Computing in Society( Lesson 1)

Vivek here.I had my first CIS lesson in Ngee Ann and it was really interesting as it was my first time being exposed to this module.  I  learnt about  Digital Divide and how the Singapore government is trying really hard to bridge the gap. Factors such as resources available, technological skills and physical access to technology are reasons for Digital Divide. They have different initiatives such as the iN2015 which aims to develop the country into a really strong infocomm industry. I have also learnt the importance of having the internet as a information source as it is really convenient and efficient as compared to using the library or other non technological ways. The problems for the digital divide is that many elderly in Singapore are afraid to try out technology such as computers and phones because it falls out of their comfort zone. Since Singapore is an aging population,  I learnt that it is important to equip the elderly with knowledge of technology as it will allow them to benefit the economy of Singapore. It is because of the very sole reason that the elderly can be valuable assets to the economy, the government has plans such as the PC reuse scheme. It allows them to use computers at the Community Clubs, exposing them to it.I also learnt that Information Literacy is extremely important in IT. Information Literacy basically means the ability to know when there is a need for information and how to evaluate and assess the information.  I also realised that people cannot be information literate in the absence of IT.  I also learnt that Information literacy is important for an individual to achieve his social and educational goals. Personally the iN2015 would benefit me as a student and also a working adult by making Infocomm technology more widely available,fast and convenient. iN2015 also would help me later on as it supports a infocomm platform for enterprise and talent, thus allowing me to establish important links to the outside world. It would also help me be recognised globally.