The Rise of AI and Technology (Part One)
As technology continues to impact industries at an unprecedented pace, education is evolving to meet the demands of today’s workforce. In part one of this Q&A with Jo-Anne Clarke, dean of Continuing Studies at UVic, she dives into the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) and how it’s affecting jobs and the future of education.
Learn more about the changing role of technology, the importance of staying informed and how short, online programs are helping professionals adapt.
Insights from the Dean
How has the role of technology changed in recent years?
The role of technology has been integral to most jobs for some time, but the speed of technological advancement has accelerated in recent years.
Artificial intelligence (AI), in particular, has emerged as a transformative force. While AI was initially seen as a tool for automating low-skill, repetitive tasks, a recent study by Statistics Canada suggests that AI may have a more profound impact on jobs traditionally held by highly educated workers.
We are now entering a new phase of technological disruption that will reshape the workforce at every skill level, requiring adaptation across many industries.
For us, as educators, these rapid changes mean we have an opportunity and responsibility to deliver educational programs that help people to stay current with new technologies. We are learning and adapting our curriculum as fast as we can to meet these emerging workforce needs. Our brand new Micro-certificate in Applied AI for Administration is a good example.
This program is for people who are new to AI technology, or may already be using some aspects of it in their work, and are curious to learn more about how it can improve their workflow, operations and decision making. This is a program I would personally like to take (if there was room right now).
The popularity of this program, which just launched in the fall, is a positive sign that we are hitting the mark. And there will be more to come.
Why is it important for professionals to stay informed about workplace technologies?
Technology advances and lifelong learning go hand-in-hand. Based on the potential impact of AI, staying up-to-date with emerging technologies is crucial for professional development.
The rapid introduction of new tools and systems often necessitates upskilling or reskilling to remain competitive in the job market. It’s driving career evolution across industries and opening opportunities across-disciplines.
For instance, our Micro-certificate in Mapping with Drones equips professionals across many fields—from real estate and land use planning to geospatial analysis and emergency management—with essential GIS technology and mapping skills.
What are some of the most important skills a person needs to stay in tune with the pace of change and technology implementation in the workplace?
Surprisingly, I would say the most critical skills for keeping up with workplace technology have less to do with technical ability and more with personal mindset. Curiosity, resilience and a willingness to take risks are key to successfully learning new tools. Adapting to rapid changes requires patience, persistence and practice, which is essentially a commitment to continuous learning.
Stay tuned for part two of the Q&A. For more details about our micro-certificates, explore our professional programs and courses.
- Posted October 31, 2024
RELATED TOPICS: Computing and Information Systems