Abstract
The authors of the Education 4.0 concept postulated a flexible combination of digital literacy, critical thinking, and problem-solving in educational environments linked to real-world scenarios. Therefore, teachers have been challenged to develop new methods and resources to integrate into their planning in order to help students develop these desirable and necessary skills; hence, the question: What are the characteristics of a teacher to consider within the framework of Education 4.0? This study was conducted in a higher education institution in Ecuador, with the aim to identify the teaching profile required in new undergraduate programs within the framework of Education 4.0 in order to contribute to decision-making about teacher recruitment, professional training and evaluation, human talent management, and institutional policies interested in connecting competencies with the needs of society. Descriptive and exploratory approaches, where we applied quantitative and qualitative instruments (surveys) to 337 undergraduate students in education programs and 313 graduates, were used. We also included interviews with 20 experts in the educational field and five focus groups with 32 chancellors, school principals, university professors, and specialists in the educational area. The data were triangulated, and the results were organized into the categories of (a) processes as facilitators (b), soft skills, (c) human sense, and (d) the use of technologies. The results outlined the profile of a professor as a specialized professional with competencies for innovation, complex problem solving, entrepreneurship, collaboration, international perspective, leadership, and connection with the needs of society. This research study may be of value to administrators, educational and social entrepreneurs, trainers, and policy-makers interested in implementing innovative training programs and in supporting management and policy decisions.
Highlights
New roles in sectors such as industry, society, government, and education have emerged due to the dizzying pace of technological development in recent years
The aim of this study was to identify the teaching profile required in the new undergraduate programs within the framework of Education 4.0 in order to contribute to decision-making for teacher recruitment, training and evaluation, talent management, and decisions for institutional policies interested in connecting competences with the needs of society
The purpose of this study was to identify the teaching profile required in the new undergraduate programs within the framework of Education 4.0 in order to contribute to decision-making for teacher recruitment, training and evaluation, talent management, and decisions for institutional policies interested in connecting competences with the needs of society
Summary
New roles in sectors such as industry, society, government, and education have emerged due to the dizzying pace of technological development in recent years. Hernandez-de-Menendez et al [1] analyzed these changes as necessary because of Generation Z students, who are seen as true digital natives. They are a hyper-cognitive generation with student profiles that are different from the previous ones, requiring new forms of teaching and learning from experienced teachers in emerging technologies. The mediation of technologies causes changes in teachers’ roles; educators need to be open to continuous improvements in instructional practices [2]. There is a need to develop ways to equalize the positions between instructors and students, while professors
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