Formal tech education provides a platform for young people towards the development of life skills that can be undermined by technology itself.
Fremont, CA: As the availability of online training and learning resources increases, formal tech education may become unnecessary. After all, today's youth are growing across smart TVs, tablets, and the Internet. This level of interconnectivity is nothing new to them. It is where they were born and raised. However, although they are undoubtedly more familiar with technology as a concept from an earlier age, this familiarity may not necessarily replace a structured approach to teaching. Indeed, educators have a responsibility to ensure that young students not only have access to technology but are also aware of the broad application scope of technology beyond entertainment and communication.
Here are the reasons why formal tech education is necessary in today’s digital age:
1. Driving Job-Centric Approach
It may be an exaggeration, but the next few years will be the biggest change in attitudes towards work since the industrial revolution. The fact that young people have access to technology doesn't mean they can keep up with the job market, especially given the rapid pace of change. For example, AI and machine learning are already having an impact in the workplace. Everything from task management to computer-aided design is heavily influenced by technology. However, this rapid development has been neglected by young people who spend most of their time on the internet, gaming, and social media. What is education if it doesn't prepare people for jobs that don't yet exist? Since educators can't predict what all these new jobs will be like, formal tech education can help educators to ensure that young people don't miss out on these new opportunities. But it is equally important for students to be prepared for everything that comes next.
2. Enhancing Skills
For young people, who have never known a world before the internet, education remains the most effective way to encourage them to harness knowledge-based information. Today, more research papers, scholarly articles, and general information are easily accessible than ever before. For instance, it’s reminiscent of a time when tutors would boldly proclaim that students "wouldn't always have a guidebook in their bags." with Wikipedia and other resources just, a few clicks away. Educators provide opportunities for critical thinking, data analysis, reference, and multiple sources, whether or not they have identified a cause for concern. Indeed, formal tech education provides a platform for young people towards the development of life skills that can be undermined by technology itself.
Wrapping up, the days of a single computer in the classroom are a thing of the past, and technology will remain an integral part of everyday life. As a result, educators have the opportunity to combine IT-related training with other skills that were previously considered separate from core skills training. A time may come in the near future when specialized IT training will no longer be required. Most students should have learned the basics by now. However, the use of technology beyond the foundations of communication, entertainment and research will continue to play an important role regardless of the subject. In some cases, significant updates to training methods may be required, but should be adopted. Special skills training may change, but it is still necessary today and will probably continue to be required in the future.
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