Looking Forward / Future Career

Skills you develop to succeed in digital learning overlap with skills to succeed in a digital workplace!

The digital world is always changing and evolving. As a learner, professional, and citizen, you will need to be digitally fluent in using technology to perform daily tasks, solve complex problems, and create new things. You will also need to continue learning new digital skills and technologies as they are introduced throughout your life.

Check out this video about the future of the digital revolution globally!

Video 1.5
Source: GSMA. (2017, October 17). Embracing the Digital Revolution - Overview [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w1txvfFa5TM 
Length: 2:12

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According to The World Economic Forum’s Future Job Report (2023), technology skills are among the top 10 skills on the rise in the workplace.

Image 1.14
Source: World Economic Forum. (2023). Future of Jobs Report 2023. https://www.weforum.org/reports/the-future-of-jobs-report-2023/infographics-2128e451e0
Description: World Economic Forum summary of Top 10 skills on the rise in order: 1) creative thinking; 2) analytical thinking; 3) technological literacy; 4) curiosity and lifelong learning; 5) resilience, flexibility, and agility; 6) systems thinking; 7) A.I. and big data; 8) motivation and self-awareness; 9) talent management; and 10) service orientation and customer service. There are five categories of types of skill listed in the infographic: cognitive, self-efficacy, management, technology, working with others, and engagement. Cognitive skills include creative, analytical, and systems thinking. Self-efficacy includes curiosity and life-long learning, resilience, flexibility, and agility, and motivation and self-awareness. Management includes talent management. Technology skills include technological literacy and A.I. and big data. Engagement skills include service orientation and customer service. There are no "working with others" skills indicated. There is also a note at the bottom that indicates that the infographic shows "The skills judged to be increasing in in importance most rapidly between 2023 and 2027".

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The following sections explore two recent trends in technology that are on the rise in education and the workplace:

1. Virtual reality (V.R.) and augmented reality (A.R.)
2. Artificial Intelligence (A.I.)

Virtual and Augmented Reality

Have you ever played a video game that made you feel like you were part of the action? Or have you used a Snapchat filter to change how you look in a digital photo? These are examples of virtual and augmented reality. Immersive technologies like virtual and augmented reality have long been associated with the video game world, but these technologies are becoming more common in education.

Virtual and augmented reality fall under the umbrella of extended reality (X.R.), which includes virtual reality (V.R.), augmented reality (A.R.), and, more recently, mixed reality (M.R.). X.R. allows for learning from anywhere, at any time, in simulated real-world contexts. Select the circles in the hotspot below to learn more.

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Image 1.15
Source: eCampusOntario
Description: A Venn diagram-style infographic. There are two overlapping circles inside an oval. The oval is labelled X.R. with a 1. The left circle is labeled A.R. with a 2. The right circle is labeled V.R. with a 3. The overlapping portion of the circles is labeled M.R. with a 4.

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So, what exactly are V.R., A.R., and M.R.?

Virtual reality (V.R.) is an experience that takes place in a simulated or immersive environment. V.R. headsets make scenes and objects look real, so the user feels like they are part of their surroundings. V.R. technology is used in education for things like medical and military training, exploring other countries, and travelling to space.

Augmented reality (A.R.) is an enhanced version of physical reality. In A.R., you use a device, like a smartphone, to overlay a digital element onto the real world. A.R. is being used in education to transform 2D illustrations and diagrams into 3D tactile items that learners can interact with and study. A.R. technology can support learners in mastering STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) concepts and learning to speak new languages.

Mixed reality (M.R.) is a blend of physical and digital worlds that includes computer videographical processing. This new reality is based on advancements in computer vision, graphical processing, display technologies, input systems, and cloud computing. In education, M.R. can be used for things like virtual field trips, collaborative learning in virtual spaces, and creating 3D art in a virtual environment.

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Why are we seeing V.R., A.R., and M.R. used more often in education (Bates, 2019)? 

Here are a few reasons:

• Technology is now lower cost and easy to wear (for example, V.R. headsets).
• 3D, realistic learning environments motivate learners.
• Simulated and immersive learning environments allow learners to learn things that would be difficult, impossible, or dangerous to learn in the real world.
• More powerful cloud computing technology allows for more complex and realistic learning environments.

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Artificial Intelligence

You have probably heard about artificial intelligence, or A.I.

A.I. involves using technology to do things that normally require human intelligence. A.I can support learners’ diverse needs by providing personalized support and guidance. A.I is being used in education in various ways, including:

• Chatbots – A.I. programming that simulates the conversation or “chatter” of humans through text or voice interactions (Bates, 2019). For example, ChatG.P.T.
• Intelligent tutoring systems – A.I. software that provides personalized instruction and automated feedback to learners based on their strengths and needs. For example, Socratic.
• Automated assignment grading – A.I. software trained to grade assignments based on human instructor grading patterns. For example, Gradescope.

Read this short article about what A.I. is and how it works.

Artificial Intelligence, In Simple Terms (LinkedIn)

While A.I. is growing in power and popularity, using A.I. ethically and responsibly is critical. Let’s explore ChatG.P.T. as an example.

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Activity

In this activity, you need to decide whether each activity is an example of A.I., V.R., or A.R.. Select the correct option for each activity, then click the submit checkmark at the bottom of the activity to continue. Press start to begin.

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