Generations needed to adapt to change

If we do not update our knowledge, we will be eliminated by artificial intelligence and high technology.

Prof. Pham Tat Dong

Knowledge economy requires open education

In the process of entering the 21st century, people need to clearly see that the knowledge provided by schools is only initial capital, not enough to use throughout life.

Post-secondary knowledge combined with knowledge acquired through lifelong learning by each individual is only geared towards meeting the demands of the knowledge economy. Therefore, open education is necessary.

In my opinion, open education will create a system of digital resources, diverse, multi-disciplinary, with no access barriers, thereby helping everyone access the learning materials they need to use.

Open universities in the world usually do not consider entrance qualifications. Anyone who needs a university education can be provided with knowledge. The problem is how the learner will satisfy his or her need for knowledge, and if one wants to get a diploma, the accumulation of sufficient knowledge is decided by the school.

In my opinion, vocational schools, professional schools and open universities will create lifelong learning conditions for everyone in the direction of universalizing learning services, personalizing learning, contributing to building a high-quality workforce as a strategic breakthrough in socio-economic development.

In the modern world, people's daily work is always changing and requires constant updating of knowledge. If we do not learn and update our knowledge continuously, we will be eliminated by artificial intelligence and high technology. Therefore, we must move towards having the ability to adapt, be creative and always be proactive in the face of unpredictable problems.

What to prepare for living in a VUCA world?

The world we live in is full of fluctuations, unpredictable changes, many production fields develop rapidly, many difficulties and risks that people have to face. VUCA World is the name of a world of volatility, uncertainty, complexity and ambiquity.

Many experts have recommended to the Government the necessary skills that should be included in the education program at all levels. It is necessary to focus on forming and developing skills such as cooperation, communication, critical thinking, creativity and lifelong learning.

Children need to learn in a different way that is not rigid and formulaic. People need to interact and cooperate more to solve problems. Covid-19 or the appearance of ChatGPT also changes the world, people need to develop the ability to adapt to more complex situations.

In the traditional teaching style, children go to class to listen to lectures during the day and do homework at night. In the flipped classroom model, in the evening the teacher assigns homework and the students study by themselves; the next day in class, the students work with the teacher to solve specific problems. Or there are many other ways such as project-based learning, where many students work together to solve a task, or create products that can be sold and widely distributed...

If we do not update our knowledge, we will be eliminated by artificial intelligence and high technology.

Needs due attention

Gen Z is the generation born between 1997 and 2012. This is a generation that is very different in both ability and personality from the previous generation. They learn foreign languages ​​faster than their parents, have the ability to learn online, have sharp critical thinking, and have superior ability to use information technology. Therefore, when starting work, Generation Z is more active and effective through the application of technology.

Generation Z is called the “technology generation”, “network generation”, “digital generation”. This generation is experiencing the VUCA world. They need an education that creates every opportunity and condition to become a high-quality human resource.

Generation Z is increasingly moving towards the model of global citizenship, that is, citizens with multiple nationalities who can work in many places around the world. However, today's education still has many barriers that prevent many members of Generation Z from accessing the fruits of modern culture and technology.

Meanwhile, Generation Alpha (born between 2013 and 2028) has been living in a world of modern technology since birth, immersed in a digital environment. The world of screens is like a nanny for this generation.

Many scientists consider Generation Alpha to be “naturally digital”. They call this generation by many different names such as “glass generation”, “screen generation”, “Internet generation”… Children at this age are not subject to cultural barriers, meaning they easily accept cultures different from their own.

This generation will travel abroad more, live in a global “home” more, and have a broader concept of borders. To be more precise, this generation will study, work, and travel between countries without any barriers of language and culture. In particular, according to many documents, Generation Alpha will redefine the concept of “work”, change school models and education models.

We often look at the younger generation with a static eye. The current barrier is the adults' perception of this generation. It can be said that, compared to the previous generation, they have a stronger development acceleration, that is, their psychological and intellectual development is different from their fathers and brothers.

In my opinion, nowadays, training students must be closely linked to work. The work process not only helps them develop the ability to manage time and finances, but also helps them realize their own value early. At the same time, they need an educational program that is not too heavy on theory, but more practical, helping them improve their skills and adapt to the changing world.

Therefore, for the Alpha generation, Vietnamese education in the period of 2021-2030 needs to prepare students to become global citizens. It is necessary to avoid cramming unnecessary knowledge for their future or avoiding studying just to take exams or study to get a degree.

Source: https://baoquocte.vn/can-nhung-the-he-thich-nghi-voi-bien-doi-239615.html