Clearing Education’s fog of the future

In 2013, the essay An Avalanche is Coming predicted massive changes to the educational landscape, driven by global economic shifts, technological advancements, and rising education costs. These changes were expected to dramatically reshape higher education.

Since then, we have seen the rise of MOOCs like Coursera and FutureLearn, 3D printing, and other technologies, which have democratised education, making learning more accessible and equitable. In many Asian countries, online courses promote social and economic mobility.

Technological advancements have also significantly disrupted the education industry, with education companies facing declines amid concerns over AI's impact. Social media and online platforms are increasingly used in education, challenging traditional modes of learning.

Even brick-and-mortar universities now offer online courses on MOOCs and other digital platforms alongside corporations, further transforming the landscape of higher education.

And as AI continues to lower the cost of cognition, it is transforming society, the economy, and the learning industry in ways similar to previous general-purpose technologies like electricity and the internet. As learning becomes more democratised, younger generations are increasingly questioning the value of traditional degrees.

How might schools rethink and reinvent their value to stay relevant in a BANI (brittle, anxious, nonlinear, incomprehensible) future?

Developing adaptability in leaders is critical for navigating the fog of the future. 

And  transformational learning experiences are necessary to help them develop the critical meta-skills that will enable them to adapt and thrive during times of disruption.

And by providing real-world value by connecting theory and practice, extending the learning experience beyond physical and digital classrooms, and leading with foresight and courage, Education leaders can refresh their organisation’s value.