strengthens the effectiveness of education but is also essential for equipping Generation Alpha with the critical skills needed for the future.

References

Arts, K., Van Der Wal, R., & Adams, W. M. (2015). Digital technology and the conservation of nature. Ambio, 44(S4), 661–673. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13280-015-0705-1

Astapenko, E. V., Klimova, T. V., Molokhina, G. A., & Petrenko, E. A. (2021). Personal characteristics and environmentally responsible behavior of children of the generation alpha with different leisure orientation. E3S Web of Conferences, 273, 10042. https://doi.org/10.1051/e3sconf/202127310042

Bell, V., Bishop, D. V. M., & Przybylski, A. K. (2015). The debate over digital technology and young people. BMJ, h3064. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.h3064

Berlinski, S., Galiani, S., & Gertler, P. (2009). The effect of pre-primary education on primary school performance. Journal of Public Economics, 93(1–2), 219–234. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpubeco.2008.09.002

Clark-Wilson, A., Robutti, O., & Thomas, M. (2020). Teaching with digital technology. ZDM, 52(7), 1223–1242. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11858-020-01196-0

Computer-Based Learning Environments in Mathematics. (1996). Dalam N. Balacheff & J. J. Kaput, International Handbook of Mathematics Education (hlm. 511–564). Springer Netherlands. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-009-1465-0_15

Digital Technology in Mathematics Education: Why It Works (Or Doesn’t). (2015). Dalam P. Drijvers, Selected Regular Lectures from the 12th International Congress on Mathematical Education (hlm. 135–151). Springer International Publishing. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-17187-6_8

Eysenck, H. J., & Cookson, D. (1969). PERSONALITY IN PRIMARY SCHOOL CHILDREN: 1.—ABILITY AND ACHIEVEMENT. British Journal of Educational Psychology, 39(2), 109–122. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.2044-8279.1969.tb02054.x

Gartshore, L. (2018). Understanding Generation Alpha. BDJ Team, 5(1). https://doi.org/10.1038/bdjteam.2018.198

Generation Alpha: Understanding the Next Cohort of University Students. (2021). European Journal of Contemporary Education, 10(3). https://doi.org/10.13187/ejced.2021.3.783

Gupta, A., Kumar, J., Tewary, T., & Virk, N. K. (2022). Influence of cartoon characters on generation alpha in purchase decisions. Young Consumers, 23(2), 282–303. https://doi.org/10.1108/yc-06-2021-1342

Haladyna, T., & Thomas, G. (1979). The Attitudes of Elementary School Children toward School and Subject Matters. The Journal of Experimental Education, 48(1), 18–23. https://doi.org/10.1080/00220973.1979.11011707

Hale, M. (2022). Generation Alpha. EDULEAD: Journal of Christian Education and Leadership, 3(2), 240–245. https://doi.org/10.47530/edulead.v3i2.126

Henderson, G. M. (2002). Transformative Learning as a Condition for Transformational Change in Organizations. Human Resource Development Review, 1(2), 186–214. https://doi.org/10.1177/15384302001002004

Henderson, M., Selwyn, N., & Aston, R. (2017). What works and why? Student perceptions of ‘useful’ digital technology in university teaching and learning. Studies in Higher Education, 42(8), 1567–1579. https://doi.org/10.1080/03075079.2015.1007946

Hilbert, M. (2020). Digital technology and social change: The digital transformation of society from a historical perspective. Dialogues in Clinical Neuroscience, 22(2), 189–194. https://doi.org/10.31887/dcns.2020.22.2/mhilbert

Höfrová, A., Balidemaj, V., & Small, M. A. (2024). A systematic literature review of education for Generation Alpha. Discover Education, 3(1). https://doi.org/10.1007/s44217-024-00218-3

Hoggan, C. (2016). A typology of transformation: Reviewing the transformative learning literature. Studies in the Education of Adults, 48(1), 65–82. https://doi.org/10.1080/02660830.2016.1155849

Jha, A. K. (2020). Understanding Generation Alpha. Center for Open Science. https://doi.org/10.31219/osf.io/d2e8g

