Research review: Technology in US schools: Are we preparing our kids for the jobs of tomorrow? (PWC, 2018)

Are we preparing our kids for the jobs of tomorrow? - Review of study recently completed by PWC

A recent study completed by PWC showed a gap between the digital skills business leaders need to build a future workforce and educators abilities to sufficiently prepare students to meet those demands. In this podcast episode, I break the study down, offer some of my own insight, and share some practical steps to take to help advance technology education

Background of study:

* This has an impact on workforce preparedness and the US economy. * By 2020, 77% of all jobs will require some sort of technology skill (that’s only a year away).  * There will be 1 million more computing jobs than there are workers to fill the need.

Study:

* Surveyed 2,000 K-12 teachers in Spring 2018 in various schools, experience levels, and grade levels. * Purpose is to explore strategies to help teachers develop student technology and career-readiness skills.

Results

* Six Trends were observed in the results: * Most K-12 teachers are not comfortable teaching higher order technology skills, such as data analytics, programming, web design, robotics * 10% felt comfortable, grade level, school affluence, teacher experience level had no impact on results * Teachers were most comfortable teaching web design and robotics * Teachers were least comfortable teaching app design/creation, CAD, and computer programming * High schools are offering technology-related courses, * but only 35% of teachers report offering web design / app building courses * 20% say their school offers data analytics * Course topics are * Computer Fundamentals * Graphic design * CAD * Web design * Robotics * Computer Programming * App design/creation * Data Analytics * Students don’t spend a lot of time actively practicing the skills needed for job readiness * 60% of technology use is passive (videos, visiting websites) * 32% of technology use is active (coding, creating videos, performing data analysis) * Teachers want more support from their districts * 79% would like more professional development on technology related topics * 81% would like more release time to attend professional development * 81% would like more funds to attend professional development * 81% would like more curriculum plans and course materials * Technology access in schools is on the rise, lack of access at home makes it challenging for teachers to integrate technology into the classroom * 36% report their school is a 1:1 device school * 48% say that some students don’t have access to devices * 54% of teachers say students don’t have access to the internet at home * Students in underserved schools are more likely to lack access to technology at home * 64% of teachers at underserved schools state that do not have access to devices at home * 69% report that students don’t have access to the internet at home * About 1/3 of teachers at affluent schools report students don’t have access to devices at home or the internet

Discussion:

* Need to bridge gap between the need for teaching higher level technology skills and teacher’s confidence to do so * Advocate for support and training * Balance consuming technology and creating technology to provide students with the skills needed to be career-ready

References

PWC (2018). Technology in US schools: Are we preparing our kids for thejobs of tomorrow?