Bridging employment gaps through technology
In a rapidly evolving global economy, the pressing demand for a skilled workforce is escalating. Concurrently, the orientation of tertiary education towards employment is becoming indispensable to ensure the seamless transition of learners into jobs and careers. The intersection of education and technology presents a potent solution to expedite this shift and address the burgeoning and diverse demands of multiple sectors.
Various kinds of computer-mediated reality, including augmented and virtual reality, have the potential to improve skill development outcomes in specific learning situations. Another noteworthy advancement in tertiary education is the potential for integrating artificial intelligence (AI), which is poised to play a pivotal role in teaching for employment. AI can help tailor curricula to meet the dynamic demands of the job market, thus ensuring learners are equipped with job-ready skills upon graduation. Furthermore, AI-powered platforms can offer realtime insights into students’ performance and learning trajectories, so educators can make data-driven decisions that enhance the efficacy of their teaching methodologies. This, in turn, can significantly contribute to aligning educational outcomes with employment opportunities.
The Commonwealth of Learning (COL) is at the vanguard of promoting and supporting innovative technologies to increase access to education and improve employment prospects, particularly in resource-limited regions of the Commonwealth. By fostering learning ecosystems where technology, education and employment intersect, COL is supporting the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG4), thereby contributing significantly to building a more inclusive and sustainable global workforce.
This paradigm shift, powered by AI and other technological advancements, offers a promising pathway to not only accelerate the growth of a skilled workforce but also fortify the symbiotic relationship between tertiary education and employment.
