The Asian Development Bank (ADB) advocates a strategic embrace of Education Technology (EdTech) by countries to empower their workforce against the mounting threat of job displacement due to rapid technological advancements. The ADB emphasizes the urgent need for a technologically adept workforce in the face of increasing automation, particularly in industries vulnerable to such disruptions. Let’s delve into the ADB’s recommendations and the pivotal role EdTech plays in reshaping education for a future-ready workforce.
The ADB’s report highlights the vulnerability of jobs in Southeast Asia, specifically in Cambodia, Indonesia, the Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam. Jobs in manufacturing, data entry, and certain service sectors face automation risks. In the Philippines alone, approximately 20.1% of workers face a “high risk” of job loss, with an additional 15.7% at a “medium risk.”
The ADB emphasizes the importance of a robust skill set that includes technological proficiency, higher-order cognitive skills, and behavioral skills. To achieve this, education systems must not only address the ongoing learning crisis but also combat recent learning losses due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Recognizing the limitations of traditional learning methods, the ADB advocates for an increased integration of EdTech, including AI and augmented reality/virtual reality, in education. EdTech offers diverse solutions such as learning management systems, mobile apps, online courses, and assessment platforms. It proves especially effective in learning recovery strategies, catering to remote and self-directed learning.
Beyond learning recovery, EdTech emerges as a key player in upskilling and reskilling efforts. It facilitates career planning through data utilization, assessments, tutoring, and personalized learning plans. EdTech is pivotal in transforming traditional education models into learner-centric approaches, aligning with the demands of the digital age.
The ADB underscores the significance of the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) sector in the face of the Fourth Industrial Revolution. It acknowledges challenges, including threats to 18.2 million jobs and limited opportunities for marginalized sectors and remote communities. Notably, the ADB commends the Philippines’ Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) for leveraging EdTech with its online programs, showcasing the potential of technology-driven learning platforms.
As the world grapples with the transformative impact of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, the ADB’s call for EdTech integration emerges as a beacon of strategic adaptation. EdTech not only addresses immediate challenges in education but also serves as a catalyst for fostering a workforce equipped for the future. Nations must recognize the urgency of investing in human capital and leveraging EdTech to navigate the evolving landscape of work and technology.
