Preparing our kids for global competition : how technology in Austria's schools can create a workforce for the future

Abstract

Due to digitalization, automation and globalization todays workers skills will quickly become obsolete. In order to equip the workforce of the future, schools need to quickly adapt their curricula to the new challenges and start teaching competencies relevant for the future. Implementing these so-called ‘21st century skills in schools means allowing and facilitating change and innovation. Technology can act as a catalyst for change, but the focus must shift from the technologies to the pedagogies of use to create a real benefit in learning and teaching. The aim of this master thesis is to illustrate how educational technology is used correctly to achieve added value. We are exploring how Austrias schools can better exploit the potential of educational technologies, and which challenges exist, both in general and specifically in the Austrian education system that seems to inhibit this development. Our research process was based on a mixed methods approach. A standardized questionnaire survey sent out to 100 primary schools in Austria and five expert interviews were performed. Based on our findings we developed the ‘House of Future Education, a framework that illustrates what is needed for innovating the Austrian school system. In addition, a business plan for a multi-sided platform business, the Ah! Aha! Haha! Lab was developed, which aims to prepare all children for an ever-changing, technologically driven world by teaching 21st century skills with 21st century technologies. It needs teachers who are not afraid of technology, but curious to experiment. It needs Start-Ups that act impact-driven and are eager to develop real solutions to existing problems. Moreover, it needs systems that support and facilitate innovation and governments, that are brave enough, to rethink old and perhaps outdated structures. Although educational technology can only support 21st century teaching and learning, they must take on a central role on our journey to innovate and modernize the educational system. This requires patience, because fundamental changes of whole systems take time. Nevertheless, for this to happen, the discussion, the critical questioning and the constant debate on the subject must be kept alive.