Technology, as identified by the National Council and OCED is moving at a rapid rate, it has changed the way we communicate and the way we learn. It is incredible to think we are teaching students skills for jobs that may not even exist. Knowledge is no longer the all being, all seeing of the mighty. Knowledge is at our finger tips. It is not the first time in human history were a revolution of change has changed the course of the workforce.
The industrial revolution took place in the 18th and 19th centuries. Rural societies in Europe and America became industrial and urban. Manufacturing was often done in people’s homes. They used hand tools or very basic machinery. The industrial revolution sparked mass production and factories with specialised equipment. Jobs were lost to the revolution and the poor and working class suffered, however many benefited from the variety of goods available and some prospered.
As I see it, I wonder how life has changed in the 21st Century in this regard? Small businesses are no longer able to trade due to global online trading with companies such as Ali express and Amazon. Job losses to automation are happening, but again, as with the Industrial revolution it seems to be those in low or unskilled jobs that these are affecting.
What therefore is the educators role in this grand problem? How do I give every child in my classroom those 21st century skills they will all require? I am interested to find new ways, new ideas....as knowledge is no longer the currency but skills, does this make us all on a more equitable platform? I wonder...
Is it possible for our education system, policy makers and Governments to keep up with this fast technological society? Do we need to be overly concerned with job losses when we do not know what job gains there will be?
It appears at this point in time that the 21st century
skills of collaboration, adaptability and problem solving are those which speak to me most. They are becoming an increasingly more important part of our curriculum as rapid change happens.
Image retrieved from https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2016/03/21st-century-skills-future-jobs-students/
National Intelligence Council. (2017). Global trends: The Paradox of Progress. National Intelligence Council: US. Retrieved from https://www.dni.gov/files/images/globalTrends/documents/GT-Main-Report.pdf
OECD. (2016) Trends Shaping Education 2016, OECD Publishing, Paris. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1787/trends_edu-2016-en (this publication can be read online by following its DOI’s hyperlink)
You are asking some deep questions about education and the change in skills our children will need for the 21st Century. You have a mindset for change. It sounds like you are challenging yourself to be a better teacher and making sure you continue to be a life long learner. Being knowledgeable but analytical of the trends will help all of us to look into the future with a little more understanding and less ignorance. I liked the three most important skills you targeted but I would add curiosity as well. Learning something new and asking questions will create problem finders.
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