29th April, 2024
As part of MYOB’s recent partnership with Monash Talent, MYOB’s Technology Segment Lead (Director of Engineering) Jerzy Filatow penned the following thought leadership article on how Generative AI is shaping learning now and into the future.
It’s an important example of how industry partnerships matter, especially in the education sector.
These kinds of insights are especially helpful for students, and it also shows the need for educational institutions to have pathways and partnerships, especially in the vocational (VET)-university to industry sector.
When I embarked on my IT career in the late 90s, the digital landscape was on the cusp of revolution.
The internet was somewhat of a novelty, Google had just entered the scene, and our office marveled at the cutting-edge technology of Windows 95 desktops and the Weezer “Buddy Holly” easter egg video that was shipped with it.
Today, we find ourselves at the threshold of another monumental shift, driven by Generative AI.
This evolution isn’t just about enhancing our operational efficiency or expanding our digital connectivity; it’s about redefining the very essence of creation and collaboration.
Reflecting on the transformational journey from the dawn of personal computing and the internet to today’s generative AI landscape, we see parallels in the disruptive nature of these technologies and how we need to adapt.
From the green screen Apple IIe computers that graced the classrooms of my childhood to the sleek tablets and laptops of today, technology has steadfastly held a key role in education.
These tools have evolved from modest aids to fundamental pillars of our educational infrastructure.
As we advance into 2024, Generative AI has emerged, swiftly imprinting its mark on educational methodologies and content.
Schools and universities are integrating AI into their curricula, transcending its role as a mere subject of study to become a fundamental educational tool.
AI-driven tutoring, for instance, offers bespoke support to students, tailoring assistance to their unique learning rhythms and preferences.
However, this integration has not come without its challenges.
The educational system is wrestling with issues such as plagiarism and the ethical deployment of AI in classrooms.
These issues have ignited discussions on how to pragmatically introduce AI usage in a manner that bolsters, rather than compromises, the foundations of educational integrity and the learning journey.
The job market has consistently adapted and evolved in the wake of new technological breakthroughs.
As we embark on the AI era, we are observing a parallel transformation, occurring at a pace that is unprecedented.
Roles such as Prompt Engineer and AI Consultant have gained prominence, ranking among the fastest growing positions.
According to the World Economic Forum’s May 2023 report, the role of ‘AI and Machine Learning Specialist’ has been declared the fastest-growing job across all sectors, with technology, AI, and robotics featured within seven of the top ten roles.
AI’s impact on the job market, however, stretches well beyond the confines of the tech industry.
Marketing professionals are employing AI to sculpt campaigns that resonate with unique consumer preferences, while the accounting and finance sector is harnessing its potential to inform predictions, decisions, and form strategies.
This widespread adoption of AI is leading to a re-evaluation of professional skill sets on a global scale.
Generative AI is becoming a cornerstone of innovation and efficiency, and the skills required for the future are shifting dramatically.
Creativity, critical thinking, and AI literacy stand out as the triad of capabilities that will dominate the job market.
These skills will act as currency in a world where machines perform tasks that were once the domain of people.
It is the uniquely human ability to think outside the box that will continue to be in high demand.
AI literacy, or the understanding of how AI can be applied, is akin to computer literacy in the 90s.
Just as the ability to operate computer systems became essential then, fluency in AI will be a non-negotiable aspect of professional competency.
To prepare for this new reality, it’s imperative to embrace interdisciplinary learning.
This approach creates a deeper understanding of AI’s impacts within various fields and also equips individuals with a versatile skillset.
Universities are at the vanguard of this AI transformation. They recognise the necessity to not only teach about AI but to integrate it within the learning experience itself.
Curriculums are being overhauled to go beyond theoretical knowledge, embedding practical AI applications that reflect real-world scenarios.
Data science, AI ethics, and machine learning are now a part of a modern curriculum.
Within the corporate realm, the push towards AI is equally vigorous. Businesses are not just adopting AI technologies; they’re actively investing in the AI fluency of their workforce.
Training programs dedicated to AI and data competencies are becoming more common, with companies often partnering with educational platforms or institutions to provide tailored learning experiences.
As such, roles are being evolved to capitalise on this, fostering an environment where human creativity and strategic thinking partner with AI’s analytical and computational prowess.
The past 12 months have made it clear that Generative AI is not just a fleeting trend. It’s a pivotal force that’s sculpting the educational and professional landscapes of our future.
Embracing Generative AI necessitates a balanced approach, one that recognises its vast potential while also acknowledging the ethical implications of its application.
As we integrate AI into the very fabric of society, we must also commit to the principles of lifelong learning, ensuring that our human intelligence continues to evolve alongside the synthetic mind.
Reflecting on the journey ahead, it’s hard not to feel a sense of excitement about the possibilities.
We are at the cusp of an era where our creative horizons can expand beyond what we’ve ever imagined.
This is a moment in history where our collective future will be shaped not just by the technologies we create but by the wisdom, empathy and compassion though which we wield them.
In doing so, we will harness the full potential of AI to not only transform our world but elevate it.
Click here to read the unabridged version of this article.
For information on MYOB and our education partnerships, please email Tricia Andrews or Shailan Patel to find out more.
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