Technology is a wonderful tool but it is just a waste of space if we don’t know how to use it.
"Ultra fast broadband to 97% of New Zealand is a lofty goal but the millions of dollars spent will be wasted if we aren't confident enough to make effective use of it. To increase productivity and growth in New Zealand we need to ensure that the majority of New Zealanders are comfortable, confident and productive around computers and other technology."
Pam's goal is to see one million New Zealanders to gain an internationally recognised core computer certificate by 2015 and have fun doing it.
This may sound like a large number to set as a goal. The truth is, New Zealand actually needs about three million but people told Pam that was just mad . . . so she decided to start small.
The reality is everyone needs to increase their computer skills or prove that the level of skills they have fits the needs of their daily lives and work. Pam wants to see New Zealand shift the paradigm and really change the way ongoing learning is approached.
"This isn't about small projects that will help a few people who are unemployed or disadvantaged. We need everyone to get involved, including our communities, workforce and businesses. ‘One million people' reflects these needs and provides the Kiwi Computer Challenge with a big, hairy, audacious goal that will impact on all New Zealanders."
"To become a truly digital nation, a country whose people are comfortable and productive around technology, we have to reach as many people as we can. Poor computer skills impact everyone and the ripples create issues at all levels. Our productivity is leaking out through the holes in our computer skills. If we can turn that around and send out positive ripples representing our new-found skills and confidence, we will have a more productive workforce and a more prosperous country."
Businesses need to understand what core computer skills are required for work and home. It also needs to be clear for employers and organisations so that when they employ people the level of their computer skills is clearly evident.
Pam Martin
The Knowledge Wave
http://www.kiwicomputerchallenge.co.nz/
About Pam Martin
Pam Martin is an ex community education co-ordinator who realized that basic computer skills were either not being taught at all, or were being taught in an ad hoc fashion resulting in people having disjointed bits of knowledge about how to use a computer.