This week: the fourth industrial revolution

If someone says… “What the heck is the fourth industrial revolution?”

You say… “When the Commons Education Select Committee held an inquiry, it said the revolution was ‘characterised by the emergence of a range of new technologies including artificial intelligence, robotics and the internet of things’.”

If someone says… “So, it’s the robots taking over, then. How can we prepare for it as teachers?”

You say… “Well, it’s likely consequences are two-fold: it will create a load of jobs, but it will also see a lot being rendered unnecessary. We need to prepare our pupils for the jobs that will be most needed in this new age.”

If someone says… “What about us teachers? Will we be replaced by robots?”

You say… ”Don’t worry, it’s unlikely. Robots don’t have the personal skills. But it could affect how we work. The Association of School and College Leaders says that machines could do the ‘heavy lifting’ when it comes to routine assessment and managing data.”

If someone says… “So less tedious paperwork?”

You say… “Yes, exactly. Bring on the bots!”