– Devish Gala, Promoter and President of the Book Division, Navneet Education Limited

Every generation grows up with its own way of connecting with the world. What sets today’s children apart is that they are the first generation born into a fully digital world. For them, smartphones, touchscreens and constant connectivity are not new inventions to adapt to; they are simply part of everyday life. Technology is the default environment they have known since birth. Because technology is embedded in their daily lives, it naturally shapes how they consume information and learn. A question no longer has to wait until the next day’s class, a conversation with a teacher or a trip to the library. A child can look up an answer, watch a video and explore a topic in just a few clicks. For these digital natives, technology is not an additional tool in the classroom; it is their primary lens for understanding the world around them. This shift is changing not only what children learn, but also how they think, ask questions and process ideas.

Historically, education followed a rigid path: lecture, textbook, homework and examination. Today’s learners operate differently. A child might encounter a concept online, watch a short video, ask an AI tool for a real-world example and then open a textbook to consolidate their understanding. This non-linear approach does not mean learning is chaotic. It simply means children now have multiple pathways to understand a concept. Whether through a book, a 3D simulation or a podcast, students can find the medium that works best for them. The goal is no longer simply to add technology to classrooms, but to use it to make learning more meaningful. This shift also changes how we view students’ attention spans. Recent insights reported by the National Council of CBSE Schools (NCCS) show that 69 per cent of surveyed teachers noticed a decline in classroom concentration. However, today’s children do not necessarily lack attention; they are highly selective about where they direct it. The same student who skims short videos can spend hours immersed in a complex strategy game or researching a topic they genuinely enjoy. Their minds process information in fast, varied bursts. The challenge for educators is not simply to capture their attention, but to create engaging experiences that sustain it.

With answers now available instantly, the true value of education is shifting from memorising facts to asking the right questions. Easy access to information can often lead to confusion and information overload. In this environment, one of the most important skills we can teach is the ability to question. Students need the confidence to examine an answer and ask: Is this true? How can I verify it? What is missing? They should feel empowered to challenge facts and opinions until they are satisfied with the evidence. Artificial intelligence adds another layer of support by simplifying complex topics and creating visual study aids. However, AI is meant to support the learning process, not replace the effort required to master a subject. This thinking shaped NavneetAI, India’s first custom education AI model, built around Navneet’s books and curriculum rather than the open internet. For students, this means accessing learning support that remains aligned with what they are studying in class, without having to know how to frame the right questions. They are guided through concepts rather than simply handed answers, helping them develop the understanding needed to revise with confidence and think more deeply about their subjects.

The first digital-native generation is not changing the core purpose of education; it is changing how we achieve it. Curiosity, strong fundamentals, good teachers and independent thinking remain as important as ever. Our role is to embrace this generation’s natural ways of learning while ensuring that the timeless foundations of genuine understanding remain firmly in place.

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