Who should we invest in?

I had the pleasure of being stuck listening to an AM radio channel (2UE) last weekend (8/3/2008). The host and his guest were discussing the Government’s new pledge for all students from Grade 8-12 to be given a laptop computer to assist with their studies. Both hosts agreed that this plan is going to benefit many Australian high-school students as having access to ICT is vital, especially for students who will soon be entering the workforce. It was raised by the guest that children need to have unlimited access to computers from a younger age, such as in Primary school. He felt that, in high-school, when students are expected to be a whiz at using computers, they will most likely not have the skills to use them effectively. I myself have found that if you are not a frequent user of technology, you get left behind and it is harder to try to catch up so I can understand his point.                    

I’m not sure of the solution to this problem. Young children probably shouldn’t be given the responsibility of looking after their own laptop, yet developing their skills, should be the focus of the Government.

Photo sourced from: http://www.flickr.com/photos/87434398@N00/147711175