As the first generation of true digital natives, it’s no surprise that Gen Alphas are already engaged in the news. Australian youth stay in the loop through video explainers and short-form updates – but these kids are still in need of more robust digital literacy skills and forums for discussion.
Holly Tootell has over two decades of expertise in higher education. Her research focuses on technology's social influence in early childhood education and care. She's a dedicated advocate for women in STEM as a Science & Technology Australia Superstar of STEM. Tootell has secured over $6.5 million of research funding. Her area of strength is the assembly of multidisciplinary research teams, providing translation and oversight of the methodological and theoretical conversations. As an ECR, she was also a mother to four young children. She's experienced in disrupting the narratives in academia and is committed to ensuring that 'success' is understood from more than one perspective.
Tanya Notley is an associate professor from Western Sydney University, with research focused on digital inclusion, media literacy, and media justice. She has 20 years of experience working with NGOs, government agencies, cultural institutions, and the United Nations in the areas of media inclusion, social justice, and human rights.
Manila-based culture writer, consumer researcher, and content strategist, Angel Martinez runs a weekly column with PhilSTAR Life, where she initiates conversations around Gen Z behaviours and issues. Her pieces on identity, the internet, and their intersections have been published in Vice, i-D, Vox, Dazed, and Business Insider, and commissioned by think-tanks including Crowd DNA and Forge Futures. Outside of work, she can be found reading her book of the week in any cafe that serves iced matcha lattes.
