Paul Edwards argues that developments in computer technologies have always been motivated by military needs and desires. However, despite the origins of technological advances, technology and computer literacy are becoming more and more important in our everyday lives. Recent studies have shown that workers in the US find they are lacking the information technology skills that have become necessary for success in the work force (See this Harvard Business Review article). In one survey referenced in the article, 33% of participants reported that the skills they lack that prevent them from performing their jobs are technical skills. It appears that the increasing importance of technological skill sets is leaving the modern work force increasingly under trained and unqualified to meet work place demands.
How do we solve this problem?
One way to combat the issue of computer and technological literacy is through education. Recently, schools throughout England will be incorporating mandatory computer science and programming into curriculum for children ages 5 to at least 16 (See this Telegraph article). Similar efforts have been made in France, where programming is offered in primary schools as an extracurricular, Finland, Estonia, Australia, and even in the US, although nothing has passed into law (see this article). Efforts to educate children, and also adults, in programming and technology is an important way that we can combat inadequacy in the job market.
