The impact of AI on the labor market
Objective: The worksheet raises learners' awareness of how artificial intelligence is changing the world of work, focusing on the chosen profession as an example. The aim is to understand the shift from routine tasks to demanding human skills and to evaluate the resulting opportunities and risks.
Content and methods: The worksheet deals with the world of work, using a selected profession as an example. Methodologically, tasks that can already be performed by computers today are collected and structured in a mind map in order to examine changes in the job profile, such as the elimination of routine tasks or the emergence of new professions. In addition, opportunities (e.g., support with complex tasks) and risks (e.g., job loss for simple tasks) are critically examined, and a new job profile is developed that combines the strengths of humans and AI.
Competencies:
- Analytical skills: Ability to examine occupational fields for their potential for automation
- Technological adaptability: Recognition of the need for technical training in the use of AI system
- Critical thinking: Weighing economic efficiency against social impacts on employees
- Future planning: Development of innovative professional roles in a digitalized working world
Target group and level: Grade 10 and above
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Target group and level
Grade 10
Subjects
The impact of AI on the labor market
Impulsive question
Discuss in small groups: "What tasks could already be performed by computers today?"
Write down your ideas in bullet points and create a mind map from them.
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Assignment
Read the information text about this profession carefully and answer the following questions.
Impact of AI on the Profession of Office Clerks
An office clerk is responsible for performing various administrative tasks that support the smooth operation of an organization. These tasks typically include filing documents, answering phones, taking messages, scheduling appointments, data entry, preparing invoices, and managing correspondence. Office clerks are often employed in diverse settings such as business offices, hospitals, and government agencies, providing essential clerical support. They require organizational skills, attention to detail, and proficiency in basic computer use.
With the introduction of artificial intelligence (AI) in office environments, many clerical tasks are increasingly being automated. AI tools can efficiently handle data entry, schedule appointments, answer phones, and even manage emails, reducing the workload for office clerks. AI-driven systems are also capable of performing routine tasks without fatigue, which can significantly enhance productivity and efficiency in office settings.
The use of AI in office clerk roles leads to changes in job responsibilities. Repetitive tasks such as data entry and scheduling are being automated, allowing office clerks to focus more on tasks requiring human judgment and creativity. Consequently, office clerks need to adapt by acquiring new skills in managing AI systems and understanding digital tools that enhance office operations.
For employees, this shift means that acquiring technical skills and familiarity with AI tools becomes essential. While AI can potentially reduce the number of traditional clerical jobs, it also opens up opportunities for roles that involve overseeing and optimizing AI systems. Continuous learning and adaptability are crucial for office clerks to remain relevant in an AI-enhanced work environment.
In the future, while some office clerk tasks might be replaced by AI, human involvement in office operations will remain important, especially for tasks requiring critical thinking and interpersonal skills. The profession is expected to evolve, with an emphasis on monitoring AI systems and collaborating on more complex administrative tasks.
Pro-and-Con debate
Get back into small groups and gather ideas.
Project simulation: Humans and AI working in tandem
Objective of the task: Using a specific project as an example, experience how professions are changing. You will see which tasks AI takes over and why human skills such as empathy and creativity remain indispensable.
Read through the scenario and divide yourselves into two teams.
- Team AI (efficiency & data): You are responsible for fast, data-based routine tasks.
- Team Human (strategy & empathy): You are responsible for planning the "nuances," monitoring the AI, and making the final decision.
Task distribution within the team
Work through the planning step by step as required in the table. Focus on the strengths mentioned in the information text.
Office Open House Event
In preparation for the annual open house event, office clerks are tasked with coordinating logistics and ensuring smooth operations alongside AI systems. They oversee invitations, manage guest lists, and liaise with vendors, while AI helps streamline scheduling and data management processes. During the event, clerks interact with guests, providing personalized assistance and addressing inquiries. AI systems assist with real-time data analysis and feedback collection, enhancing the overall guest experience. The collaboration aims to create a seamless and engaging event that showcases the office's capabilities and hospitality.
| Group AI (routine & data) | Group Human (creativity & empathy) |
|---|---|
|
Task 1: Guest list optimization Analyze and sort guest list data for maximum engagement. |
Task 1: Personal invitations Craft personalized invitation messages for VIP guests. |
|
Task 2: Schedule automation Automate event scheduling and coordinate with vendors. |
Task 2: Hospitality coordination Ensure personalized assistance and warm welcome to guests. |
|
Task 3: Real-time feedback analysis Collect and analyze data for immediate feedback during the event. |
Task 3: Guest interaction Address guest inquiries and provide personalized solutions. |
Space for your work
Step 2: The fusion phase
Now you sit down together. The human group takes over monitoring and control. The AI group checks the final result once more:
- Putting it all together: Combine the factual text from the AI and the warm phrases from the humans into a finished invitation.
- Checking: The "human" group checks the AI's list. Have the machines forgotten anything important that can only be recognized by thinking for yourself (e.g., flowers as a welcome gift)?
The result: You now have a finished project plan that shows how AI automation takes over routine tasks and relieves humans.
Result
Reflection
Discuss the following questions in your group and write down your 2–3 most important findings.
Creative individual task – Develop a new job profile
Imagine there is a new profession that brings people and AI together. Develop your own job profile!
Here's how to do it:
- Job title: Think of a suitable, memorable name.
- Tasks: Write down what this person does.
- Skills: Note down the most important qualities and knowledge required for this job.
Presentation:
- Option A: Create a sketch or comic strip that illustrates the profession.
- Option B: Write everything down clearly in bullet points.
Then discuss with the rest of the class: Would you choose this profession? Why (or why not)?
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