Where Will We Be in 2020?

After reading the article Connectivism: A Learning Theory for the Digital Age by George Siemens -- the reality of the unknown, unpredictable future really hit home. One phrase in particular got me thinking about my role as a consultant --"Learners as little as forty years ago would complete the required schooling and enter a career that would often last a lifetime. "

In the past, we often asked students what it is they wanted to 'become' when they grew up. Now, with many new opportunities and occupations springing up every day, the question morphs into . . . What do you plan on doing after grade twelve? We don't dwell so much on precise jobs but rather, encourage students to explore the wealth of opportunities open to them and build skills that can be transferred to any given situation. One of these skills, it seems, is to be technologically savvy. Knowing not only how to locate and access tools and information, but how to use them as well, and apply them to specific circumstances is becoming more relevant in today's world. Are we still spoon feeding potentially useless information to our students or are we teaching them how to investigate and learn for themselves?

It is estimated that people will encounter a minimum of five different, unrelated jobs over the course of their lifetime - does this not show the importance of developing transferable skills as opposed to job specific skills? Much of this skill development and learning takes place outside the formal educational system, through a variety of medium - "through communities of practice, personal networks, and through completion of work-related tasks." In my career education classes, I encourage students to research various occupations, conduct interviews, and finally job shadow. So much can be learned from the hands-on experience. When this is not possible, as is the case in many smaller towns, the web is the next best thing. Students can connect with others via the net. Through social networking via technology, students can vicariously 'live' the experience. They learn so much through interacting with others, both professionals who share their experiences, as well as fellow students who are seeking information.

I leave you with a quote from George . . .
"Our ability to learn what we need for tomorrow

is more important than what we know today."