Education access expanding

Education access is expanding throughout the world. As literacy rates and internet access improve, people have greater access to information and educational resources. Education drives global competition by improving social mobility, creating jobs, and fostering innovation. Therefore, many countries are prioritizing education as a component of their long term economic strategy. Education also promotes gender equality and citizen political awareness, improving citizen well being. Increased internet access in developing nations is shrinking the digital divide, and emerging technologies such as AR/VR, AI, and data-personalization are transforming the education landscape. However, emerging technologies may have a bigger impact in countries where internet access is already widespread, potentially moving the goalpost for the digital divide instead of shrinking it. Reports also note that expanding options in learning resources does not necessarily translate to equitable access and use.

AFRICAN FUTURES 2050: THE NEXT FORTY YEARS by Foresight for Development is a monograph covering the major transitions Africa is undergoing, and the uncertainties Africa faces. It provides a possible future for Africa in 2050 based on recent and likely future developments. One major development is rising primary education and literacy rates contributing to a higher Human Development Index.

The OECD Scenarios for the Future of Schooling by OECD chapter of four scenarios for 2040:

• Schooling extended
• Education outsourced
• Schools as learning hubs
• Learn-as-you-go

Important variables in the future of schooling include: investment in education R&D, massification and extension of schooling, increased number of sources for learning, increasingly educated parents, learning and skilling outside of formal education and schooling, and erosion of formal education credentials.

The Future of Learning and Training: Environmental Scan by Policy Horizons Canada explores new models of learning and training through the lens of the employee and employer. It also looks at technological innovations in the field. This exploratory report aims to assist in policy development in Canada. Social-immersive learning shapes how we learn, while the digtal learning ecosystem transforms where we learn.

Chaos or Connection? The Global Media and Information Landscape in 2035 by Global Governance Futures analyzes the future of media and information landscape until 2035. Digital and media literacy is identified as a key uncertainty driving the future of the media and information landscape. As technologies that aid in the creation and distribution of mis/dis-information- such as deepfakes- accelerate, it is crucial that media literacy keeps pace.

The Future-Ready University by ARUP explores the evolving landscape of higher education and its implications for the future of universities, encompassing changes in campus design, educational delivery, and insights from interviews with experts at partner universities worldwide.

Emerging economies: demographic change by UK Government Office for Science focuses on the demographic changes occurring in emerging economies and their potential implications. It highlights the significant growth of the middle class and urban populations, as well as aging populations and increasing life expectancy. Two of the of the impacts identified from these changes are productivity improvements and education.

Scenarios for the Future of Technology and International Development by Rockefeller Foundation explores four scenarios: Lock Step, Clever Together, Hack Attack, and Smart Scramble, each depicting different trajectories of technological development and their socio-economic impacts, and their implications for technology and global development. It examines how technological advancements can either exacerbate inequalities or contribute to equitable and sustainable development, highlighting the need for proactive measures to harness technology for positive outcomes and address potential challenges. One of the key social and environmental uncertainties presented during the scenario workshop were the expansion of educational opportunities for women and in the developing world.

Future State 2030: The global megatrends shaping governments by KPMG International and the Mowat Centre examines global mega-trends likely to impact the public and private sectors through 2030, and delves into the megatrends' implications for governments. One of the 9 megatrends identified is the rise of the individual

Advances in global education, health and technology have helped empower individuals like never before, leading to increased demands for transparency and participation in government and public decisionmaking. These changes will continue, and are ushering in a new era in human history in which, by 2022, more people will be middle class than poor.

Health and Health Care in 2032 by Institute for Alternative Futures presents 4 scenarios for the future of health and healthcare in the year 2032. The scenarios depict potential outcomes such as increased personalization of healthcare, advancements in medical technology, changes in healthcare delivery models, and the impact of societal factors on health outcomes. One societal factor identified is education and learning.

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