At Thinkery, we believe that when children have the opportunity to cultivate a lifelong love of learning the thrive, benefiting from all that childhood has to offer while building the durable skills needed to enter a rapidly changing workforce and world.
Not one person has the answer on how to do this best. That’s why we are collaborating with field experts to have conversations on how we can best prepare Generation Alpha for the future amidst the backdrop of the technological revolution that is reshaping our world.
Our panels at SXSW EDU this year are just a couple of the many conversations we need to continue having to better the success of future generations.
The panel, AI in Education: Preparing Gen A as the Creators of Tomorrow, explored the preparation for the ever-changing world of education and workforce in an era shaped by artificial intelligence and rapid technological advancement. Experts in entrepreneurship, cognitive science, and education discussed the challenges and opportunities of preparing Generation Alpha for an economy that demands specialized skills, adaptability, and lifelong learning.
The Future of Learning and Work
The workforce is undergoing massive transformations. Sixty percent of the jobs children will have in the future do not exist today. Our current education system will need to continue to adapt to foster the development of 21st-century, durable skills like STEM reasoning, innovation, creativity, and critical thinking. Panelists emphasized the need for partnerships between schools, informal learning organizations, and tech companies to ensure students are prepared for the future.
The Shift Toward Specialization
Rather than having generalists (people with a broad range of skills and knowledge across various areas), the modern job market increasingly values deep expertise. As technology, including AI, becomes more accessible, those who use it as a tool to enhance their specialized skills will have a competitive edge. This shift requires strong collaboration and the cultivation of diverse professional networks.
AI as a Partner, Not a Replacement
Panelists addressed fears about AI replacing jobs, reframing the narrative to highlight AI as a tool that enhances human capabilities. Jobs will evolve, and those who understand how to use AI effectively will thrive. AI can reduce cognitive load, help with decision-making, and increase productivity, allowing individuals to focus on creativity and problem-solving. Harold Hughes illustrated this idea by sharing how he and his child created a story together, then used AI to bring it to life through vivid imagery—showing how AI can be a creative partner that supports connection, exploration, and imagination.
Equity, Creativity, and Community-Centric Learning
A key takeaway was the importance of promoting diverse perspectives and creative problem-solving. Research in cognitive science shows that innovation thrives in diverse groups, making cultural inclusivity a vital aspect of education. Collaboration between schools, museums, and ed-tech companies, as seen in Thinkery’s partnerships, can create immersive, personalized learning experiences that engage students in hands-on exploration.
Empowering Educators and Students
We can empower educators to embrace AI and emerging technologies as tools and encourage students to explore AI through interactive exercises that foster creativity and adaptability. The panelists outlined that teachers can take small steps by experimenting with AI tools, asking better questions, and allowing students to take the lead in their learning. Dr. Gearing shared how teachers in Leander ISD are already doing this—integrating AI into their classrooms in thoughtful ways that support curiosity, collaboration, and innovation.
Education should inspire and equip students with the flexibility and confidence to grow alongside our ever-changing world. By fostering passion, specialization, and collaboration, and by integrating AI as a supportive tool, educators can help students navigate an uncertain but opportunity-rich future.