New initiative looks to address digital skills

New initiative looks to address digital skills and improve New Zealand’s productivity

In five years' time one million New Zealanders will have internationally recognised qualifications that prove their proficiency in core computer skills, if Auckland businesswoman Pam Martin has her way.

The Kiwi Computer Challenge officially launches on 27 April to benchmark the country, by using foundation qualifications, such as Internet and Computing Core Certification (IC3), to ensure all New Zealanders have the key computer knowledge and skills they use, or will need to use, in the jobs and homes of the future - emailing, surfing the net, writing copy, making calculations and preparing presentations.

Pam’s book “Beneath the Knowledge Wave” describes the Kiwi productivity predicament, illustrated with true stories of people of all ages and stages of life trying to get to grips with computers, without training or support. Many pretend to be competent for fear of losing face – or their jobs.

“Most of us are self-taught”, says Martin. “We can find our way around a computer, use it day to day – but often not effectively or efficiently. As a result our productivity is leaking out through the holes in our computer skills. The Challenge is a way to plug the gaps and build a firm foundation.”

“New Zealand’s businesses and other organisations invest large amounts of money in technology, but they don’t always give their people the opportunity to learn how to use it productively. As a result, only a fraction of its potential is ever realised. New Zealand’s planned multi-million dollar investment in fast broadband and fibre optics will provide great benefits for everyone if we know how to use it – the Kiwi Computer Challenge will ensure that we have the skills and knowledge to take advantage of those opportunities.”

The Challenge has the support of many organisations, including the New Zealand Information and Communication Technologies Group Inc (NZICT), which represents ICT vendors. Brett O’Riley, CEO of NZICT believes that the Challenge is a valuable initiative.

“New Zealand not only needs to address its digital literacy shortfall, but prepare for the future demands that the Digital Economy will put on the country.

“There is ample evidence that Kiwis are not maximising the benefits that they can get from information and communications technology and the Challenge highlights the problem and offers a straightforward solution,” he says.

A number of businesses have already signed up to take part in the Challenge (and many are available to speak to media on request).

ENDS

© Scoop Media