SPECIAL FEATURE
EDUCATING
GEN Z
U N D E R G R A D F E A T U R E
L
earners of the future are
transforming the post-secondary,
undergraduate education
landscape like no one else in
history. According to the Canadian census,
in 2021, Gen Z, born 1997-2012, already
comprised nearly 20% of the workforce. A
report by BuildForce Canada indicates that
this percentage is expected to rise as Gen Z
ages into the workforce and baby boomers
retire. Generation Alpha, born 2010-2024, is
not far behind.
Often shirking the top-down learning
and training model popular with previous
generations, Gens Z and Alpha are both
comfortable with technology and often
prefer digital and online learning tools.
"Tomorrow's students are accustomed
to consuming content across multiple
platforms and formats and engage well
with blended learning approaches that
combine traditional teaching with digital
resources," says Dr. Bashir Makhoul,
University Canada West (UCW) president
and vice-chancellor.
They are also pragmatic and career
focused. "They want to acquire knowledge
and skills directly applicable to real-
world situations and their future careers,"
Dr. Makhoul adds. "Post-secondary
programming that includes internships and
practicums, hands-on experience through
work-integrated learning, and specific skills
training is ideal for this cohort of learners."
Since it was founded in 2004, UCW has
been known as a university that offers
greater flexibility in how students received
their education. It uses a quarter-term
system, allowing motivated students to
complete their undergraduate degree in
less time. Its mainstay MBA program was
designed to include both in-person and
online learning and be flexible enough
for students to continue working while
completing their studies.
Susan McLachlan, project coordinator for
Excellence in Manufacturing Consortium's
(EMC) WILWorks Post Secondary Program,
adds digitally connected, diverse, accustomed
to knowledge at their fingertips and interested
in social justice to the list of student traits.
Undergraduate
programs are
shifting to
accommodate
a more digitally
connected,
hands-on,
collaborative
workforce
