Preparing Our Students for An AI World (and Job Market)

I strongly believe one of the main purposes of education (THE purpose?) is to prepare our students to be successful in their worlds and to contribute meaningfully to that world.

For me, this means instilling values that will make them good people. 

And teaching them the skills and knowledge they need.

And fostering key dispositions and mindsets so that they will be ready for whatever comes their way.  

Yes, this also means ensuring that they are college-ready and, eventually, job-market ready as well. 

But what does that mean in today’s world? A world where we are seeing the job market shift so rapidly due to the usage and integration of artificial intelligence. A world where AI skills are now sought after. A world where AI means that we aren’t exactly sure what jobs will even be available for our kids when the time comes.

Gone are the days that a resume of important skills, relevant experience, and a proven track record for certain kinds of tasks are enough. 

Because AI has many of those skills. And a lot more combined experience. And a proven track record with which we just can’t compete.

As such, mindset is more important than ever. Because someone with the right mindset can learn and adapt in no time.

Those skills can be learned or delegated to AI. 

Key knowledge can be accessed immediately.

Tasks can be automated.

And that shifts the pool of “qualified” candidates from “people with very specific skills, experiences, and histories” to “anyone with access to AI and the mindset to be successful.”

So how do we really make sure our students are ready for this world?

We focus on those mindsets – the ones that have been so important already, but are now essential.

1. Critical thinking

   • Can they analyze problems and consider various solutions?

   • Can they distill information and ask questions?

   • Can they synthesize and evaluate information?

1. Adaptability and grit

   • Can they handle change?

   • Can they persevere through challenge and setbacks?

   • Can they use tools and resources to problem solve?

1. Collaboration

   • Can they interact with others?

   • Can they be a part of a team?

   • Can they serve in different roles with others, as needed?

1. Creativity

   • Can they consider and ideate different and new ideas?

   • Can they combine different ideas to come up with new solutions?

   • Can they consider multiple pathways?

1. Communication

   • Can they articulate their ideas?

   • Can they explain complex ideas and thoughts in a way others can understand?

   • Can they listen and hear others?

1. Growth mindset and openness to learn

   • Can they learn new skills and tools?

   • Can adapt to new ways of doing things?

   • Can they be open to other ideas?

1. Empathy

   • Can they keep the human at the center?

   • Can they connect with those around them?

   • Can they support others? 

And, less of a mindset and more of a skillset – AI literacy and proficiency.

• Can they understand the basic premise of AI, including the strengths and challenges?

• Can they effectively use AI tools in different capacities?

• Can they integrate AI into their work in relevant ways?

In the job market of the future, the specific job (as it stands now) is less important than what the person holding the job can do with it, with AI’s influence.

This all also means that employers can onboard employees fast, increase innovation, stay relevant, and diversify their staff.

So what does this mean for our schools?

1. Rethink what it means to prepare our students for their future – their world is changing, so the preparation needs to change. 

2. Reconsider the essential skills, knowledge, and dispositions for success – if it can be replaced by AI, it’s no longer essential for students to learn.

3. Teach students to use AI – AI proficiency is an essential skill, and we’re doing students a huge disservice if we’re not teaching them how to use it responsibly and effectively. 

The purpose of education is to prepare our students to be successful in their worlds. And their world is an AI world. In order to be successful, these students need to be able to learn and adapt within this world –  and to use AI effectively. 

And it’s our job to get them there.