Share Paper: Using Deeply-Digital Curricula to Support Alpha Generation Learners & Their Teachers

  1. Cathie Norris, Univ of North Texas, Dept of Learning Technologies, United States
  2. Elliot Soloway, university of Michigan, Dept of Computer Science & Engineering, United States
  3. Alex St. Clair, Saginaw Valley State University , Dept. of Teacher Education, College of Education, United States
  4. Anne Tapp, Saginaw Valley State University , Dept. of Teacher Education, College of Education, United States
Wednesday, October 5 2:30-2:45 PM Room 2

Abstract: Research suggests that current curricula and pedagogy need to change to effectively support Alpha Generation children in elementary and middle school. Born after 2010, Alphas, truly the “digital-first” generation, have grown up tapping on screens, not watching TV or sitting with paper-based books. Towards addressing the learning needs of Alphas in K-5, we have been conducting a study of how deeply-digital, highly-interactive curricula plus digitally-motivated, pedagogical practices can increase their engagement and achievement. Over the past three years, 10,000+ children, from low socio-economic-status (SES), K-5 schools in Michigan, have been using deeply-digital, standards-aligned, curricula we have developed. The year-long, free ...