Teaching Gen Z in the Age of Edutainment: Ethical Challenges and Pedagogical Shifts in Online Education (An Indian Perspective)

This study examines the learning behaviour of Generation Z learners in the context of India’s rapidly evolving edutainment-driven education system. Grounded in classroom observation and pedagogical analysis, the research explores patterns of attention, concentration, and cognitive engagement that characterise digital-age students. The observed learner demonstrated disciplined participation and attentiveness, yet fluctuations in focus were noted during literacy-based tasks. In particular, during silent reading activities, concentration was sustained for approximately 7 to 10 seconds before distraction set in, often leading to a spontaneous shift from silent to verbal reading. This behavioural shift suggests a cognitive dependence on auditory feedback for maintaining comprehension and engagement. Such tendencies reflect broader trends among Gen Z learners, who are shaped by multimedia exposure and the instant-gratification culture of digital environments. Their learning patterns indicate a preference for multisensory stimulation and interactive experiences, often at the expense of sustained internal focus. These behavioural dynamics present both pedagogical opportunities and ethical challenges in the age of edutainment, where digital learning platforms—such as Byju’s, Unacademy, and Vedantu—blend instruction with entertainment to capture attention. The analysis underscores the need for educational frameworks that harmonise engagement with ethical responsibility. Indian educators and policymakers must design learning environments that foster deeper cognitive processing, self-regulation, and reflective thinking, while also respecting learners’ digital habits and attention patterns. Ultimately, the study advocates for a balanced pedagogical approach that integrates the creative potential of edutainment with ethical teaching practices to ensure meaningful and equitable learning outcomes in the digital era.