Some of the hottest topics today have to do with the future. Topics like artificial intelligence, which is seen as the next big wave of technology that will sweep our workplaces, are all the rage today. Additionally, leaders seem obsessed with generational knowledge, specifically Generation Z. So let's look into the future and examine the next generation entering your workplace, GENERATION ALPHA!!
Generation Alpha will come into your workplace with AI knowledge. Some key traits are that they are digital natives (it is all they have known), they are diverse and inclusive (because of their online presence), and their learning styles are quick with the adaptive technology you are about to use with machine learning from AI.
Digital Natives
Because Generation Alpha (Gen A) grew up with advanced digital exposure (as little as 3 years old with an iPad) you will not have to worry about them accepting the personalized learning experiences that AI has to offer. With data driven insights and predictive analytics, AI analyzes learner behavior and engagement to identify skill gaps, predict future training needs, and measure training effectiveness. This helps L&D professionals make smarter decisions about what content to put in front of their employees. Gen A will love the smart courses that gamification and immersive learning in AI will lend that notice keywords and their responses to questions in quizzes to suggest needs improvement courses and exercises!
Diverse and Inclusive
It can be argued that Gen Z and Gen A are our smartest generations. Due to being digitally exposed for most of their functioning lives, these generations know more about experiences and the way people live and work outside of their own culture. For example, it is more than likely that John has a friend in Eritrea that he is constantly battling on Fortnight and Madden. These two talk more than anyone. When John decides to learn, he has knowledge of the way others outside of his culture learn and will get increasingly bored with the same way of doing things. AI generated content and continuous learning will update as well. Including diverse exercises and experiences into Generation Alpha’s learning process will feel more normal for him than you, but it is worth it when he learns new skills and information in record time!
Learning Styles
Yes, long, traditional lectures may be gone for Generation Alpha but that does not mean you should get rid of your instructors. Your instructors should now become curators of learning experiences by putting together packages of training that include diverse ways of learning (some on demand, micro learning, and on the job training). An instructor, or facilitator, should be the one to tie these experiences together to achieve the desired result—new knowledge and skills. Other examples of diverse learning are VR Field trips, firsthand experiences, and coding games for IT.
What This Means For You
If you are thinking about the future, you must think about Generation Alpha. Not preparing for them could stun you like Generation Z has. Luckily, they are a lot like Generation Z, so what you have adapted to with Z, use for A. But make sure to add technology to your repertoire if you have not already. Your team should incorporate those who are comfortable with technology to create an environment that works for the next generation of workers. Being authentic and inclusive will go along way in acceptance for them, so vary their learning experiences and the work styles of the people they interact with. Lastly, in learning, prioritize experiences. Seventy percent of your development should be firsthand learning.