Discuss the changing focus of education on the context of globalisation

Changes in the focus of the education system stem from various aspects of globalisation, and one such characteristic is technology. Upgrades in technology are fast and almost equally as rapid is the spreading of these technologies throughout the world. Today it is common for people to have access to computers and internet services. As far as the work force goes basic computer knowledge is almost essential in a career. Hence education must change to include training in these facilities to better prepare future generations. Having access to this technological education is not uncommon in modern day learning facilities such as schools, tafes and universities whereas in the past this would be unheard of.

Another major point to consider is the change in the idea of the need for higher education. As of April 21st 2006 a bill has entered the Queensland parliament. If successful it will become a requirement of Queensland state law to not only complete up to year 10 studies but also continue onward to achieve a senior certificate, certificate III or certificate IV. Currently it is only compulsory to complete up to year 10 whilst under the age of 16. This is a movement to raise the average level of education within the country of Australia in order to ‘keep up’ on a global scale. Once again globalisation has created this development with the ideas that have come to Australia from other higher educated countries such as the US.

Business is an enormous part of the modern day world and as the west and other English speaking countries dominate the world’s economy it is fair to say that English could become more globally important. Citizens from non-english speaking countries are at a disadvantage in regards to business in that they would have trouble communicating with the majority of business people. Globalisation of western business is the cause of this and the education systems from many countries must conform to add English to their syllabus in order to keep up with the rest of the world.

Education is an important tool for preparing the public for the world they live in. Globalisation is the major influence on today’s world and humanity is changing their needs to incorporate it into their life. The focus of education is changing from preparing people for the workforce, to also include helping them cope with the changes that are unavoidably happening around them. Be it with the changes in technology to the inevitable western control over the globe, the education system is prepared to make the changes to do what it takes in making sure everyone has an equal chance.