URGENSI PEMBELAJARAN BERBASIS STEAM BAGI ANAK GENERASI ALPHA DI MASA PANDEMI COVID-19
The Covid-19 pandemic is happening globally. The spread of the Covid-19 virus is so fast that it has finally caused major changes, especially in the world of education. Learning that was originally carried out face-to-face has now changed to learning from home. Early childhood who are growing and developing in the Covid-19 pandemic are included in the Alpha generation category. Alpha generation children are known as a digital natives. Since birth, Alpha generation children have a close relationship with the presence of technology. During the Covid-19 pandemic, technology was used for learning. Learning activities at home by float or do paper and pencil activities such as thickening letters make Alpha generation children tend to get bored easily. Alpha generation children like challenging activities by training their thinking power to be creative in getting things done. Based on the literature study conducted in this study, appropriate learning for Alpha generation children is STEAM-based learning. STEAM is integrated learning from the branches of science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics. STEAM-based learning is carried out by scientific inquiry. STEAM scientific investigations such as exploring, analyzing, and creating. Scientific investigations require children to use higher-order thinking skills in solving problems carried out by direct activities (hands-on minds on approach). This aims to encourage children to think critically, analytically, creatively, and innovatively and solve problems.Keywords: Covid-19, Alpha Generation, STEAM,