L&D 2020: Shaping change in learning

Society

Technological lifestyle

The growth of the information industries has created a knowledge-dependent global society where computer power is ever more portable and ubiquitous. The always-on mobile world with its smart materials – where we do not need to leave our arm chair to visit others across vast distances – is changing our lives, culture and economy. Technology advancements are leading to new jobs, new products and new options¹.

Imagine these technologies in your home²:

organic robots formed from a convergence of genetic modification and robotics
home and office robots for cleaning, washing, and fetching
garden robots for plant care and tidying
anti-noise technology in gardens
patio display panels and slabs to simulate a beach or forest
remote-control devices built into pets
holographic TV
films where viewers can choose who acts in each role
3-D home printers

Entire cities now rely on high-speed wireless networks that allow commercial transactions, entertainment and communications to be handled by every individual on credit card size devices. Pinpointing exactly what you want and being shown its availability wherever you are is now taken for granted. This enables businesses continuously to refine and individualise their relationships with consumers, employees and shareholders³.

Fashion has gone wired, as technologies have revolutionised textiles and revitalised the textile industry in the USA and Europe. Researchers in smart fabrics and intelligent textiles (SFIT) have been working with the fashion industry to bring colour-changing or perfume-emitting clothes, wristwatches that work as digital wallets and running shoes that watch where you are going – and allow others to do the same⁴.

Digital devices are increasingly making our everyday decisions automatically – from room environments and the food we eat, to the drugs we take. On a wider scale, electronically enabled network teams, robots with artificial intelligence and other devices are making financial, health, educational and political decisions for us. This is because technology is increasing the complexity of our lives, but our competency is not keeping pace well enough to avoid disasters from human error⁵.

Published in January 2020, a report from ‘Tech Watch’ claims there are now more robots than people in developed countries2. But the increase in technology is leading to an anti-technology backlash and holiday makers often prefer to take their breaks in no-tech, or low-tech, environments. Holiday companies are urging consumers: ‘Visit a tech-free environment – for real. Try the excitement of thinking for yourself!’

1. http://www.futureguru.com/10trends.php

2. A Timeline for Technology, World Future Society (2006)

3. http://www.pwc.co.uk/pdf/managing_tomorrows.pdf

4. http://www.wfs.org/Sept-Oct07%20files/Visions.htm 2007

5. Not With a Bang: Civilization's Accelerating Challenge, Arnold Brown (2007)