Document Type : Original Research Paper-English Issue
Author
Department of Art Education, Farhangian University, P.O. Box 14665-889, Tehran, Iran
Abstract
Background and Objectives: 'Career and Technology' Textbooks have the vital role in education in equipping students with technical skills, creativity, and digital literacy. The review of international studies highlights the rapid pace of technological change driven by digital transformation and new technologies like AI, VR/AR, 3D printing, and IoT. The paper argues that these trends challenge traditional teaching methods and create unprecedented opportunities for personalized and interactive learning. This study, using futures studies methods with a foresight approach—which constitutes a systematic, anticipatory, and analytical process for anticipating future changes and threats—identifies key technological trends and emerging educational opportunities in the 'Career and Technology' course. It aims to align the content of this course with future educational needs and skill requirements.
Methods: The research employed a mixed-methods (quantitative-qualitative) exploratory approach. The process was executed in three distinct stages: Step 1: Identifying Technological Trends: A systematic review of academic literature and educational reports was conducted to identify 11 key technological trends with the potential to influence 'Career and Technology' education. Step 2: Prioritizing Trends: A questionnaire was developed to rank the identified trends based on their potential to create opportunities in the next 5-7 years. The survey was sent to 60 experts, with 48 valid responses collected. The data were analyzed using SPSS26 and the Friedman test to rank the trends. Step 3: Identifying and Classifying Opportunities: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 24 experts (university professors and teachers) to understand the benefits and impacts of the prioritized trends. The interview transcripts were analyzed using qualitative content analysis with ATLAS.ti software.
Findings: The Friedman test results (Chi-Square = 392.912, df=10, p<0.000) showed significant differences in the experts' rankings. The top three trends, based on their potential to create future opportunities, were: Artificial Intelligence (AI) (Average Rank: 9.84), Online Learning (Average Rank: 9.64), and Internet of Things (IoT) (Average Rank: 9.40). The qualitative analysis process generated 362 initial codes, which were then synthesized into 44 main themes representing the key opportunities. Key future-oriented opportunities identified include enhancing cognitive activity, blending hard and soft skills, and creating smart workshops, as well as personalizing learning, intelligent assessment, and safe, low-cost simulation. Additionally, updating the role of teachers, designing engaging technology-based content, automating processes, digital collaboration, real-world projects, virtual visits, and AI-assisted entrepreneurship education are highlighted, aligning the 'Career and Technology' course with future needs. Finally, the analysis categorizes the impact of the prioritized technological trends across the four essential domains of teaching and learning: Content Design and Production, Presentation and Teaching, Performance Assessment, and Learning Environment Management
Conclusion: The research affirms that technology is a key driver for transforming the "Career and Technology" course. The coming years should focus on personalized and deep learning (driven by AI) and facilitating safe, practical learning (driven by VR/AR and IoT). These opportunities are crucial for developing the hard and soft skills students need for the future project-based economy. Such comprehensive integration is essential for teaching these courses, equipping students with skills in adaptability, teamwork, and problem-solving, while simultaneously nurturing their ability in creative inquiry, data-driven decision-making, and effective collaboration within smart, technology-enriched environments. These are, in fact, the very competencies that fully align with the future-oriented opportunities identified by experts.
Keywords
- Educational Opportunity
- Futures Studies
- Work and Technology
- Technological Trends
- Lower Secondary School
Main Subjects
COPYRIGHTS
© 2026 The Author(s). This is an open-access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International (CC BY-NC 4.0) (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/)
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