The future is digital, let us invest in it

THE EDITOR, Madam:

I THINK we can all agree that the pandemic has impacted our economy negatively, but everything is about perspective. I think we should change the way we look at the pandemic’s influence on our nation. Over the years, the influence of technology has risen dramatically and is now a part of our everyday lives. Inevitably, technology is the future.

With the advent of COVID-19, the world went into a global panic and a standstill because physical gatherings and social contact were suspended. For a brief moment, the church, businesses, sports, education, and many other sectors were affected. But let us look closely at education.

Before COVID-19, many schools were underequipped with simple pieces of technology such as functioning desktop computers and proper Internet connectivity. Now we are living in ‘smarter’ times, the need to be digitally savvy, always connected, and moreover online, has shot through the roof. So, both teachers and students need to be aware of technology and just how productive it is and how it saves a lot of time for teachers and makes learning easier for students. Digital literacy now far supersedes the typical information technology class taught in schools.

Many corporates have embraced the importance of technology in schools and have jumped in to help. COVID-19 has amplified the need for greater provisions for computers, tablets, smart software, and Internet connection. This ongoing problem has moved to the fore and is getting the attention it needs.

Already we see the negative effects on these children because many are behind. Just imagine how many other schools could be in this same situation. Children are our future and, if they are not properly educated, then we will have greater problems on our hands in the future.

CLAUDE MCPHERSON