Credit: @iamreneemarino
...and we're beginning to see the effects.
This short video, featuring cognitive neuroscientist Dr.
Jared Cooney Horvath, reveals a troubling trend: Gen Z is the first generation in modern
history to underperform their parents on key cognitive measures, specifically
attention, memory, literacy, numeracy, executive function and problem-solving.
And this, despite spending more time in formal education! The shift coincides with the heavy rollout of screen-based learning in schools.
Data
shows students spending around five hours a day on computers for learning scores
more than two-thirds of a standard deviation lower than those students in
programs that focus more on traditional (paper-based) and face-to-face learning
strategies.
International findings
International assessments across many countries tell a
similar story. Successful learning
experiences are based in collaboration and personal interaction. As a learning experience designer and
facilitator for over two decades, this resonates deeply with what I’ve
observed.
Well-crafted face-to-face facilitation gives participants
time to experience concepts, let insights ‘bed in’ and share personal ‘aha’
moments with others. Once that magic
happens, learners become motivated to retain learning and change behaviours. Human connection and collaboration drive
genuine personal development.
The move toward predominantly digital learning has too often
shifted the focus to colourful screens, short mini-messages and quick hooks
that are more about initial engagement than deep processing or lasting
application.
The tell-tale backpack
Yet, here in Australia, despite all the emphasis on digital
learning, kids still lug around large backpacks weighed down with paper books! It’s an amusing sign that we haven’t fully
replaced the fundamentals that support better retention and comprehension. (Perhaps,
it’s like hedging our bets — just in case the screen fails… or the brain does.)
Combination learning works
Early in my career, when asked to build online courses for
one of Australia’s top financial institutions, I saw how easily e-learning
could become compliance-focused rather than capability-building.
I pushed back and designed interactive, group-oriented,
online experiences that blended digital tools with real human connection. The
results: changed behaviours, fewer
errors, greater confidence for participants and their leaders and improved
customer satisfaction.
I carried that same approach to the Australian Institute of
Management (AIM), to create a series of dynamic learning courses. AIM, thankfully, continues to value effective,
face-to-face training alongside well-designed. digital learning. They continue to prioritise what works over
what is simply cheaper, faster or trendier.
Organisations are investing more of their budget in training
than ever, often with disappointing returns on real impact.
Just click the boxes!
Yesterday, a mandatory compliance course I’d completed only
six months earlier landed in my inbox. With
my contract ending in about ten days, I chose to ignore it. However, my manager was copied in. He reminded me the automated system would flag
non-completion and create chaos for him, so… just finish it.
So, I did. I sat
there ‘purposefully engaging’, but the content felt so thick with explanations
that it seemed pointless. And the answers
to the test questions were obvious!
We must do better!
Learning is about shared experiences
Authentic behavioural change still happens best when groups
of participants work together with a skilled facilitator who encourages human
connection, discussion, and time to reflect on the ‘why’.
It is not about spending solitary screen time and ticking
boxes.
Screens do have their place, but they work best when they support, rather than replace, thoughtful facilitation.
Oh. and paper still has a critical role too,
as many schools are quietly rediscovering. (How
Taking Notes by Hand Improves Conceptual Memory).
What has your experience been? Let me know your thoughts.
