Education is duty-bound to prepare students for the digital age, so they’re well equipped to succeed in the constantly growing and evolving digital economy.
Training children to use and understand digital tools – virtual reality, augmented reality, mixed reality, artificial intelligence, big data and data analytics – must be made mandatory and weaved into every subject taught within the primary and secondary curriculums (and likewise incorporated into all PGCE training courses).
It’s no longer enough for digital tools to be haphazardly embraced by some teachers in the know and confident of their tech ability, while colleagues stay safe sticking to pen, paper and perhaps a whiteboard. It’s no longer acceptable to teach the 3Rs via old-school methodologies lacking accessibility features, perpetuating an exclusive education system that leaves too many learners struggling outside in the cold.
Teaching educators how to teach students to use digital tools is only half of the battle; educators should also encourage students to employ their new-found digital skills within lessons and course assignments, creating a complete circle of digital education and developing a new generation of digital creators.
