More and more employers are looking for recruits for hybrid jobs. Businesses want people with technical as well as soft skills — in communication and critical thinking. Formal education systems are challenged to address the needs of the 21 st century workplace.

Technology alone isn’t the silver bullet solution to this skills gap, but learning technologies are helping narrow the gaps between the skills companies seek and what candidates offer. Partnerships between technology companies and education institutions are on the rise, connecting learners with appropriate, timely content, and providing business with access to ample, well-equipped personnel.

• Learning management systems and massive open online courses have opened doors to lifelong learning and on-the-job training
• Digital badges can transform how we measure achievement and demonstrate
• Big data and stronger links between talent and learning platforms enable personalized

Speakers on this panel shared their unique experiences, examined the impact of these and other recent developments, and explored important questions: How can technology support crucial soft skills such as empathy, collaboration, and critical thinking? What is the role of traditional education institutions? How can technology improve access to highly engaged communities of learners and experts for real-time collaboration? How can we assess the skills attained through online courses?

This session was organized in collaboration with LinkedIn.