1. Working in the 21st Century

1. Study the infographic image and find arguments to support the following predictions:

• working hours will be more flexible;

• intellectual work will increase in variety and quality;

• there will be more possibilities for education and travel abroad;

• fewer people will have regular jobs

Here are some more predictions about the future of work. Which of the predictions are likely and unlikely to happen? Mark them with L or Un accordingly. Compare your results with those of your partner. Can we observe these changes already? Give examples to support your choice. Do you think these changes will bring a positive or negative effect?

There will be not offices, just virtual groups working online.
Permanents jobs will become the things of the past.
Teachers will work from home online, schools will not exist.
There will be no bosses, only teams in which workers will collaborate.
People will need no diplomas and no formal certification to get a job.
Everyone will become an entrepreneur.
There will be no pension age, people will work as long as they will want.
There will be no business travel, only 3D virtual reality meetings.
There will be more autonomy and responsibility.
The traditional concept of "job" will disappear

2. 21-Century Skills: The 4Cs

1. Match the 21-century skills with their interpretation.

Communication	Looking at problems in a new way and linking learning across subjects and disciplines
Collaboration	Sharing thoughts, questions, ideas and solutions
Critical thinking	Trying new approaches to get things done
Creativity	Working together to reach a goal. Putting talent, expertise and smarts to work.

OVER TO YOU:

• Do you already have these skills? What helped you develop them?

• Which of the skills still need to be developed?

3. 21-century skills: cause and effect

What effect can be expected if the following skills are put into practice in your field (teaching or other)? Complete the boxes with your ideas. The example has been done for you:

information literacy

If teachers possess this skill they know how to find information for their classes, how to make it easy for students.

media and technology literacy

flexibility and initiative

problem solving

the ability to learn new skills

social skills