Social Technopreneurship: A Unifying Force in Education
THERE IS A GLOBAL PROBLEM:
Our education system is not adapting quickly enough to the changing world
Education today is in crisis. Even before the coronavirus pandemic struck, in many parts of the world, children who should be in school are not in school. For those who are, their schools often lack the resources to provide adequate instruction. At a time when quality education is arguably more vital to one’s life chances than ever before, children are missing out on the education needed to live fulfilling lives as adults: to participate in society and contribute to the economy.
Historically, education has been the shortest bridge between the haves and the have-nots, bringing progress and prosperity for both individuals and countries–but the current education system is showing its age. Founded at a time when industries needed workers with a relatively fixed set of skills and knowledge, it is losing its relevance in an era of innovation, disruption and constant change, where adaptability and learning agility are most needed.
Global educational strategies are operating in isolation and losing applicability
Social Emotional Learning (SEL) focuses on developing social and emotional skills, including self-awareness, self-regulation, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making. Students who have undergone SEL have better mental health, higher academic achievement, improved behavior and attitude towards learning, and are more likely to graduate from high school.
21st Century Competencies (21CC) emphasize on developing a broad range of skills that are essential for success in a rapidly changing world, including critical thinking and problem solving, creativity and innovation, communication, collaboration, digital literacy, and global awareness. Students who have undergone 21CC are better prepared to adapt to changing technologies and work environments, and are more likely to have successful careers in a wide range of fields.
International Baccalaureate (IB) emphasizes the development of the whole person, including students who are knowledgeable, caring, and engaged citizens of the world. Students who have undergone IB are more likely to be well-rounded individuals, lifelong learners, globally minded, and empathetic towards people from diverse cultures and background.
STEM education focuses on developing skills in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. Students who have undergone STEM are more likely to have stronger analytical and problem-solving skills, more technological savvy, able to work collaboratively on complex projects, and better placed for careers in a range of STEM fields
Evaluating our current education systems against three criteria: job readiness, ability to compete against smart machines for jobs, and creating long-term economic value – reveals the following:
34% of students believe their schools are not preparing them for success in the job market. We need to fix the bridge from education to employability.
60% of future jobs have not been developed yet and 40% of nursery/kindergarten children in schools today will need to be self-employed to have any form of income. We need to prepare students for jobs that have not been created yet and to become entrepreneurs. What we need to learn, how we learn, and the role of the teacher are all changing.
How Social Technopreneurship can help to unify education and bridge the gap
Social Technopreneurship, or entrepreneurship through technology serving a social cause, refers to the use of entrepreneurship and technology to create innovative solutions that address social and environmental challenges. It involves using business principles and technological tools and skills to create sustainable and socially responsible ventures that generate both economic and social value.
Students who have undergone Social Technopreneurship are better equipped to combine business acumen, technical skills, and social consciousness to create ventures that not only generate profits but also benefit society. They are more likely to leverage technology to create products and services that address social problems such as poverty, inequality, climate change, and access to education and healthcare, including the creation of new employment opportunities for marginalized communities.
Here are more examples how Social Technopreneurship can empower students to make impactful changes:
Developing new technologies that address social problems: Social technopreneurs can develop and bring to market new technologies that address social and environmental challenges, such as clean energy solutions, water purification systems, or healthcare innovations.
Using technology to scale social impact: Technology can be used to scale the impact of social enterprises and initiatives, such as using digital platforms to raise awareness about social causes, or using data analytics to track and measure social impact.
Creating social enterprises that use technology to create social impact: Social technopreneurs can create businesses or initiatives that have a social or environmental mission, and use technology to achieve their goals. For example, a social enterprise could use ecommerce platforms to sell products made by artisans in developing countries, creating economic opportunities and supporting sustainable development.
Promoting digital inclusion and accessibility: Social technopreneurs can use technology to promote digital inclusion and accessibility, such as developing tools or services that make it easier for people with disabilities to access information, or providing internet connectivity to underserved communities.
Why Social Technopreneurship education is the way to go
Social Technopreneurship is a distinct approach to education that focuses on developing skills and knowledge related to starting a business and using technology to serve a social cause. While there are some similarities between Social Technopreneurship education and other approaches such as SEL, 21CC, IB, and STEM education, Social Technopreneurship is intuitive and helps students to thrive through:
Experiential learning: Social Technopreneurship involves experiential learning, such as starting and running a business, working on entrepreneurial projects, using technology, and addressing social problems. This hands-on approach to learning allows students to apply the skills and knowledge they have learned in real-world setting, which can be highly practical and a powerful learning experience.
Eclectic learning: Social Technopreneurship integrates and optimizes different instructional approaches, including inquiry-based learning, problem-based learning, and project-based learning designed to expose students to real-world challenges, develop related skills and attitudes to overcome, thrive and lead personally meaningful projects.
Innovation and risk-taking: Social Technopreneurship emphasizes innovation and risk-taking, encouraging students to think creatively and take calculated risks in order to achieve their goals. This focus on innovation and risk-taking sets Social Technopreneurship education apart from more traditional approaches that may place a greater emphasis on following established rules and procedures.
Focusing on developing resilience, adaptability and learning agility: Social Technopreneurship bridges the gap between the haves and the haves-not by making quality education accessible to all. Focusing on developing resilience, adaptability and learning agility, anyone who experienced setbacks or with limited resources can learn to bounce back and create new opportunities for themselves and others.
Opportunities for educators to make an impactful difference in students’ lives
Social Technopreneurship is an emerging field and discipline that has the potential to create significant positive change by harnessing the power of entrepreneurship and technology to solve some of the world’s most pressing social and environmental challenges. By applying business principles and technological tools and skills to address social problems, students can significantly increase their experience and employability. More importantly, students get to follow their passion. They can believe in their cause and be the change they want to see in this world by creating a more sustainable and equitable future for all.