From advice on tackling workload and a call to arms about the importance of ideas and creativity in education to sessions on Lesson Study and AI, Dorothy Lepkowska and Pete Henshaw report from SSAT’s National Conference

If in the future, technology takes over many of the jobs that used to require degree-education, then what are we educating children to be?

This was the challenge laid down to delegates at the SSAT National Conference by the BBC’s arts editor Will Gompertz.

During his keynote presentation, Mr Gompertz argued that subjects such as philosophy and ethics would become vital in a future dominated by technology and artificial intelligence (AI).

Equally important will be the one thing that makes humans stand apart from machines – creativity, or, as he put it, the ability to have an idea and realise it.

He said: “The SmartPhone in your pocket is 20 times more powerful than the world’s biggest super computer 20 years ago. It’s just the tip. What is going to happen over the next 20 to 30 years is absolutely extraordinary. In the 20th century, technology has taken over from brawn. In the 21st century, technology will take over from brain.

Register now, read forever

Thank you for visiting SecEd and reading some of our content for professionals in secondary education. Register now for free to get unlimited access to all content.

What's included:

  • Unlimited access to news, best practice articles and podcast

  • New content and e-bulletins delivered straight to your inbox every Monday and Thursday

Register

Already have an account? Sign in here