An Australian academic has said that the education sector in India must embrace innovations, disruptions in technology, and in a sense, reinvent itself to be relevant and attractive globally.
Taking part in the recently held INBUSH 2018- International Research Conference, Professor Martin George Bean, Vice Chancellor, RMIT University, Australia, stressed that tertiary education in almost all countries is trapped in yesterday’s model.
“The education sector needs to embrace innovations and disruptions in technology, thereby re-inventing itself. The education sector in any country needs to be in sync with society’s demands, industry’s demands and demands of the students. It needs to be a lot more flexible, “he said.
Professor Bean strongly advocated democratisation of tertiary education and opening it up through digital education. He said doing otherwise would be a massive disservice to a generation of human beings.
He remarked that young leaders of today are looking for skills and not just degrees and diplomas.
He warned that ten years from now, robots will change the way work is done in India, especially in law firms, Artificial Intelligence, marketing companies and advertisement companies.
He said, “50% of the jobs are at the risk of replacement in next 20 years. He implored that there is a need for universities to prepare students for life and work, just like RMIT University where skills for an exponential economy such as critical thinking, entrepreneurship, and adaptability are nurtured in students.”
Bimal Sikdar, Director, Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship stressed that the information flow and knowledge component has increased amongst today’s youth, but no matter how much knowledge or information one may have, what matters is how well that knowledge or information can be applied.
He opined that very soon a time would come when skill, information, and education will integrate, increasing the employability factor of the youth of the country.
(With inputs from ANI)
