Transformation of Education: Threat or Limitless Opportunities?

In recent decades there have been many disputes about the viability of Russian education. Supporters of radical changes argue that it is ineffective in the new conditions of the global transition to digital. Schools and universities are intimidated by a generation of “zetas” who “do not succumb” to standard approaches, spending most of their free time online, with clip thinking, inability to concentrate for a long time, and other difficulties and peculiarities. Opponents of digitalization are trying to protect teenagers from unlimited use of gadgets. There are discussions about how to use digital devices wisely and without harming their health. In the spring of 2020 the situation develops in such a way that the “harm” from the long-term communication of young people with gadgets becomes incomparable with the possibility of stopping the learning process. Educational institutions are urgently moving to work in a remote format. In the course of this situation, this is the only way out. The transition reveals many problems that, if possible, are solved during the process. It becomes obvious that it is impossible to use distance learning as the only possible format of work. What the future will be like depends on many factors. Will it remain universal with a sign of quality of traditional Russian education or will it undergo a radical transformation? Employers rely on creative employees who are efficient in multitasking and capable of continuous self-education throughout their lives. The concept of life-long learning continues to be a trend, without giving up its positions. The purpose of this article is to find out whether the new generation of young people is so different that all approaches of the traditional education system are broken down about their “armor”. Or under the flag of Generation Z the idea of a radical transition to a completely new education is being promoted.