Literacy and 5IR

The illiterate of the 21st century will not be those who cannot read and write, but those who cannot learn, unlearn, and relearn (Alvin Toffler, 1970). What does this mean and how do we give effect to it as we enter the era of the 5th Industrial Revolution ?

The Fifth Industrial Revolution (5IR) is an era defined by the synergy between humans and intelligent machines. It is an era where humans and advanced technologies, like artificial intelligence, robotics and the Internet of Things (IoT), work collaboratively to create more personalised, ethical and sustainable outcomes. It moves beyond the pursuit of economic value and the focus of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) on automation and digital transformation. 5IR emphasises societal benefit, ethical practices and environmental sustainability. In this revolution, technology is not just a tool but a partner that enhances human capabilities, creativity and decision-making. It aims for a future in which technology uplifts humanity rather than replaces it.

5IR has huge implications for social, economic and political change in society and the development and re-skilling of people. In light of this, what does this mean in terms of learning, unlearning and relearning?

In the past, being “illiterate” meant being unable to read or write—basic skills necessary to function in society. Being illiterate meant an inability to engage fully in social, economic and civil matters. Given that formal schooling has become fairly ubiquitous in developed and some developing countries, the traditional meaning of illiteracy takes on a different meaning as we engage with 5IR and requires re-defining. It is in this context that Toffler describes illiteracy in the 21st Century as people who cannot learn, unlearn, and relearn.

To understand what this means, we can describe these terms as follows:

Learning – the ability to acquire new knowledge or skills.
Unlearning – the ability to let go of outdated or incorrect knowledge, habits, or assumptions as they become redundant.
Relearning– the ability to adapt by learning new perspectives or updated information.

The act of learning is fairly well understood and is a cornerstone in formal schooling. The question is, how do we unlearn what formal schooling has foisted onto us?

Unlearning

One view is that unlearning doesn’t simply mean rejecting all prior learning, but re-evaluating what we’ve been taught, challenging assumptions and being open to new ways of thinking. Formal education often emphasizes memorization, standard answers, linear thinking, but real-world learning requires flexibility, critical thinking, and adaptability.

Here’s how you can unlearn limiting or outdated lessons from formal schooling:

Recognize What Needs to Be Unlearned
- Ask yourself:
  - What beliefs or habits did school teach me that may no longer serve me? e.g., “There’s only one right answer,” or “Failure is bad.”
  - What assumptions am I carrying from that system? e.g., Learning ends after school, or intelligence is fixed.
Shift Your Mindset
- From: Knowledge = facts memorized
- To: Knowledge = skills developed + understanding grown + context applied
  - Examples:
    - In school: “Don’t question the teacher.”
    - In real life: Ask questions, challenge authority when necessary.
    - In school: “Grades define intelligence.”
    - In real life: Growth, adaptability, and real-world results matter more.
Engage in Self-Directed Learning
- Read widely and outside your domain.
- Follow your curiosity, not just what’s assigned or “safe.” phenomenon
- Learn how to learn—watch how you absorb information best (videos, hands-on, discussions, etc.).
Practice Critical Thinking
- Question sources of information—even those you once trusted.
- Reflect on what you believe and why you believe it.
- Accept that being wrong is part of growth.
Let Go of the Fear of Failure
- School often punishes mistakes. But real learning often happens through failure. Start to:
  - Reframe mistakes as feedback.
  - Take risks in learning: try, fail, reflect, improve.
Relearn by Doing
- Once you’ve unlearned limiting habits, relearn more effective ones:
  - Collaborate instead of compete.
  - Embrace complexity instead of seeking oversimplified answers.
  - Learn by creating, experimenting, and teaching others.

Real life example:

School taught: “Stay in your lane, specialize early.”
Unlearn: You can be a generalist and thrive in multiple areas.
Relearn: The world values transferable skills and interdisciplinary knowledge.

Unlearning is not erasing knowledge; it’s evolving it. It’s about freeing your mind from old limits so you can thrive in a fast-changing world.

Re-learning

With regard to re-learning, the “new world of work” is rapidly evolving, shaped by technological advancements, shifts in global economics and changing employee expectations. 5IR is reshaping the job market, creating new roles and transforming existing ones. To thrive in this new landscape, workers and learners in schools need to be equipped with new sets of diverse skills. As an example:

A programmer who only knows one language and refuses to adapt will fall behind.
A business professional who clings to old marketing tactics in a digital world will struggle.
A person stuck in outdated mindsets may fail to relate or thrive in a diverse, interconnected society.

Acquiring new and relevant skills ensures that both learners and adults are not only employable but also able to thrive in dynamic, tech-driven environments.

It’s difficult to be prescriptive about re-learning in the emerging 5IR era, but the following pointers are suggested:

Fostering Human-Technology Collaboration
- As machines become cognitive partners, the ability to supervise, guide, and work alongside intelligent systems is crucial. Human oversight ensures ethical, accurate, and effective use of technology.
Drivers of Societal Progress
- By prioritising creativity, ethics, and sustainability, education and training can produce leaders and citizens who harness technology to solve pressing global challenges and improve quality of life for all.

Reducing Inequality and Enhancing Inclusion
- Systematic skill development in schools and tertiary institutions helps bridge digital divides and ensures all students, regardless of background, have access to the opportunities of 5IR.
Learning Agility
- Continuous Learning: As industries evolve, staying updated on the latest trends, skills, and technologies through courses, certifications, and self-study will help workers stay competitive.
- Ability to Unlearn: As new tools and methods emerge, being able to unlearn outdated processes is just as important as learning new ones.

In conclusion, unlearning outdated knowledge and skills and acquiring relevant knowledge and skills will ensure being able to flourish in more fluid and interconnected ways of working. The key is that workers will need to be versatile, constantly learning, and able to navigate a mix of traditional and digital-first environments.

What’s interesting is that while technology is playing a larger role, it’s often the soft skills like adaptability, leadership, and emotional intelligence that will separate top performers from the rest.

Soft Skills Courses