Education is overdue for a transformation. For decades, traditional learning meant lecture halls, rigid schedules, and a hefty price tag. But that model no longer fits the needs of society. Digital transformation is disrupting how we think about education, careers, and the skills needed to succeed in the modern workforce. In this article, Charlotte Chaze, CEO and Founder of Break Into Tech, elaborates on how digital transformation is reshaping the education sector.
This article is published in line with the Digital Transformation and AI Awards and Summit. To exhibit at the event, please get in touch at +44 (0)203 931 5827.
The Rise of Accessible Learning
For too long, traditional education has been a barrier – it’s expensive, time-consuming, and disconnected from the real world. Today, 37% of Americans criticise traditional higher education for not teaching relevant skills, while 28% are concerned about the high cost and student debt. Digital transformation is helping break down these barriers and open learning to anyone, anywhere.
Whether you’re working full-time, raising kids, or just looking to pivot careers to increase your income, barriers to learning new skills are lower than ever. Between online courses, certifications, and self-paced programs, flexible and affordable options allow people to upskill without debt or years of commitment.
Skills Over Degrees in the Education Sector
The degree-first mentality is obsolete.
Education used to be about getting a degree to prove you can handle a job, but today it’s about developing the skills employers actually need. The rise of digital transformation through technology is causing industries to rapidly evolve, which drives the demand for specific skills that aren’t taught in traditional classes.
Data analytics, for example, is one of the most in-demand skills for 2024 with the demand expected to grow by 304% over the next 10 years, according to CompTIA. With companies drowning in data, data analysts are increasingly sought-after by employers — and you don’t need a four-year degree to get into this career field.
But this shift we’re seeing towards skills-based learning isn’t limited to the tech industry. With 4 in 5 employers valuing experience over education, companies have already started to eliminate degree requirements from job listings. Now, a portfolio full of projects from an online course is proof enough that you have the experience needed for the job.
Beyond One-Size-Fits-All Education
Traditional education has often felt one-size-fits-all, where everyone learns the same thing at the same time and in the same way. With new tools, we’re seeing a shift towards personalized learning through AI-powered platforms and self-paced courses that meet an individual’s needs, preferences, and learning style.
For those looking to transition into a new career or upskill in their current one, leaving this one-size-fits-all approach is critical.
Future of Learning
As digital transformation continues to change the job market, upskilling will be essential.
The future of education will need to be flexible, accessible, and adaptable. Digital platforms, AI-driven tools, and online learning environments are already making this possible.
Digital transformation isn’t just changing how we learn – it’s changing how we think about education.
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