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The Term is EdTech for a Reason
Education first, technology second
The is focused is on the conflicting tensions between the innovative impulses of technology companies and the regulatory imperatives of governments seeking to protect the rights of individuals in the world of AI.
But for the future of education, the focus on technology first risks a reinforcement of the outdated industrial model of learning that is unfit for the future world of employment.
has some stark warnings about the changing nature of the economic and employment landscape. The report forecasts that by 2030, “automation will displace 92 million jobs, but 170 million new roles will emerge.” This means that despite large-scale displacement, the net effect will be an increase of roughly 78 million jobs worldwide.
The report warns that “44% of workers will need reskilling or upskilling within the next five years.” This underscores the urgent need for both employers and education systems to pivot quickly to equip people with new, in‐demand skills.
In terms of educational priorities, the report emphasises that traditional academic credentials are losing their exclusive value. In the new world of work, “the days of relying solely on degrees…