Education 4.0 and Digital Leadership

by Worawut Saraphan



Education 4.0 and digital leadership are interconnected concepts that have gained significant attention recently. Both reflect the rapid technological changes in education and the need for leadership that can effectively navigate this digital transformation. Here is an overview of these concepts: 

Education 4.0

Education 4.0 refers to the transformation of educational systems in response to the Fourth Industrial Revolution (IR4.0). It emphasizes the integration of digital technologies, personalized learning experiences, and the development of skills necessary for the future workforce. According to Hussin (2018), "Education 4.0 is a response to the needs of IR4.0 where human and technology are aligned to enable new possibilities" (p. 92).



Illustration #1 Development from Education 1.0 to 4.0

An illustration shows us transitional and transformational periods from Education 1.0 to 4.0. Since the Education 1.0 model was predominant before the widespread adoption of digital technologies in education, we have been experiencing Education 2.0 - 4.0 for the past decades while computerization, the World Wide Web, and new cutting-edge technology like AI were introduced to humankind. Some major paradigm shifts in education can be highlighted, for example, moving approaches from Teacher-centered to Child-centered, education becoming more personalized, and educational outcomes focusing on 21st-century skills rather than instructional degrees, etc.

However, there are 5 key aspects of Education 4.0 include:

Illustration #2 5 keys aspect of Education 4.0


  1. Personalized and adaptive learning
    For example: students can design their own schedule for their interesting topics and courses. On the other hand, school has the task of providing and supporting students.
  2. Project-based and experiential learning
    For example: STEM learning and project-based learning.
  3. Data interpretation skills
    For example: students learn how to do research and development (R&D)
  4. Formative assessment
    For example: online quizzes, E-portfolios, social media-based discussions, Google Classroom and Jamboard, etc.
  5. Student ownership of learning
    Student ownership in Education 4.0 empowers learners to become active participants in their education, fostering creativity, innovation, and a lifelong love of learning.

Digital Leadership:

Digital leadership in education refers to the ability of educational leaders to guide their institutions through the digital transformation process. It involves implementing technology and fostering a culture of innovation and digital literacy. According to Sheninger (2019), "Digital leadership is about creating a shared vision for digital transformation, fostering an innovative culture, and empowering others to innovate" (p. 12). There are 5 key components of digital leadership include:

1. Vision and strategic planning for digital integration

2. Professional development for staff in digital competencies

3. Infrastructure development and resource allocation

4. Data-driven decision making

5. Community engagement through digital platforms

The intersection of Education 4.0 and digital leadership is highlighted in research by Karakose et al. (2022):

"Digital leadership in the context of Education 4.0 requires school leaders to not only implement technology but also to create a culture that embraces digital innovation and prepares students for a rapidly evolving digital world" (p. 16171).



Illustration #3 Digital Leadership in Education 4.0

In conclusion

Education 4.0 and digital leadership are pivotal concepts that are reshaping contemporary education. Educators, administrators, and teachers must incorporate technological advancements within their educational systems and institutions. Nevertheless, new technologies are constantly emerging. Sooner or sooner, we might experience Education 5.0, which could be accelerated by new technology like quantum computing. Educators must strive for digital leadership that exhibits resilient and visionary characteristics.

In contrast, the global landscape and how we learn and educate are continuously evolving. We must contemplate whether we will resist or embrace these changes. Do we aspire to remain stagnant, or do we strive to make progress towards a better tomorrow? The response lies within the heart of a leader navigating this digital and educational transformation.

References:

       Hussin, A. A. (2018). Education 4.0 Made Simple: Ideas For Teaching. International Journal of Education and Literacy Studies, 6(3), 92-98. https://doi.org/10.7575/aiac.ijels.v.6n.3p.92

       Sheninger, E. (2019). Digital Leadership: Changing Paradigms for Changing Times. Corwin Press.

       Karakose, T., Kocabas, I., Yirci, R., Papadakis, S., Ozdemir, T. Y., & Demirkol, M. (2022). The development and evolution of digital leadership: a bibliometric mapping approach-based study. Sustainability, 14(23), 16171.
https://doi.org/10.3390/su142316171

 

Illustration#1 was based on

       Education 1.0

Hussin, A. A. (2018). Education 4.0 Made Simple: Ideas For Teaching. International Journal of Education and Literacy Studies, 6(3), 92-98.
https://doi.org/10.7575/aiac.ijels.v.6n.3p.92)

       Education 2.0

Demartini, C., & Benussi, L. (2017). Do Web 4.0 and Industry 4.0 Imply Education X.0? IT Professional, 19(3), 4-7. https://doi.org/10.1109/MITP.2017.47

       Education 3.0

Fisk, P. (2017). Education 4.0 ... the future of learning will be dramatically different, in school and throughout life. Retrieved from
http://www.thegeniusworks.com/2017/01/future-education-young-everyone-taught-together

       Education 4.0

Moravec, J. W. (2008). A new paradigm of knowledge production in higher education. On the Horizon, 16(3), 123-136.
https://doi.org/10.1108/10748120810901422


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