Education – in times of digital transformation

After an engaging panel discussion on innovation in India and Switzerland featuring Deepti Sharma and Pieter Perrett, the conversation shifted to the exciting topic of education technology. The speaker for this segment was Simon Schmideli from Edutainity. Eduatainity is a small company in Switzerland with a focus on coaching and consulting, as well as teaching skills that are important both today and in the future to navigate the fast-paced world successfully and lead a healthy life. Before Simon established his own company, he worked in the association called digitalswitzerland which is a Swiss-wide, cross industry initiative that aims to transform Switzerland into leading digital nation. There Simon Schmideli was an experienced project manager and strategist with background in various fields, including start-ups, consulting and sports. He shared insights into the intersection of technology and education. His particular emphasis on education coupled with his involvement in an ed-tech start-up in India working on game-based learning solutions added depth to the discussion. Game based learning basically refers to the use of games and gaming principles for educational purposes. Since the pandemic it has significantly gained popularity as an effective and engaging way to teach various subjects and skills. In one hand game-based learning offers exciting opportunities as well as it is crucial to address challenges and implement strategies to maximize its effectiveness. The opportunities are for example engagement and motivation, active learning immediate Feedback, customization, adaptability and coolabortions and social Innovation. The Threats are distraction, limited generalization, Accsess and equityand assessment challenges. Careful planning, integration with curriculum goals, and consideration of individual learner needs are key factors in successful game-based learning implementations.

Reskilling refers to the process of acquiring new skills or upgrading existing ones to meet the changing demands of the job market, industry, or technological advancements. In the context of the future, reskilling is becoming increasingly crucial due to the rapid pace of technological innovation, automation, and shifts in the global economy. According to Simon Schmideli 50% of all employees will need reskilling by 2025. Here are some of the top 10 skills of 2025: analytical thinking and innovation, active learning and learning strategies, complex problem solving, critical thinking, creativity, Leadership flexibility and technology design and programming.

The discussion explored the evolution of education tools, from traditional ones like the abacus to modern innovations like the IBM PC, iPhone, and the anticipated Apple Vision Pro.

The «new way of working» signifies a departure from traditional methods, emphasizing that change is constant, leading to uncertainty and complexities in the modern workplace. This complexity is characterized by interconnected factors, requiring adaptability and innovative approaches to navigate the dynamic nature of work. After the panel presentation we watched the video “can you solve the bridge riddle”. This is a brain teaser that challenges individuals to strategize their way to safety within 17 minutes while avoiding pursuing zombies. The scenario involves a narrow bridge, varying walking speeds of individuals, and limited visibility. the benefits of solving such riddles, including cognitive development, improved problem-solving abilities, enhanced language skills, increased creativity, and mental stimulation. The engaging nature of riddles is portrayed as a journey of intellectual growth and entertainment.

Simon Schmideli talked about the story of the education too. It is all about the diverse learning modes in nowadays, from traditional in-person classroom to online/hybrid and VR.

The session ended with a game named BlueSky Ventures, where we could learn in a playful game how to analyse companies and think strategically. To sum up, Simon Schmideli gave the Focus India Team a lot of insights on the fascinating world of education in times of digital transformation.

Participating in the Accenture workshop was an eye-opening experience that allowed me to gain insights into the inner workings of a company that places a profound emphasis on its people. The workshop not only shed light on Accenture’s distinctive culture but also introduced us to the transformative power of Design Thinking. In this reflection, I will share my personal perspective on the workshop, focusing on the people-centric culture, the passion exuded by Accenture employees, and our hands-on application of Design Thinking frameworks.

From the onset, it was evident that Accenture’s culture revolves around its people. The workshop emphasized the company’s belief in harnessing individual skill sets to tackle complex client challenges. The encouragement of passion projects not only stood out as a testament to Accenture’s commitment to personal growth but also underscored its ability to approach problems from diverse angles. Witnessing this people-centric ethos was inspiring and made me appreciate the significance of a workplace culture that values and nurtures its employees.

One of the most remarkable aspects of the workshop was the chance to interact with Accenture professionals. Their eyes lit up with excitement when discussing their areas of expertise, creating an infectious enthusiasm that permeated the room. It became clear that these professionals were not just employees; they were individuals deeply passionate about their work. This personal touch made me realize the importance of fostering a workforce where individuals are not just skilled but genuinely engaged in what they do.

The workshop introduced us to the concept of Design Thinking, an approach aimed at making invisible aspects of problem-solving visible. The three frameworks – Empathy Map Canvas, Value Proposition Canvas, and Business Model Canvas – provided us with a structured and human-centered approach to problem-solving.

The highlight of the workshop was the hands-on application of Design Thinking frameworks to a real-world case study. We were tasked with addressing the overproduction challenges faced by a potato farmer in Karnataka, India. Using the Empathy Map Canvas, we gained deep insights into the farmer’s perspective, laying the foundation for our solution.

In the workshop, the application of the Value Proposition Canvas and Business Model Canvas served as a pivotal moment in our problem-solving journey, leading us to devise an innovative software solution tailored to address the overproduction challenges faced by the potato farmers in Karnataka, India.

The culmination of our efforts resulted in the proposal of a software solution designed to bridge the gap between supply and demand in the potato market. This innovative tool aimed to foster collaboration among potato farmers, leveraging the principles of Design Thinking to create a holistic and user-centric approach. The idea of connecting farmers with B2B buyers for predictable sales underscored our commitment to providing a reliable and stable income source for the farmers.

Simultaneously, the utilization of the B2C market for the remaining produce showcased our acknowledgment of the diverse and unpredictable nature of consumer demand. By incorporating this dual-market approach, we aimed to create a resilient system that could adapt to fluctuating conditions, a key aspect of Design Thinking.

In essence, our software solution was not merely a technological fix but a manifestation of empathy and strategic thinking. It was crafted to empower farmers by addressing the root causes of overproduction while acknowledging the complexity of the market dynamics. This practical application of Design Thinking principles highlighted the workshop’s emphasis on creating solutions that are not only innovative but also deeply rooted in the understanding of the human experience and the intricacies of the problem at hand.