Classrooms have changed the way information and knowledge is cascaded onto students. Today, the general trend is to create a more inclusive learning environment and institutions are geared towards equipping students with the skills needed for the future.
The advent of digital technologies that are on the rise are rapidly transforming both educational systems, as well as the job market. According to Oxford University, 47% of current jobs are expected to disappear over the next 25 years. As a result, new skills will be required for young professionals to remain relevant and competitive. In addition, with millions of young professionals entering the workforce during this coming period, the question on everyone’s mind is: how do you close the skills gap?
It all starts with educational systems
Education systems need to adapt to the changing needs of the job market. Many schools and NGOs have already started to integrate and spread STEAM programs, with focus on Science, Mathematics, Engineering, Arts and Technology. In addition, skills that machines cannot replace, such as creativity, critical thinking, emotional intelligence and continuous learning are being honed.
Tutoring has also gone online, with many startup success stories from BDD and the MENA region, who have addressed this need.
Automation disrupting the workplace
Due to digitization and existent technologies, a growing number of occupations will have their activities automated. The top industries that are being disrupted include accommodation and food services (75%), resource extraction (63%), technology, media and telecom (51%) and construction (49%).
Accordingly, the case to for public and private institutions to address this shift and work together to strengthen the digital ecosystem is now integral. Moreover, trainings to up-skill the current and future workforce are required.
What are the trends in education?
Based on international research, there are many trends on the rise in the realm of education. They include:
- Using the internet and social media for learning. Educators and students are interacting online to support learning.
- Life skills are being developed early on, and teachers are pushing students to think creatively and enhance their emotional intelligence.
- Students are getting more involved in the classroom, from setting the rules to asking teachers to adapt the courses, in a way that can be better understood.
- Apps for learning management connect the teacher, student and parents, for a more hands-on inclusive learning environment.
- Gamification is being integrated into the classroom, to allow students to grasp complex material in an enjoyable way.
BDD has already formalized programs to address the skills gap. The BDD Academy was founded to provide programs where design, technology and leadership intersect, in order to bridge the gap between “existing education providers and the long-term requirements of the job market.”
To learn more about the BDD Academy, visit: https://bddacademy.org/
