Significance of K-12 Education in the Automation Era

FREMONT, CA : Automation is transforming work at a rapid pace. Rapid technological innovations will need a forward-looking workforce that is ready to adapt. Simultaneously, much of the policy discussion is focused on the role of college for a rigorous technology-based education. To prepare students for an automated future, the world needs to advance K-12 education. This requirement is obvious as children return to school this year; because of COVID-19, students are learning online. Read on to know more.

Learning doesn’t only occur in educational institutions but is often attained through different approaches and ways. Students should be empowered to learn at their speed.  It is important to recognize the role of schools in non-academic areas, comprising socio-emotional development and child care. Educators are doing a lot for the next generation. The world should change the education system to account for the wide scope of issues and subjects. Providing more attention and resources to those who have the least at home is also important. Limited financial, technological, and personnel resources should be given to the students who need them most.

The technologies people have today are the worst they are ever going to be. But that is not a reason to stop, and it’s a reason to continue to iterate and experiment and try on a model or technology that does better than what people currently have. The hurdles involve debunking industry misconceptions and fixed mindsets, finding effective teaching means that engage and empower students, and finding convergence between what students are excited about and what is needed for industries.

The world has the opportunity to converge the purpose of institutional education with the actual purpose of learning that is to spark creativity, critical thinking, and understanding of both the technical and social perspectives of the world around. The potential to build technology that takes over the menial work allows focusing on what is stimulating and intrinsically rewarding — discovering and expanding the human potential.