With the advent of the Industry 4.0 era, the innovations and developments in technology have brought unprecedented challenges and opportunities to vocational education. Characterized by smart manufacturing, the Internet, big data, and artificial intelligence, this new era demands a significant transformation in vocational education. Technological advancements not only change the nature of work but also redefine the required skill sets, necessitating continuous updates in curricular content and pedagogical methods to meet the evolving industry demands. Educators are tasked with integrating the latest technological advancements to cultivate students' innovation capabilities and critical thinking, enabling them to excel in highly automated and intelligent work environments. Moreover, vocational education faces the challenge of utilizing these technological innovations to enhance the quality and efficiency of education, such as through online learning and virtual simulation labs, offering more flexible and personalized learning experiences. Therefore, to meet the challenges of the Industry 4.0 era, vocational education must play a pivotal role in preparing the future workforce, focusing not only on imparting technical skills but also on fostering innovative thinking and lifelong learning abilities.
The journal Vocation, Technology & Education concentrates on vocational and technical education across various levels, delving into the intricate relationship between modern occupations and technology, and their impact on educational systems, conception, and innovation. It provides a platform for rigorous academic discourse and contributes to advancing knowledge in this field. The journal is sponsored by Shenzhen Polytechnic University and is published quarterly, reflecting its commitment to fostering continuous dialogue and research in the dynamic interplay of vocation, technology, and education.
The journal Vocation, Technology & Education first focuses on the cultivation and training of technical and applied talents, specifically involving training systems, pedagogical models, and curricula, as well as the foundational philosophies that underpin them. In addition, the journal engages with the domains of technology and skills, technological innovation, and fostering innovation. Our focus also includes the intersection of technology and occupations, specifically addressing vocational skills, knowledge bases, qualification prerequisites, and training.
The journal Vocation, Technology & Education is anchored in the fundamental elements of education, technology, and vocation, and their intricate interplay. We engage with theoretical and empirical research across diverse fields such as applied higher education, vocational education, vocational sociology, technology research, the history of science and technology, and technology policy. We also explore the application of emerging technologies, including digital technologies, and their impact on skill structures and formation, particularly within burgeoning occupational groups.
The journal Vocation, Technology & Education maintains a balanced focus on both practical issues and theoretical innovation, aiming to address the evolution of education, technology, and vocation with a focus that extends beyond China to the broader global context. It delves into the intricate relationships between education, technological advancement, industry, and vocation, offering a comprehensive perspective on these interconnected domains on a global scale. Furthermore, this journal welcomes research conducted using a variety of research methodologies, encouraging submissions that employ diverse approaches including qualitative, quantitative, mixed methods, and innovative research designs. By embracing a broad spectrum of methodologies, the journal aims to foster a comprehensive understanding of the intricacies involved in the fields of vocation, technology, and education, providing a platform for rigorous academic discourse that contributes to advancing knowledge in these critical areas.
The journal Vocation, Technology & Education aims to serve as a dynamic platform for continuous discourse among experts, offering authoritative overviews, comparative studies, and insightful analyses of specific problems or issues. The journal is committed to cultivating a vibrant and inclusive academic community that embraces diversity of thought and values innovative ideas. It encourages contributions that reflect the breadth and depth of vocational and technical education and push the boundaries of knowledge and practice in this field.
DECLARATIONS
Author contributions
Chen HJ: Conceptualization, Writing—Review and Editing.
Source of funding
This research received no external funding.
Conflict of interest
Hongjie Chen is an Editor-in-Chief of the journal. This is the Inaugural Editorial for the journal.
Data availability statement
No additional data.
