What’s predicted to be the highest in-demand skill by 2030? Somewhat surprisingly, the answer to that question might be making effective one-on-one video calls.
Yes, “soft skills” such as cognitive flexibility, having good judgment, high emotional and social intelligence, and being creative or innovative are going to remain the bedrock of any employee’s skill set. Without these, one cannot flourish in situations that involve fellow humans. However, the main “hard skill” requirement of the future is data literacy.
One study found over 85% of executives rate data literacy — which can be defined as the ability to work with, read, communicate and analyze data — as becoming as important as basic computer skills are today.
A New Way to Learn
The good news is that the learning curve for CEOs under 30, for example, is not going to be that much of a slough.
Those who spearheaded the personal computer revolution, such as the late Steve Jobs or the now 66-year-old Bill Gates, understand perhaps a lot more about the “guts” of computers and how they actually work. Younger generations that have grown up with computers simply working will likely find increasing their data literacy skills less of a challenge than the folks in-between the Steve Jobs/Bill Gates generation.
But what about everything else? Even all the niche stuff from knitting to motorcycle repair?
It’s not like every employee in 2035 is going to only work with computers. We will still have hobbies and interests, and people will still want to learn everything from how to cook to how to play the guitar.
Enter Machine-Based Learning
Machine learning tech will be able to provide some of the components for teaching a variety of such skills.
Today, it’s not hard to fathom an AI program that watches you play the guitar and then shows you what you’re doing wrong and offers suggestions for improvement.
That’s said, we find it impossible to imagine a future where human experience becomes irrelevant. Quite the opposite. Those with decades of experience in certain fields could become more valuable as the number of, say, classical guitarists dwindle overall.
But how can we help pair experts with people seeking expert advice? Yes, there are video tutorials on YouTube and plenty of other online information, but time is money for many of us. Those lucky enough to have an expert friend can call them up and get advice… but what about the rest of us?
The Future of Online Tutoring
This is why the premise of a new class of tutoring app is beginning to intrigue many, as it opens the potential for an entirely new industry…and a new way of learning.
Tutoring apps can source experts across almost any field you can think of. They can then charge customers by the minute for one-on-one video consultation sessions.
Maybe you’re an aspiring DJ and have splashed out for all the latest kit. You might even already be a decent music mixer, but need some tips on harmonic mixing or how to best use hot cues and color effects.
Not everyone has hours to spend researching. However, anyone can — literally possibly within 10 minutes — get the answers they need from a seasoned DJ veteran. The expert coaches them through the process via a smartphone camera dialogue.
Online Expertise That’s Affordable
And at present, prices are very affordable, with services being offered sometimes as low as US$1 per minute.
What would you rather do? Spend a few hours watching online videos and tinkering…while mostly feeling frustrated? Or hop on an app and have a 10-minute video chat with a pro. They will personally guide you through the process and make it as pain-free as possible? Plus, this whole service might cost just US$10. (The time you’ll save is worth a lot more than that.)
Building a Unique Referral Network
Additionally, you might find you are not only a consumer but also a provider.
What skills do you have that could possibly be in demand? Older folks may have decades of experience in fields that could include anything from gardening to childcare. Others have high-tech data literacy skills. If you’re interested in making some extra money by helping others, you could sign up as an expert and take one-on-one video calls from clients.
The whole concept is fascinating as it doesn’t seem to have any clear downsides.
Those seeking information can get direct, personalized info for reasonable rates. Those offering the advice have a wide amount of flexibility and control over how, what, and who they work with.
Companies may find getting expert advice from a marketing specialist via a learning app to be a cheaper and quicker option than searching for a new marketing employee. Many people who perhaps have already had a storied career will suddenly find themselves in high demand rather than out to pasture.
The Future for Online Tutoring Looks Exceedingly Bright
You can see why some people are getting excited about tutoring or learning apps.
You could find someone to have longer sessions with you, should you — for example — be looking for a yoga instructor. Alternatively, as another example, it could literally be a several-minute Q&A chat with an expert who can help you figure out how to get a drop shadow to work properly on Photoshop.
Over time, there will be more information about various experts and their skills and communication styles available. This will aid greatly in helping people select someone to help them.
We’ve already seen these developments in psychiatry and psychology, counseling, and other medical services as well.
Many more people today are seeking counseling online. One-on-one video calls are a whole lot easier than trying to get down to some office at some specific time. Plus, if you don’t like the therapist after a few sessions, you can always try a new one.
However, it must be said that these services are still somewhat expensive and not all covered by insurance. However, it is easy to foresee this trend towards getting one-on-one help online fueling the major new service industry of the next decade.
