I have been looking at the WWW.WEB . and I am amazed at the level of information that is available. I for one have not use the WEB to its ability. The fact that you can just type a small part of a sentence and there you have multiple selections to choose from is amazing. I feel that the only hold back is the training in how to use the applications, in less then ten years all people will have grown up with the computer age/ WWW . With the constant change of techno gadgets that are placed in front of us so we can say yes I need that. People over sixty five will still not be using the net on a daily basis but as time and selection is phased out such as a local bank or post office closing so they will have to do business on line. In light of this I why is there a monopoly on the cost of the machines and access to this. Do you not think that the Government should be giving some sort of incentives such as a aged discount to alleviate the burden of cost.
Cheers
Tom
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I was reading a book called 'The Revolution Will Not Be Downloaded: Dissent in the Digital Age' by Tara Brabazon, and one of the articles in the compilation discusses possible elitism and exclusion that may be present in the social media and web 2.0.
ReplyDeleteGetting into using the Internet requires some know how and savvy, and the inclination to use it. People who don't use the Internet are arguably at risk of being considered less relevant, and can find it hard to engage in society.
Older peolpe are at risk of not knowing how to use the Internet, and government sponsored education, I think, is very important. As Shebley said, the Malaysian government implemented a free Internet education program for everyone, concentrating on vulnerable parties like older people.
Grish
The implementation of such programs mentioned by Grish and Shebley is a great incentive, but they do not work if the target market does not see and recognise the necessity of being educated.
ReplyDeleteIf we take a look at the switch to Digital TV, without a either purchasing a box or a new Digital TV on will be with out TV. I personally do not believe that the Internet will phase out other modes of communication although it holds a significantly high and important position in the market. All other modes of communication are equally relevant but the advantage of the Internet is speed, timeliness and a wealth of information at our finger tips.
While so may argue that the elderly need not be acquainted with this form of technology, I beg to differ. Like most pieces of technology after it has been out on the market for awhile the price decreases. Today, laptops are priced as low as $300-500 making it a lot more accessible to a range of age groups as well as socio-economic demographics.
It is important that these campaigns or programs implemented by government highlight the necessity of being online and being connected, the value it can bring to ones life.
Kellisa
Kellisa,and Grish,
ReplyDeleteHave raised some very good points but place yourselves in the shoes of the elder folk who are haveing a hard time making the money they have now go the distance to pay the bills. Government funded programs are one thing but the hardware such as laptops or PC,s that ca be used is something differant. Just look at the electricity bills that have been raised by 60% inn the last few months. The Malaysian government has implemented the education program as part of its 20/20 a gender. This doses not pay for the equipment. If we do not look after the old now what will happen when we are Old?
Tom