The challenge of AI
A longstanding tension in the education world is that between a focus on personal growth, development and preparation for an enriching life on the one hand and preparation for employment on the other. Ideally, the two should go hand in hand – that is, the more developed a person is, the more they will have to offer in the world of work and the more they can gain from employment and a career.
However, what we need to be very aware of is that the world of work is changing. Developments in technology have made many job opportunities much rarer or even obsolete altogether. The rapid development and widespread use of artificial intelligence (AI) is destabilising the employment field in various ways – and this is likely to accelerate, rather than peter out.
One of the dangers of AI is that it will increase inequality. It can mean fewer jobs in some areas, but better, more efficient and effective tools for those still in that type of employment. For example, AI presents graphic designers with powerful, time-saving tools, but you don’t have to be a qualified designer to use them, meaning that many people will be able to use AI to create their own designs without the need to engage a professional designer. So, it is likely that there will be fewer designers but those that remain will have better tools – a bonus for the few, hardship for the many.
Radical rethink of the role of work