2.13 Wrapping up Module 2

Congratulations on completing Module 2 of the course. ✨

In this module, we examined in some depth the changing world of work and the possible impact AI will have on the future of employment. This includes the contentious issue of whether AI and automation will destroy or create jobs. We noted that some economists are saying that over 40 per cent of jobs may disappear in the near future, while others predict that AI and automation will lead to an increase in jobs. We suggested that the greatest impact may be in the content of jobs and work tasks.

We took this discussion deeper by examining what jobs (and tasks) might be most at risk from AI and automation, and conversely which jobs are safest.

We explored a series of case studies about how AI is changing occupations and how vocational education and training can react. Another way to view the future of employment is not so much to look at whether jobs are created or disappear, but to consider what skills machines will take over and at what tasks humans are better than machines. AI is better at some tasks, but people are central to creativity and innovation and at reasoning and framing questions. Retraining for new industries and skills is needed for those whose jobs are at risk.

One key question is how can machines and humans work together? This raises questions and opportunities with new skills needed for effective cooperation and new opportunities for improving the quality of work. However, the increasing demand for competencies and qualifications in the planning, monitoring and maintenance of digitally networked production systems cannot be satisfied with the current VET curricula.

This leads us into Module 3. In Module 3 we will explain some ways in which AI is being used for teaching and learning now and provide ideas how it might be used in the future to cope with increased demand. And we provide a series of different case studies drawing on existing practice and ranging from applications like Duolingo, which is the world’s most used language learning application, to case studies based in individual vocational schools.

We hope that Module 2 has given you a broad view of the possible future of work and that in module 3 you will be able to explore how you may be able to use AI in your teaching and learning practice.