From Boomers to Gen Alpha: Bridging Generational Gaps Through Game Design

28 Jan 2027
SOUTH 330F
Classroom Leaders
Today's classrooms bring together students shaped by very different generational experiences, values and motivations. This hands-on workshop helps educators understand those differences and use them to strengthen learning, connection and engagement. You will explore the generational identities present in schools today, what drives them and how they influence the way people learn and collaborate, and how those insights can strengthen relationships and inform instructional choices. Then you will dive into game design as a bridge across generational gaps. Working directly with the Games for Change (G4C) curriculum, you will experience how game creation builds collaboration, systems thinking, creative problem-solving and design-thinking skills. You will experiment with analog and digital game-design tools and see why these approaches resonate strongly with Gen Z and Gen Alpha's social consciousness and desire to create meaningful change. You will leave with ready-to-use strategies, classroom-tested tools and fresh ideas for empowering students as designers, storytellers and agents of social impact. All workshops are BYOD and require All Access or Session + Registration to attend.
Speakers
Mary Elizabeth Pearson
Mary Elizabeth Pearson, Director of Curriculum and Professional Development - Games for Change

Access Type

All-Access or Session+ Registration Permitted (Pre-registration required.)

Content Topic

Professional Development

Curriculum Area

Professional Development

Session Type

Workshops

Education Challenges

Engaging Learning Experiences

EdTech Product

Esports & Game Based Learning,Educator Curriculum & Instructional Technology,Future Learning Technology (STEAM)