The World Economic Forum in Davos last week announced both new research – “Towards a Reskilling Revolution” – and a new “IT Industry Skills Initiative” that aims to upskill 1 million people by 2021. ... Read more
Kaiti computer hub to teach young and old
Gisborne Herald: A joint venture between Ka Pai Kaiti and Tairawhiti Technology Trust (Taitech, a 20/20 Partner) has opened a computer hub offering computer courses and connectivity for anyone in the community. The initial focus in on older people but this will widen to include school children, young people and the whole community. ... Read more
Digital literacy and digital inclusion
ACE Aotearoa article: Most people agree digital literacy is nowadays essential for success; digital inclusion is now a high government priority. What does the 20/20 Trust do, and what have we learnt in 21 years of working for digital inclusion? ... Read more
Report shows growing Digital Skills shortage
A new report from the NZ Digital Skills Forum shows a large shortfall in advanced digital skills and also notes the underlying need for every citizen to be digitally literate, quoting “Digital skills should be treated with the same importance as numeracy and literacy.” ... Read more
Advisors needed for Government Digital Inclusion Blueprint
Minister Clare Curran has called for expressions of interest in serving on a new Digital Economy and Digital Inclusion Advisory Group; its first priority is to develop a Blueprint for digital inclusion and digital enablement. The group will be up to 15 people who reflect New Zealand’s diverse communities, age groups and ethnicities, including perspectives from Māori. ... Read more
UNICEF research says make the digital world safer for children, tackle digital divide
Despite children’s massive online presence – 1 in 3 internet users worldwide is a child – too little is done to protect them from the perils of the digital world and to increase their access to safe online content, UNICEF says. The State of the World’s Children 2017: Children in a Digital World presents UNICEF’s first comprehensive look at how digital technology is affecting children’s lives and life chances, identifying dangers as well as opportunities. ... Read more
Digital Divide exposed by ‘Pulse of our Nation’ report
Minister of Broadcasting, Communications and Digital Media Clare Curran has released a research report describing the digital divide in New Zealand. Ms Curran says: “We’re doing well in terms of improving connectivity for New Zealanders, but while more people are getting better connectivity, more people are also being left behind. ... Read more
New NZ report: the State of the Internet 2017
20/20 strategic partner InternetNZ has released the 2017 State of the Internet report, looking at 1) access to the Internet, 2) creative uses of the Internet, and 3) look at trust and security issues in New Zealand. Amongst other conclusions, InternetNZ said “We are going to focus much more on digital divides…” ... Read more
300+ Hour of Code events for NZ students next week
The annual global ‘Hour of Code’ campaign is next week, 4th December to 10th December, in Computer Science Education Week. According to hourofcode.com 302 events are taking place in New Zealand next week, including Minecraft in Te Reo. ... Read more
Digital inclusion: “We must never leave anyone behind” – Hon. Clare Curran
The Hon. Clare Curran, the new Minister for Broadcasting, Communications and Digital Media, and for Government Digital Services laid out the new government plans and her priority action list today. In her wide ranging speech – her first keynote speech as Minister – Clare Curran covered many digital issues, with a strong and consistent thread of digital inclusion and of addressing the rise of digital inequality in NZ. ... Read more