The discussion on the relationship between digital transformation and employment and the concerns that digital transformation could affect employment is not new. History seems to repeat itself. We are not new to the implications of machines displacing human labour. Technical advances tend to first concentrate in specific sectors and then the country or industry in question must learn and balance things out across the board.

Creating the right mindset to embrace this digitally mediated shift is a must as is learning the technology itself. It is important to create a disruptive form of education at all levels where all game players in the field of education be it educators, students and decision makers alike work together to harness technology driven growth. One must keep in mind that digital education does not mean a digital first approach.

Education is still education. Ahead of all other considerations, digital education must also nurture talent, challenge students' thinking, explain new concepts and instigate them to think outside the box. We must be truthful with ourselves that a true digital education cannot happen overnight. We must never forget that behind the technology and data there are real people with individual needs.

 It is easy to video a lecture and upload it quickly to the internet. But online lectures, seminars and exams do not constitute a digital education. The experience must be much more all-encompassing, with content specifically developed to generate interactivity and engagement in a virtual format. It cannot be done quickly, and it cannot be done cheaply, but investing in an immersive digital environment is time and money well spent.

One cannot assume that technology companies or educators can do it on their own. Educators are not technology companies and technology companies are not educators. Teachers may be outstanding in our field, but it is a mistake to assume that they alone can translate that knowledge and expertise seamlessly into the digital world. Education is the first and most important starting point for digital education, but we also need technology experts to translate our vision and ideas.

We must empower educators to learn to recognise their needs and recognise their vision. We must provide all resources so that they can be innovative, brave and skilled enough to try cutting-edge techniques and novel ideas.

Digital transformation is not without risk. Delivering a successful digital transformation requires substantial investment, but the potential failure points are numerous. Weak content or insufficient support may mean students do not embrace the digital learning environment. Poor training may leave teachers struggling to create appropriate digital lessons. Novel technology solutions may not perform as expected or may not integrate effectively together.

We must see that we bolster our students' interest by allowing the possibility for them to return to study and train with rewarding career opportunities. In its own sense this gives them value as a return on the investment in time and self-sacrifices they are making.

By having an established digital education framework in place, we are ensuring that we as a country will eventually be rewarded in various manners for the wellbeing of our country and our children's future. During my 35 years involved in this sector at the helm of TCTC it was always my intention to pioneer our generations and bring this philosophy closer to home education from local councils and TV.

At this digital transformation, we need candidates with this tech acumen and experience to grasp and steer our nation ahead to the opportunities for the present and the future. We need digital champions.

Ray Abela is a Candidate for PL on 1st and 3rd District

www.rayabela.com    email: [email protected]