DESIGNING FUTURE SKILLS IN HIGHER EDUCATION: DEVELOPING CREATIVITY, CRITICAL THINKING, AND DIGITAL COMPETENCE IN THE AGE OF AI

Abstract

Artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming part of everyday learning and professional practice, and this change is reshaping what students need from higher education. Knowing how to use a digital tool is no longer enough. Graduates also need to think critically, create new solutions, communicate clearly, adapt to unfamiliar situations, and use technology responsibly. This chapter discusses three areas that are particularly important in this changing environment: creativity, critical thinking, and digital competence. It considers how these skills can be developed through active learning, practical projects, interdisciplinary work, and responsible use of generative AI. The discussion also highlights the growing importance of AI literacy, including the ability to check AI-generated information, understand its limitations, protect personal data, and make ethical decisions. Examples from health and physiotherapy education show how future skills can connect with real professional situations such as patient education, clinical decision-making, digital documentation, and technology-assisted rehabilitation. The chapter argues that AI should not replace human judgement in higher education. Instead, universities should help students learn how to work with AI while retaining responsibility for their ideas, decisions, and professional actions.