The Educational Intelligent Economy – Lifelong Learning – A Vision for the Future

• Published in: The Educational Intelligent Economy Vol. 38; pp. 109 - 126
• Main Authors: Chaudhari, Vasudha, Murphy, Victoria, Littlejohn, Allison
• Format: Book Chapter
• Language: English
• Published: United Kingdom Emerald Publishing Limited 2019
• Subjects: Education; Global & comparative education; Big Data; educational technology; Lifelong learning
• ISBN: 1787548538; 9781787548534
• ISSN: 1479-3679
• DOI: 10.1108/S1479-367920190000038007

Abstract Almost every detail of our lives – where we go, what we do, and with whom – is captured as digital data. Technological advancements in cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and data analytics offer the education sector new ways not only to improve policy and processes but also to personalize learning and teaching practice. However, these changes raise fundamental questions around who owns the data, how it might be used, and the consequences of use. The application of Big Data in education can be directed toward a wide range of stakeholders, such as educators, students, policy-makers, institutions, or researchers. It may also have different objectives, such as monitoring, student support, prediction, assessment, feedback, and personalization. This chapter presents the nuances and recent research trends spurred by technological advancements that have influenced the education sector and highlights the need to look beyond the technical boundaries using a socio-semiotic lens. With the explosion of available information and digital technologies pervading cultural, social, political as well as economic spaces, being a lifelong learner is pivotal for success. However, technology on its own is not sufficient to drive this change. For technology to be successful, it should complement individual learning cultures and education systems. This chapter is broadly divided into two main sections. In the first section, we contemplate a vision for the future, which is deemed possible based on ongoing digital and computing advancements. The second section elaborates the technological, pedagogical, cultural, and political requirements to attain that vision.