The Future Of Work Is About Humans

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SkillRise, a workforce learning and upskilling initiative by the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) has released the first episode of the second season of their podcast: Upskill with Edtech: Learners for Life. This initiative is focused on providing resources that support the planning, implementation, and sustainability of edtech solutions to prepare workers for the careers of today and tomorrow.

As part of SkillRise’s mission to help organizations empower the workforce to be adaptable problem solvers, they have launched season two of the podcast. Season two will be all about creating Learners for Life and the importance of lifelong learning to better traverse the future of work.

In episode one, Brandon Olszewski, Director of Research at ISTE, sits down with Tom Vander Ark to discuss why the future of work is actually about humans and uniquely human skills, not the machines that seem to dominate the conversation. This wide-ranging discussion touches on everything from empathy and making a difference to existential threats, but it is certain to leave you optimistic and energized for the future. We’re excited to be supporting this initiative and producing the second season of the podcast.

Listen to The Future of Work Is About Humans podcast here.

For additional valuable ideas from SkillRise about edtech, adult learning, and upskilling, check out SkillRise.org, where you can download their framework and find other great resources. You can also follow them on Twitter at @SkillRiseOrg or you can join the conversation in the Workforce EdTech LinkedIn Group.

Key Takeaways:

[2:16] Tom defines and explains the future of work.
[3:47] Tom assesses the tension between the optimism/excitement and fear of the future.
[6:19] Tom talks about the difference between knowledge acquisition and skill-building, acknowledging that the latter is essential for navigating the future of work.
[7:10] What should be the goal of young people and an agile workforce? Solving interesting problems.
[8:12] Tom discusses why schools should be primarily focused on community-connected projects.
[10:17] Tom reflects on what the workforce can learn from effective school models.
[12:24] Lifelong learning is an essential part of being an effective worker and person. Tom uses growth mindset and grit to deepen this.
[13:55] The importance of empathy and how One Stone, one of Tom’s favorite high schools, has an effective model and emphasis on empathy.
[15:55] Tom goes deeper on growth mindset, design thinking and entrepreneurial mindset and emphasizes the need for everyone to be entrepreneurial.
[18:50] Tom defines “contribution” and the notion that contributing to a community is a means toward purpose.
[20:25] Tom hones in on purpose, using his own personal experience and search for purpose as an example.
[23:10] Mutuality, climate change, community, and the idea of citizenship.
[25:30] Tom talks about some of his favorite schools and community programs that are committed to contribution and instilling a sense of community.
[28:54] Tom discusses the importance of edtech and the ways in which it can augment experience and learning.

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Getting Smart Staff

The Getting Smart Staff believes in learning out loud and always being an advocate for things that we are excited about. As a result, we write a lot. Do you have a story we should cover? Email [email protected]

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