Jukic, R., & Skojo, T. (2021). The Educational Needs of the Alpha Generation. 2021 44th International Convention on Information, Communication and Electronic Technology (MIPRO), 564–569. https://doi.org/10.23919/mipro52101.2021.9597106

Khin, S., & Ho, T. C. (2019). Digital technology, digital capability and organizational performance: A mediating role of digital innovation. International Journal of Innovation Science, 11(2), 177–195. https://doi.org/10.1108/ijis-08-2018-0083

Larsen‐Freeman, D. (2013). Transfer of Learning Transformed. Language Learning, 63(s1), 107–129. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-9922.2012.00740.x

Mancebon, M. J., & Molinero, C. M. (2000). Performance in primary schools. Journal of the Operational Research Society, 51(7), 843–854. https://doi.org/10.1057/palgrave.jors.2600980

Mezirow, J. (1978). Perspective Transformation. Adult Education, 28(2), 100–110. https://doi.org/10.1177/074171367802800202

Mezirow, J. (1994). Understanding Transformation Theory. Adult Education Quarterly, 44(4), 222–232. https://doi.org/10.1177/074171369404400403

Miller, D. (2023). Embracing the Technological Metamorphosis: Envisioning Higher Education for Generation Alpha in a Shifting Educational Landscape. International Journal Software Engineering and Computer Science (IJSECS), 3(2), 88–96. https://doi.org/10.35870/ijsecs.v3i2.1492

Nambisan, S. (2017). Digital Entrepreneurship: Toward a Digital Technology Perspective of Entrepreneurship. Entrepreneurship Theory and Practice, 41(6), 1029–1055. https://doi.org/10.1111/etap.12254

Ng, W. (2015). New Digital Technology in Education: Conceptualizing Professional Learning for Educators. Springer International Publishing. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-05822-1

Pagani, M., & Pardo, C. (2017). The impact of digital technology on relationships in a business network. Industrial Marketing Management, 67, 185–192. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.indmarman.2017.08.009

Pan, G., Seow, P.-S., & Koh, G. (2019). Examining learning transformation in project-based learning process. Journal of International Education in Business, 12(2), 167–180. https://doi.org/10.1108/jieb-06-2018-0022

Pearson, M., & Somekh, B. (2006). Learning transformation with technology: A question of sociocultural contexts?1. International Journal of Qualitative Studies in Education, 19(4), 519–539. https://doi.org/10.1080/09518390600773353

Putri, N. A., Cale, W., & Nitin, M. (2023). The Importance of National Integration to Strengthen Religious Diversity in Community Life. International Journal of Educational Narratives, 1(2), 100–107. https://doi.org/10.55849/ijen.v1i2.263

Selwyn, N. (2016). Digital downsides: Exploring university students’ negative engagements with digital technology. Teaching in Higher Education, 21(8), 1006–1021. https://doi.org/10.1080/13562517.2016.1213229

Šramová, B., & Pavelka, J. (2023). Generation Alpha Media Consumption During Covid-19 and Teachers’ Standpoint. Media and Communication, 11(4), 227–238. https://doi.org/10.17645/mac.v11i4.7158

Taylor, D., Grant, J., Hamdy, H., Grant, L., Marei, H., & Venkatramana, M. (2020). Transformation to learning from a distance. MedEdPublish, 9, 76. https://doi.org/10.15694/mep.2020.000076.1

Teaching with Digital Technology: Obstacles and Opportunities. (2014). Dalam M. O. J. Thomas & J. M. Palmer, Mathematics Education in the Digital Era (hlm. 71–89). Springer Netherlands. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-007-4638-1_4

Tootell, H., Freeman, M., & Freeman, A. (2014). Generation Alpha at the Intersection of Technology, Play and Motivation. 2014 47th Hawaii International Conference on System Sciences, 82–90. https://doi.org/10.1109/hicss.2014.19

Vanderlinde, R., & Van Braak, J. (2010). The e-capacity of primary schools: Development of a conceptual model and scale construction from a school improvement perspective. Computers & Education, 55(2), 541–553. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compedu.2010.02.016