In modern society, knowledge has become the fundamental resource and driving force behind all aspects of human development. Education is no longer merely the compulsory acquisition of knowledge in schools and universities; it is a lifelong process. Modern society is a knowledge-based society, where competencies and skills are crucial for active and successful integration into both professional and social environments.
Education as the Foundation of Social Development
Knowledge and education have always been vital for societal development. Throughout human history, every civilisation that advanced had a well-developed system of education and scientific research. In today’s society, knowledge has become a universal social necessity, with significant economic, political, and cultural influence. Education enables individuals to acquire the knowledge and skills necessary for employment, social cohesion, and personal development.
Educational institutions prepare individuals for active roles in society, equipping them with the knowledge and skills required for both professional and social roles. Investment in science and education in developed countries is not considered a cost but an investment. This approach has proven to be correct, as countries that invest in science and research and adapt their educational systems to technological changes have felt the effects of the global economic crisis much less.
Educational Reform in the Modern Era
In the modern era, the development of science and technology has significantly altered the concept and role of education. Education no longer entails only the acquisition of functional literacy and encyclopaedic knowledge, but also the development of creative potential, capabilities, and ambitions of individuals. Work and business activities in modern society require educated and well-rounded individuals who are capable of quickly adopting new knowledge and applying it in practice.
New technologies, such as electronic communication and the exchange of various learning activities, are bringing about changes in the nature of jobs and types of work. These changes provide greater access to knowledge and learning for everyone, which should result in a reduction of class differences in society. However, the problem of unequal access to new technologies still exists, leading to informational poverty and hindering the reduction of social disparities.
Formal Education and Everyday Learning
Formal education remains crucial for acquiring basic knowledge and skills. Schools and universities play an important role in forming the foundational knowledge necessary for everyday life and professional careers. However, in today’s society, formal education alone is not sufficient. The development of technology and changes in the labour market require individuals to continue learning beyond the completion of formal schooling.
Daily learning of new things has become essential for survival and success in the modern world. Lifelong learning enables individuals to keep up with rapid societal changes and continually improve their skills. Bill Gates, Elon Musk, and Steve Jobs are examples of how daily learning and innovation can change the world. They all emphasised the importance of continuous learning and adapting to new circumstances as the key to success in the business world.
Knowledge as a Key Resource for the Future
In modern society, knowledge is treated as a fundamental resource for development. It is inextricably linked to education, and as a direct result of science and scientific research, knowledge drives and directs all social currents, raises the level of development, and produces innovations and new information.
Therefore, education in modern society has been transformed into a broader concept of lifelong learning, which includes both formal and informal forms of learning. Anthony Giddens observes that the notion of education is increasingly being replaced by the broader concept of “learning,” which takes place in various environments and throughout one’s life. Learning should not be limited to formal institutions but must be a part of everyday life, with an emphasis on the development of human values and capabilities.
Challenges and the Future of Education
Although modern society is increasingly focused on knowledge and technology, there are numerous challenges facing the education system. Unequal access to education, lack of adequate resources and technologies, as well as problems with functional literacy in developing countries, represent serious obstacles that need to be overcome.
According to the latest UNESCO research, there are approximately 781 million illiterate adults in the world, representing about 15.7% of the global adult population. The majority of illiterate people are in sub-Saharan Africa and Western Asia. These figures highlight the need for global efforts to improve access to education and increase functional literacy worldwide.
Successes and Thoughts of Great Minds: Bill Gates, Elon Musk, and Steve Jobs on Education
Bill Gates: Life Lessons School Doesn’t Teach
Bill Gates, the founder of Microsoft and one of the most successful entrepreneurs of our time, has often spoken about the importance of knowledge and education, as well as the realities that schools fail to convey to students. In a speech at a high school, he shared 11 rules that he believes are key to success in life but are rarely taught in traditional education systems.
The first rules include facing life’s injustices and accepting that the world will not adjust its demands to our feelings or ambitions. This is particularly important in modern society, where knowledge is considered the most important resource, but success results from patience, hard work, and a willingness to take responsibility for one’s mistakes. Gates emphasises that while schools may teach some of these lessons, life requires their application in real situations, which often goes unaddressed in formal education.
Elon Musk: Education Beyond the Traditional
Elon Musk, the founder of Tesla and SpaceX, is known for his innovative approaches not only in technology but also in education. Musk has often criticised traditional education, arguing that college degrees do not guarantee success and that the greater value lies in the ability to learn independently and adapt to new information. He believes that the internet offers immense opportunities for acquiring knowledge and that his children have learned more through platforms like YouTube and Reddit than in traditional classrooms.
Musk’s approach to education is revolutionary as he believes that the key lies in developing problem-solving skills and critical thinking, rather than acquiring degrees. This way of thinking is reflected in his approach to raising his children, where reading books and solving problems are valued more than playing video games, indicating the importance of balanced development and orientation towards long-lasting knowledge.
Steve Jobs: Education in the Age of Technology
Steve Jobs, the legendary founder of Apple, left a lasting impact on how we see and use technology. Jobs believed that technology could transform education and make it more accessible and efficient. In this spirit, the so-called “Steve Jobs schools” were created in the Netherlands, representing a radical departure from the traditional education system.
In these schools, technology is at the centre of the educational process. Each student uses an iPad as the main tool for learning, replacing traditional books and notebooks. This model of schooling allows children to learn at their own pace, following a personalised programme tailored to their needs and interests. The idea is for children to develop their skills and knowledge in line with the demands of the modern age, where computer literacy is as important as traditional literacy.
Conclusion: The Role of Educational Institutions and the Academic Centre of Knowledge
The role of educational institutions in modern society is of crucial importance. They are responsible for imparting the knowledge and skills necessary for personal and social development. However, to fully respond to the challenges of the modern age, it is necessary to continually improve and adapt curricula, introduce new technologies, and ensure access to education for all.
The Academic Centre of Knowledge is one example of how organising courses in Serbian language, mathematics, IT, physics, and other fields can contribute to the spread of knowledge and skills in our country. The new cycle of courses organised within this centre enables participants to acquire the necessary knowledge and competencies that will help them in future professional and social roles.
All individuals who are firmly integrated into society, equipped with new knowledge and skills, represent a valuable human resource that can contribute to the development of society as a whole. Therefore, education is not only a personal obligation but also a social responsibility that should be supported and enhanced at all levels.
