Education in a Technology-Shaped World: Which Learning Model Helps Preparing for the Knowledge-Based Societies?

Abstract

To prepare students to face a technology-shaped world, education must become creative and innovative. In fact, we live in a fast-changing world, where technological advances have been causing a great disruption in our lives, jobs and societies; job automation and knowledge-based economies require our students to get ready for jobs that do not yet exist, for technology that has not yet been invented. This study contributes to the understanding of which learning approach is more likely to provide learners with the skills for the 21^st century, to include critical thinking, problem-solving, collaboration and social-emotional skills. Building on existing research on how technology impacts the way we teach and learn, it asks: which learning model optimizes student’s preparation for the knowledge-based societies? In this context, the outlined learning methods are traditional learning (learning in the physical classroom); e-learning (learning through online learning programs); and blended learning (a mix of face-to-face and e-learning). This paper is based on a review of literature on different learning approaches and respective advantages and disadvantages, both from the student’s and the teacher’s perspectives. This analysis shows that education must change, that the change includes using technology and implies challenges for students, teachers and institutions. The results indicate that to provide students with the crucial skills for an uncertain future, instead of the traditional classroom-based or the fully online learning-based model a blended or mixed approach would be preferable, as it takes advantages of the benefits of both.