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Technology advancement has the potential to alleviate the digital divide especially in education and employment. A technology savvy youth is an important role in employment and with a countries development. Education is crucial so that people are prepared to meet global needs so that well paying jobs are not outsourced. Lack of Education and employment slows down progress within a country (Koss, 2001).
The most sever consequences of the digital divide are the long term effects it will have on children that do not have access to education. Lacking access and computer skills, a whole generation will be missing out on realising their full potential in an information and communication technology world (Koss, 2001).
It is virtually impossible to ignore the need for technology in an education curriculum (Di Bello, 2005).
Information and Communication Technology is playing an increasingly influential role in reshaping employment in large parts of the world. Information and Communication Technologies presents unprecedented opportunities to combat poverty by increasing income, opening markets and providing employment opportunities. Knowledge based economies have an advantage in today's global market. Countries with extensive knowledge assets are able to open employment opportunities which create rapid technological progress that benefits in economic growth and rising living standards.
A trend has formed with employees wanting workers with certified skills and educational levels to fill positions. Students in higher education are dealing with more than a digital divide, it has now become a degree divide. Students that are prevented from getting bachelor degrees are at a disadvantage in gaining employment (Garmon, 2003).
Digital Divide - A close look at Education and Employment in New Zealand.
In New Zealand Maori’s are under-represented in employment in the expanding information and communication technology industry. At the time of the 2001 Census, Maori’s made up 960 of the 18,360 people who were employed in the computer industry. The New Zealand government is encouraging Maori students to enter the education system to further enhance their information and communication technology skills. Statistics show that Maori tertiary computing enrolment has increased by 420 percent from 1994 to 2000 (Parker, 2003). The increase has been substantial however, the Maori graduates are disproportionately concentrated in computer awareness and introductory computer programmes, rather than the more advanced computer software and computer science courses. This is a concern, as Maori graduates who do not learn more advanced computing skills are likely to earn lower incomes in the IT industry, which will reduce the overall potential economic benefit to Maori (Parker, 2003).
DiBello, L. (2005) “Are We Addressing the Digital Divide? Issues, Access, and Real Commitment�? Childhood Education vol. 81, iss. 4, pp 239
Garmon, J. (2003) “Last word, Closing the degree divide�? Black Issues in Higher Education vol. 120, iss. 7, pp 66
Koss, F. (2001) “Children falling into the digital divide�? Journal of International Affairs vol. 55, iss. 1, pp 75
Parker, B. (2003 “Maori access to information technology�? The Electronic Library vol. 2181, iss. 5, pp 546
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