Research and Technology in the 21st Century, Essay Example

The 21^st century has brought on demands for new skills in research and education. Burkhardt et al. state that research and technology are needed for almost all industries. The report created by the 21st Century Workforce Commission implies that “the current and future health of America’s 21st century economy depends directly on how broadly and deeply Americans reach a new level of literacy” (4). This new level of literacy is based on digital skills and the ability to utilize the information available through technology and continuous learning.

According to Burkhardt et al (10), today’s society is knowledge-based. Technology has an impact on research, business development and even education. Digital-age literacy should support productivity, research, critical thinking, global awareness and communication. The United Nations’ latest report also implies that technology and research are  the main drivers for tackling climate change through innovation, enabling the nations of the world to develop a greener future. Ferdig (750) confirms that in education, technology and research are the building blocks of innovation. Testing and researching new methods of teaching can enable the new generation to grow up not only with an already developed skill of digital literacy, but also advanced research and critical thinking skills that enable them to understand complexity and be able to analyze and evaluate information faster and more effectively. Research skills alongside with technology-enabled innovation can drive economy further, support all industries; from energy markets to business management and finance. Health care innovations can improve people’s lives and technology used in evaluating new manufacturing processes can make businesses more competitive on the marketplace. Technological and digital literacy skills are likely to be the most sought after capabilities by employers in the 21^st century.

Works Cited

21st Century Workforce Commission “A Nation of Opportunity: Strategies for Building Tomorrow’s 21st Century Workforce” 2000. Web.

Burkhardt, G.,  Monsour, M., Valdez, G., Gunn, C., Dawson, M., Lemke, C., Coughlin, E., Thadani, V., Martin, C. “enGauge 21st Century Skills: Literacy in the Digital Age” 2003. Web.

Ferdig, R. “Assessing Technologies for Teaching and Learning: Understanding the Importance of Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge” British Journal of Educational Technology. 2006. Print.

United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change “Fact sheet: Why Technology Is So Important” 2009. Web.