by Sherry Mae S. Licudan
Today’s generation is marked by the rapid advancement of technology and digital literacy. Emerging digitalization is shifting every aspect of society onto new paths, particularly in the educational landscape. This shift challenges teaching approaches and methodologies, as the education system must adapt to the needs of today’s younger generations: Generation Z and Generation Alpha.
This was evident during the COVID-19 pandemic, when almost all institutions transitioned to blended or online teaching and learning. For most students, navigating digital platforms such as Zoom and Google Meet was not particularly difficult, especially for those belonging to Generation Alpha. These students are often referred to as ‘digital natives,’ ‘iPad babies,’ or ‘screenagers’ for good reason. On the other hand, many educators accustomed to traditional teaching found it challenging to navigate online teaching platforms. Nonetheless, this situation has paved the way for teachers to enhance and improve their technological skills and to move beyond their traditional approach of paper and pen. It also pinned the importance of utilizing technology to its optimal potential in teaching and learning materials, bringing out the creativity and efficiency of the students.
While integrating technology in the classroom is essential, it also has some weaknesses. It may seem that instructional materials are not a major concern since the internet offers easy access to a variety of information and even ready-made activities. However, despite the availability of this knowledge, there are underlying principles and goals to consider. Students’ individual differences, proficiency levels, demographic profiles, cultural and social backgrounds, and language use must all be considered when selecting the appropriate materials. For example, not all downloadable online learning materials or websites are challenging and credible, which may lead to a lack of motivation among learners. In addition, the increased reliance on AI tools like ChatGPT and Grammarly has turned students into web-searchers rather than researchers, which does not foster higher-order thinking skills. Therefore, while it is not wrong to adopt online instructional materials, they must be aligned with the curriculum’s objectives and the students’ needs at the time.
Furthermore, in relation to students’ linguistic needs, today’s generation seems to be evolving with a distinct set of vocabulary. For example, words like “sigma,” “skibidi,” and “rizz”—which translate to “the best,” “bad,” and “charisma,” respectively—are just a few of the many terms that reflect this generation’s deep connection to digital culture. This illustrates the vital role of technology in shaping education. However, it doesn’t undermine the use of traditional materials such as books and worksheets. Therefore, educators’ approach to the changing times leans toward integrating technology with engaging activities while employing some traditional approaches where necessary, such as classroom management and assessments.**
