Whether we choose to embrace this new global industrial revolution or pretend it isn't really happening, either way, cyber physical systems are here. Over the course of history, people, economy, inventions, supply and demand have caused the perpetual evolution of society. The 3rd industrial revolution, the technology revolution was BIG. From computers to robots and hand held devices, we became more connected than ever. Social media exploded and new marketing platforms were born. This enabled faster, smarter, higher leveraging outcomes in business and trends globally. 

 

The face of education evolved to include technology tools and devices. Chalkboards were replaced with whiteboards that were replaced with SmartBoards that were replaced with tablets. But the universal practice of writing and responded didn't necessarily move the level of thinking forward, it was just another tool.  The fourth global industrial revolution now provides, cyber-physical systems of automation, internet of things and big data, cloud computing, systemic transformations on civil society, the need for new governance structures, the evolution of human identity, and it's direct impact on the global economy and manufacturing.

 

We have reached a tipping point where education is going to experience radical reform whether we are ready for it or not. The knowledge and skills a teacher must possess in 10 years will not be the same as it is now. Likewise, the "classroom" experience and standards needed to be successful in a global world will not remain.

 

Think tanks are exploding, industry is talking, but what are educators really doing about it? Are we willing to reinvest in our own learning, to adapt and adjust to the new demands of the world? How will be ensure that our students are ready to embrace the velocity, scope and systems impact that Industry 4.0 will have on our kids? Internet of things is disrupting every industry globally at an exponential rate rather than a the linear rate of the past. This is different. This is global. Our world will never be the same.  We will be required to ask new questions, predict outcomes and work heuristically if we want to succeed. What are you going to do to make an impact?