This open access collection examines how higher education responds to the demands of the automation economy and the fourth industrial revolution. Considering significant trends in how people are learning, coupled with the ways in which different higher education institutions and education stakeholders are implementing adaptations, it looks at new programs and technological advances that are changing how and why we teach and learn. The book addresses trends in liberal arts integration of STEM innovations, the changing role of libraries in the digital age, global trends in youth mobility, and the development of lifelong learning programs. This is coupled with case study assessments of the various ways China, Singapore, South Africa and Costa Rica are preparing their populations for significant shifts in labour market demands – shifts that are already underway. Offering examples of new frameworks in which collaboration between government, industry, and higher education institutions can prevent lagging behind in this fast changing environment, this book is a key read for anyone wanting to understand how the world should respond to the radical technological shifts underway on the frontline of higher education.

The Fourth Industrial Revolution is introducing automation technology into all major disciplines, including business, engineering, and education. Higher education institutions need to incorporate this digital transformation in order to remain competitive. Redesigning Higher Education Initiatives for Industry 4.0 is an essential reference source that discusses education strategies for human-computer interactions in an automated world and the role of education in conjunction with artificial intelligence and virtual technologies. Featuring research on topics such as e-learning, mobile devices, and artificial intelligence, this book is ideally designed for professionals, IT specialists, researchers, librarians, administrators, and educators.

World-renowned economist Klaus Schwab, Founder and Executive Chairman of the World Economic Forum, explains that we have an opportunity to shape the fourth industrial revolu­tion, which will fundamentally alter how we live and work. Schwab argues that this revolution is different in scale, scope and complexity from any that have come before. Characterized by a range of new technologies that are fusing the physical, digital and biological worlds, the developments are affecting all disciplines, economies, industries and governments, and even challenging ideas about what it means to be human. Artificial intelligence is already all around us, from supercomputers, drones and virtual assistants to 3D printing, DNA sequencing, smart thermostats, wear­able sensors and microchips smaller than a grain of sand. But this is just the beginning: nanomaterials 200 times stronger than steel and a million times thinner than a strand of hair and the first transplant of a 3D printed liver are already in development. Imagine “smart factories” in which global systems of manu­facturing are coordinated virtually, or implantable mobile phones made of biosynthetic materials. The fourth industrial revolution, says Schwab, is more significant, and its ramifications more profound, than in any prior period of human history. He outlines the key technologies driving this revolution and discusses the major impacts expected on government, business, civil society and individu­als. Schwab also offers bold ideas on how to harness these changes and shape a better future—one in which technology empowers people rather than replaces them; progress serves society rather than disrupts it; and in which innovators respect moral and ethical boundaries rather than cross them. We all have the opportunity to contribute to developing new frame­works that advance progress.

The current trend of learner centeredness in education has been challenging many of the current ways of working, especially in higher education institutions. This rapid change in educational institutions demands educators acquire new sets of skills via continuous reflective practices. Hence, educators in higher education institutions are actively involved in research-driven teaching and learning practices. This change of role from mere content delivery to learning facilitators could be better achieved through a strong research-driven community of practice. Preparing 21st Century Teachers for Teach Less, Learn More (TLLM) Pedagogies is a pivotal reference source that provides vital research on the application of practice-based learning techniques in higher education institutions. This publication establishes a platform for academics to share their best practices to promote teach less, learn more pedagogies and learn reciprocally from the community of practice. While highlighting topics such as interactive learning, experiential technology, and logical thinking skills, this book is ideally designed for teachers, instructional designers, higher education faculty, deans, researchers, professionals, universities, academicians, and students seeking current research on transformative learning and future teaching practices.

In this visionary book, written by six internationally recognized Global Teacher Prize finalists, the authors create a positive and hope-filled template for the future of education. They address the hard moral, ethical and pedagogical questions facing education today so that progress can serve society, rather than destroying it from within our classrooms. This blueprint for education finally brings forward what has always been missing in education reform: a strong collective narrative with authentic examples from teachers on the front line. It is a holistic, personalized approach to education that harnesses the disruptions of the Fourth Industrial Revolution to better shape the future for the next generation, and ensure that every child can benefit from the ongoing transformations. A great read for anyone who has an interest in educating our youth for these uncertain times, highlighting why teachers will always matter.

Teaching and Learning in the 21st Century: Embracing the Fourth Industrial Revolution explores responsive and innovative pedagogies arising from findings of research and practitioner experiences, globally. This book clarifies concepts and issues that surround teaching and learning for the 21st century.

As the most influential activity for social and economic development of individuals and societies, education is a powerful means of shaping the future. The emergence of physical and digital technologies requires an overhaul that would affect not only the way engineering is approached but also the way education is delivered and designed. Therefore, designing and developing curricula focusing on the competencies and abilities of new generation engineers will be a necessity for sustainable success. Engineering Education Trends in the Digital Era is a critical scholarly resource that examines more digitized ways of designing and delivering learning and teaching processes and discusses and acts upon developing innovative engineering education within global, societal, economic, and environmental contexts. Highlighting a wide range of topics such as academic integrity, gamification, and professional development, this book is essential for teachers, researchers, educational policymakers, curriculum designers, educational software developers, administrators, and academicians.