On a global scale, we see industries and nations developing new ideas, technologies and approaches, driven to be the first and pave the way as the market leader. In the face of this challenge, we have seen education systems around the world adapt to create the workforce of tomorrow embedding more technical skills into curriculums. Finally, the technological revolution is hitting the education sector by storm and NCC Education are embracing it as a key strategy in our ambition to be the most innovative awarding body.
As an innovative awarding body, NCC Education is continuously striving to ensure our accredited partner centres develop learners who have the skills to be the leaders within their industries. Technology is playing a significant role in improving every sector from robotic surgeries in healthcare to advanced analytics in decarbonisation.
At NCC Education, the implementation of technology is a key consideration in all our programme developments, because we know the positive impact this can have on learners. All students should be facilitated to succeed in their academic and professional endeavors, technology has a significant part to play in achieving this.
Throughout this article, I will highlight the importance of technology in upskilling the next generation as well as sharing key insights into how NCC Education are using their innovative mindsight to implement technology to leave a lasting impact on learners, allowing them to thrive.
Rise of Technology
Technology is no longer a distant idea of what the future could look like, instead it impacts everyone regardless of age, gender, or race. From our mobile phones to making a cup of tea, technology has improved the lives of many by simplifying processes and making our lives easier. However, the advancement of technology can be a hindrance in the workplace for those not digitally skilled, especially following the COVID-19 pandemic where remote working became the norm.
A study conducted by BCS, The Chartered Institute of IT found 94% of the surveyed sample agree that remote working will increase the need for highly digitally skilled workers’ (The impact of technology on the world of work: 5 key takeaways from business leaders, employees, and HR specialists | BCS). As a passionate advocator for learners developing transferable skills, I believe every learner should leave education proficient in digital skills to thrive in any role regardless of industry, almost all roles require you to write emails, populate documents, and some even require you to write articles !
From improving collaboration in the workplace to protecting your rights, the digital era has ensured greater opportunities for the next generation in the professional world. The once mundane task of handwriting a business proposal or product outline, can now be revolutionised into an engaging digital presentation, with animated graphics and life-like representations. Beyond this, the revolution has also opened entirely new professions for the next generation to explore and set the standards of digital roles for their future.
Impact of Technology in Education
In order to exploit this exciting opportunity, technology has to be well and truly embedded in education. I don’t just mean teaching a class how to use a computer, there is very limited impact in this. Instead, the education system has to go further to really show the power and opportunity in technology. As commonly noted, seeing is believing.
Our classrooms should be the most advanced environments which enable learners to experiment with technology regardless of the subject. Imagine using virtual reality to conduct a practical assessment. Likewise, consider developing an artificial intelligence model to scope a plan to construct a new tower bridge in London combining both mathematical awareness as well as digital proficiency.
In reality, these things happen in only a select number of educational settings which is not representative of the professional world. Nonetheless, the shift in education is happening. Student’s are benefitting from a more personalised and flexible approach thanks to the use of AI which assists educators in tailoring learning to meet the needs of learners.
In addition, the assessment process for learning is increasingly shifting from a sit-down writing exam to more digital and practical methods. This approach Ensures education is less about how quickly one can recall facts and statistics and more about the students acquiring the knowledge to apply their knowledge. Only through innovative assessment approaches can education systems be facilitated in unlocking the true potential of the digital era.
NCC Education; Empowering through Education
NCC Education has been at the forefront of the next generation upskilling since our establishment in 1966 with computing and digital qualifications forming the core of the business. This is why we understand the digital need more than anyone, we have grown with it!
Our innovative approach to qualifications has ensured we can provide engaging qualifications which utilises technology to enhance a learners experience. We practice what we preach, aiming to make our qualifications an opportunity for learners to see the power of technology. Take for example the newly launched short course in python, this course has been designed with interactive graphics and scenes which are broken down into bitesize chunks manageable for all learners to acquire, retain and apply their budding skills.
The pipeline for embedding digital skills and experiences is critical, NCC Educations upcoming courses are taking a different approach to assessing learners. Having seen both sides of the education industry, I understand the importance for students to learn the skill and then show it off with pride. So, from taking leadership in meetings to demonstrating their creativity in embracing their digital skills, NCC educations graduates will be pioneers in their profession from day one.
I am keen to continue this innovative mindset as we look within NCC Education. We have already unleashed an abundance of talent and opportunities through internal technological adoption. Through the use of asynchronous tools, the product development team has been able to capture insights, ideas, and creativity no matter the region where my colleagues and experts are. We have been able to mind map both in planned meetings and outside of meetings facilitating every individual, regardless of location or working style.
In addition, through our adoption of AI we are able to connect with more diverse communities around the world than ever before. I often wondered how our marketing team are able to share valuable insights which remain relevant regardless of which corner of the world you live in. The reality, AI facilitates insightful discussions and thought processes by helping to engineer structure and provide a skeleton of the ideas. So, rather than getting distracted by the overall concept, the team can really unleash their creativity and add their flair which really makes the impact.
Conclusion
To conclude, digital proficiency is critical to both academic and professional success. We strongly believe there is little benefit in developing a theoretical understanding without the ability to then confidently implement the skills developed. With a vastly growing demand for digital skills, NCC Education is nurturing the leaders of the future. Through our commitment to cutting-edge innovation, graduating from an NCC Education qualification will not limit you to one career pathway but embolden students to explore and thrive as they progress along their professional journey.
