We are experiencing a revolution that is transforming the way we interact, learn, and work. Automation, artificial intelligence and data intelligence, virtual and augmented reality, 5G, and more. All of this converges in a world that is increasingly volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous. But this new world—represented by the acronym VUCA, or the contemporary term BANI: fragile, anxious, nonlinear, and incomprehensible—is not reflected in most classrooms in Brazilian K-12 and higher education, whether public or private.

Education has always been shaped by the context of society. Beginning in the 18th century, inspired by the Enlightenment, it became the primary force driving the development of rational thought worldwide. This role was of utmost importance to progress; if we are undergoing a scientific and technological revolution, it is precisely because science is grounded in this rational thought.

But the context has changed, and the issues of the 20th century are compounded by new problems. The climate crisis, mass migration, war, hunger, fake news—not to mention the legacy of the coronavirus pandemic, a topic for another article. 

The 21st century has exacerbated old problems and brought to light new, urgent global challenges that will require future generations to possess skills that go beyond the cognitive. More than just reading, writing, and memorizing, today’s world demands an education that speaks to both minds and hearts—one that shapes human beings who are aware of the world’s full complexity and capable of charting their own course in accordance with an explicit life purpose, while respecting others above all else. After all, no one needs to agree or disagree with another person; rather, they must respect that person’s point of view. 

To achieve this, we need a new curriculum that goes beyond the development of cognitive skills and intentionally embraces social-emotional competencies, while also incorporating computational thinking and new technologies within a holistic educational framework. An education that takes into account the development of each person’s multiple dimensions and prepares children, youth, and adults for the 21st-century context they will face—or rather, are already facing!

In this regard, educational institutions need to expand their horizons by supporting students on their journey of lifelong learning —not only within the walls of the institution, but also through a hybrid approach that encompasses virtual spaces for interaction.

Phygital

Hybrid learning contributes to building a more innovative educational institution, one that is open to digital culture and the development of a range of skills that are cultivated when working with more student-centered methodologies. Therefore, we are not talking about an approach in which students no longer engage or interact with teachers or classmates, but rather a “phygital” approach that places a strong emphasis on redefining social interactions related to learning.

By proposing an education that extends beyond school walls and hours and develops students’ full range of abilities, hybrid learning enables a 360-degree education that addresses the challenges of our time. It is urgent that each educational institution resume this revolutionary role. However, many students still have difficulty accessing digital resources.

Therefore, it is essential that the implementation of hybrid learning go hand in hand with the strengthening of policies aimed at reducing educational inequalities and training teachers to work in this manner. The experiences of public and private educational institutions in Brazil and abroad that have invested in hybrid learning demonstrate the importance of being equipped to offer students this access during their off-hours, for example. 

The education of the future is taking shape now

The novel coronavirus pandemic has shown that hybrid learning can help break away from the traditional classroom model by establishing new frameworks for holistic development. More than simply incorporating new technologies and methodologies, however, it will be necessary to rethink education so that it can address the complexities of the world.

An education that teaches children, youth, and adults to solve problems and supports them in finding their purpose. An education that nurtures young entrepreneurs who are aware of their role in society and motivated to develop creative solutions to the problems of the world as we know it today. Without this commitment, there will be no hybrid learning or innovation—nor will there be a future. We have starting points… we need more than just planning to set the finish lines; we must, in fact, put them into practice! 

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*This text does not necessarily reflect the opinion of Bett Brasil.