The Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) in the Heart of the SDG Agenda

Abstract

The world has reached the threshold of an absolute overhaul and reconfiguration of society and workplaces. The transformation is being caused by the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR), which is changing every facet of life, including education. The revolution is epitomised by breakthroughs in fields such as artificial intelligence, robotics, biotechnology and quantum computing, among others. This comes at a time when the United Nations has conceived the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG s) under Agenda 2030. The convergence of SDG s and 4IR cannot be overemphasised. The implementation of 4IR technologies, such as artificial intelligence (AI), learning analytics and the Internet of Things, promotes inclusive, equitable and quality education that is in sync with SDG 4. Zimbabwe’s updated curriculum for 2015 to 2022 has emphasised ICT and learner-centred learning in the expectation that this transformation in the education sector will create competent, problem-solving and critical thinkers with the zeal to modernise society.