Digital Native Children In Elementary Education: Transformation Of Learning Behavior In Generation Alpha
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.62872/2xqaab60Keywords:
digital native, Generation Alpha, elementary education, learning transformation, digital literacy, technology integrationAbstract
The emergence of Generation Alpha as digital native children poses transformative challenges and opportunities for elementary education worldwide. These learners, born after 2010, have grown up immersed in digital environments, reshaping their cognitive processes, social interactions, and learning behaviors. This systematic literature review synthesizes findings from 23 peer-reviewed studies published between 2021 and 2024 to examine the transformation of learning behaviors among digital native children in primary school settings. The review explores the integration of digital technologies—including artificial intelligence tools, gamification, mobile devices, digital storytelling, and immersive environments—and their effects on academic engagement, digital literacy, collaborative skills, critical thinking, and motivational outcomes. Findings indicate that well-structured digital technology integration significantly enhances learning engagement (78%), digital literacy skills (85%), and student motivation (88%). However, the literature also reveals persistent challenges including the digital divide, teacher preparedness, and concerns regarding excessive screen time and digital dependency. This review contributes a synthesized framework for understanding how schools can responsibly support Generation Alpha's learning potential while addressing socio-cultural and equity concerns in the digital age
Downloads
References
Akour, M., & Alenezi, M. (2022). Higher Education Future in the Era of Digital Transformation. Education Sciences. https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci12110784
Antonopoulou, H., Halkiopoulos, C., Gkintoni, E., & Katsimpelis, A. (2022). Application of Gamification Tools for Identification of Neurocognitive and Social Function in Distance Learning Education. International Journal of Learning, Teaching and Educational Research. https://doi.org/10.26803/ijlter.21.5.19
Aravantinos, S., Lavidas, K., Voulgari, I., Papadakis, S., Karalis, T., & Komis, V. (2024). Educational Approaches with AI in Primary School Settings: A Systematic Review of the Literature Available in Scopus. Education Sciences. https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci14070744
Audrin, C., & Audrin, B. (2022). Key factors in digital literacy in learning and education: a systematic literature review using text mining. Education and Information Technologies, 27, 7395–7419. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10639-021-10832-5
Buchan, M., Bhawra, J., & Katapally, T. (2024). Navigating the digital world: development of an evidence-based digital literacy program and assessment tool for youth. Smart Learning Environments, 11. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40561-024-00293-x
Jauhiainen, J., & Guerra, A. (2023). Generative AI and ChatGPT in School Children's Education: Evidence from a School Lesson. Sustainability. https://doi.org/10.3390/su151814025
Lee, A., & Hancock, J. (2023). Developing digital resilience: An educational intervention improves elementary students' response to digital challenges. Computers and Education Open. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.caeo.2023.100144
Livingstone, S., Mascheroni, G., & Stoilova, M. (2021). The outcomes of gaining digital skills for young people's lives and wellbeing: A systematic evidence review. New Media & Society, 25, 1176–1202. https://doi.org/10.1177/14614448211043189
Moreno-Morilla, C., Guzman-Simon, F., & Garcia-Jimenez, E. (2021). Digital and information literacy inside and outside Spanish primary education schools. Learning, Culture and Social Interaction, 28, 100455. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.lcsi.2020.100455
Morris, T., & Rohs, M. (2021). The potential for digital technology to support self-directed learning in formal education of children: a scoping review. Interactive Learning Environments, 31, 1974–1987. https://doi.org/10.1080/10494820.2020.1870501
Ng, D., Su, J., Leung, J., & Chu, S. (2023). Artificial intelligence (AI) literacy education in secondary schools: a review. Interactive Learning Environments, 32, 6204–6224. https://doi.org/10.1080/10494820.2023.2255228
Rahiem, M. (2021). Storytelling in early childhood education: Time to go digital. International Journal of Child Care and Education Policy, 15. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40723-021-00081-x
Reddy, P., Chaudhary, K., & Hussein, S. (2023). A digital literacy model to narrow the digital literacy skills gap. Heliyon, 9(4), e14878. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e14878
Soyoof, A., Reynolds, B., Neumann, M., Scull, J., Tour, E., & McLay, K. (2023). The impact of parent mediation on young children's home digital literacy practices and learning: A narrative review. Journal of Computer Assisted Learning, 40, 65–88. https://doi.org/10.1111/jcal.12866
Suh, W., & Ahn, S. (2022). Utilizing the Metaverse for Learner-Centered Constructivist Education in the Post-Pandemic Era: An Analysis of Elementary School Students. Journal of Intelligence, 10. https://doi.org/10.3390/jintelligence10010017
Suroso, A., Hendriarto, P., Mr, G., Pattiasina, P., & Aslan, A. (2021). Challenges and opportunities towards Islamic cultured generation: socio-cultural analysis. Linguistics and Culture Review. https://doi.org/10.37028/lingcure.v5n1.1203
Suwarto, D., Setiawan, B., & Machmiyah, S. (2022). Developing Digital Literacy Practices in Yogyakarta Elementary Schools. Electronic Journal of e-Learning. https://doi.org/10.34190/ejel.20.2.2602
Timotheou, S., Miliou, O., Dimitriadis, Y., Sobrino, S., Giannoutsou, N., Cachia, R., Mones, A., & Ioannou, A. (2022). Impacts of digital technologies on education and factors influencing schools' digital capacity and transformation: A literature review. Education and Information Technologies, 28, 6695–6726. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10639-022-11431-8
Topping, K., Douglas, W., Robertson, D., & Ferguson, N. (2022). Effectiveness of online and blended learning from schools: A systematic review. Review of Education. https://doi.org/10.1002/rev3.3353
Wang, J., Hsieh, C., & Kung, S. (2022). The impact of smartphone use on learning effectiveness: A case study of primary school students. Education and Information Technologies, 28, 6287–6320. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10639-022-11430-9
Wang, C., Chen, X., Yu, T., Liu, Y., & Jing, Y. (2024). Education reform and change driven by digital technology: a bibliometric study from a global perspective. Humanities and Social Sciences Communications, 11, 1–17. https://doi.org/10.1057/s41599-024-02717-y
Yang, W., Hu, X., Yeter, I., Su, J., Yang, Y., & Lee, J. (2023). Artificial intelligence education for young children: A case study of technology-enhanced embodied learning. Journal of Computer Assisted Learning, 40, 465–477. https://doi.org/10.1111/jcal.12892
Zheng, Y., Zhang, J., Li, Y., Wu, X., Ding, R., Luo, X., Liu, P., & Huang, J. (2023). Effects of digital game-based learning on students' digital etiquette literacy, learning motivations, and engagement. Heliyon, 10. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e23490
Downloads
Published
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2026 Risza Presty Rumani (Author)

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.






