Professional Practice in the Digital Economy
Digital Technologies: Unit 1 (F/618/6250)
The rapid pace of technological change and development is transforming the way we work. The World Economic Forum highlights that in a world of increasing automation, where smart technologies take on routine tasks there is a need for individuals who can solve complex problems, who are able to communicate well and be resilient, creative and innovative. In the workplace, these skills are needed daily to show proficiency in designated tasks. The continuation of professional development is required to ensure that individuals have a valued set of skills that can be applied to any problem-solving situation or environment.
This unit provides a foundation for good practice in a variety of contexts and provides an opportunity for students to examine the evolution and impact of digital technologies on work environments. Students will explore the importance of professional development for career success and the benefits of working towards goals for career success. In addition, problem solving extends the need to demonstrate transferable and communication skills. Finally, working with others is an integral part of everyday life and the ability to give and receive feedback is a necessary skill to support professional development planning. Therefore, understanding role responsibilities and how to work with peers and colleagues will ensure that there is a better understanding and awareness to support own professional development.
On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to explain how work and skills in the digital sector have been influenced by the Fourth Industrial Revolution, justify the use and application of transferable and communication skills for problem solving, and make recommendations on how professional development planning and feedback are used to develop skills to support own future role in the workplace. As a result, they will develop skills such as problem solving, critical thinking, analysis, reasoning, and interpretation, which are crucial for professional practice and workplace competence in a digital world.
Learning Outcomes
- LO1 Explore the evolution and impact of digital technologies on work environments
- LO2 Examine the importance of professional development for career success
- LO3 Demonstrate a range of transferable and communication skills used for effective problem solving
- LO4 Review ways in which feedback can be used to support professional development planning and role in the workplace