This work X Koolitajate mittekonverentsi esimene päev 03.04.2025 by Arno Mikkor is licensed under Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International

In the digital age, schools and educators are no longer the primary gatekeepers of knowledge. People learn through a variety of channels and typically seek quick answers to practical questions. The first day of the unconference focused on how the role of adult educators is evolving in this new landscape.

April marks the 10th anniversary of EPALE, the Electronic Platform for Adult Learning in Europe. The Estonian Unconference for Trainers “Training at the Crossroads of Innovation and Digitalisation” celebrated its 10th edition this year as well. Held at Tallinn University, the opening day brought together more than 230 participants. The event kicked off with a thought-provoking session featuring two inspiring speakers: Patrick van der Pijl (Business Models Inc., Netherlands) and Kristjan Port (Tallinn University), who explored the trainer’s role in a rapidly changing world. 

Kristjan Port compared the current era to an explosion — where change is happening fast and in all directions. “We’re standing at the edge of the blast,” he said, “where we face the unknown, leaving behind the familiar.”

“The problem is speed,” Port remarked. “What we’ve learned in school often no longer applies—we constantly have to relearn.”

In the 1930s, it was estimated that half of engineering knowledge would become outdated within 35 years. By the 1960s, this had shrunk to 10 years. Today, the half-life of knowledge is even shorter — across both engineering and other fields.

Despite this, our education systems still rely on the traditional model: someone with more knowledge disseminates it to those with less. But in the digital age, educators no longer hold exclusive control over the value chain of knowledge. People can access information through many channels, often seeking fast, actionable solutions. Digitalisation makes information global, repeatable, and copyable. Learning can happen faster, remotely, and outside traditional classroom settings.

This work X Koolitajate mittekonverents. Kristjan Port by Arno Mikkor is licensed under Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International

What is the human role? 

Continuous self-development is no longer limited to humans — generative AI is also constantly learning, drawing from information stored in multiple languages 24/7. The time is coming when machines will build other machines—surpassing the capabilities of the human mind.

When machines reach or exceed human capacities, the nature of human goals shifts. “This is a moment of awakening for educators,” said Port. “We must understand reality — not just to better manage AI, but to define the unique and sustainable values of humankind.” He posed a critical question: Do you address ethical and moral topics in your training? Do you help develop reasoning and reflection skills? His message was clear: we must.

Knowledge is not wisdom, and information is not truth — unless we can connect the dots. Today’s learners must be taught critical thinking, the ability to discern what matters in an overwhelming sea of data. Additionally, trainers must help develop communication skills, emotional intelligence, psychological flexibility, and imaginative problem-solving.

Innovation is inevitable

So what should an adult educator do to meet rapidly changing market demands and client expectations? Dutch visionary and strategist Patrick van der Pijl offered insight into renewing business models and standing out from competitors.

He emphasized that innovation is not always pure fun, though it may appear so — it’s hard work. In fact, 70–90% of innovation efforts fail. The main reasons? Lack of funding, insufficient customer insight, slow implementation, and solving the wrong problem.

Yet innovation is unavoidable: if you don’t reinvent your business model, your competitors eventually will. Van der Pijl pointed to the example of video rental businesses that failed to adapt when streaming platforms like Netflix emerged.

The ability to recognize what’s really happening around us — and to respond quickly and appropriately — is crucial. Not only for keeping our own training businesses alive but also for teaching others to do the same.

According to van der Pijl, the most important questions entrepreneurs should ask when updating their business models are:“Are we solving the right problem?” and “What is the right solution?” In other words: what problems do our clients need us to solve right now, and how can we offer them genuinely valuable solutions?

This work X Koolitajate mittekonverents. Patrick van der Pijl by Arno Mikkor is licensed under Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International

Deeper knowledge in less time

Looking at the adult learning market, it’s clear that people seek deeper knowledge, continuous self-development, and practical skill-building — but they no longer want long, multi-day courses. The fastest-growing target group includes working professionals, who prefer skill-based, microlearning experiences.

“The goal of future training is to give people the right skills so they can enter the workforce quickly and create value,” said van der Pijl.

AI cannot be ignored. It enables personalized training for individuals and teams alike. Even today, anyone can create their own AI-powered coach — one that asks critical questions, offers new perspectives, reflects ideas, and helps prioritize goals. AI learns from the materials you provide and your past queries—becoming smarter and more accurate over time.

To those who feel overwhelmed by rapid change and fear they can't keep up, van der Pijl offered a reassuring thought: Define what doesn’t change.

“And I believe this: people will always need to learn. That won’t change. The need for new skills won’t change either. Only the packaging and methods of learning will evolve. If I were you, I wouldn’t worry — I’d look at how many opportunities there are,” he encouraged.

Following the keynote session, the unconference featured a panel discussion with Helina Loor (Õpidisain), Katrin Noormägi (Tallinn Strategy Centre), and Andrea Tapp (Tele2 Estonia), as well as workshops and a presentation of the new Adult Education Act by Ena Drenkhan and Annaliisa Toom (Ministry of Education and Research). The day concluded with a look back at ten years of the unconference and words of appreciation for EPALE’s collaboration partners.

The second day of the unconference will take place online on April 11.

Check out the 10th trainers' non-conference program HERE. See the photo gallery HERE (photos by Arno Mikkor) and HERE (photos by Hertz Media OÜ). 

The non-conference is co-organised by the Estonian Qualifications Authority/EPALE National Support Service in Estonia, the Estonian Association of Adult Educators Andras and supported by the Estonian Association of Training and Consulting Companies.  

This work X koolitajate mittekonverents. EPALE loetuima blogipostituse autorid Monica Marfeldt, Katrin Roosileht. Georgi Timcenko by Arno Mikkor is licensed under Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International