Question

The rising level of education attainment around the world is an important demographic element that has broad implications for a diverse global workforce. In developed regions, secondary education has become virtually universal for men and women. In developing regions, education attainment is increasing, but more slowly for women than for men.

With the expansion of the Internet over the last few years, how has it played a role in the education of the developing regions? Young people are more inclined to use these communication channels. Can youth learn anything about diversity from the Internet? What about the elderly population that may not use the Internet and that are susceptible to old patterns of discrimination?

Answer 1

Internet has been playing a phenomenal role in the education of the developing countries. Sitting at home, people can gain access to the classes of world class universities like Harvard, Stanford, MIT etc. Though one might not earn a university degree or certificate, one can definitely get the knowledge and understanding with the help of internet. Without any doubt, internet has been transforming the education scenario in developing countries. However, the governments can do much more in changing the current educational policies and methods of teaching imparted in the classroom. Usage of mobiles and intenet must be encouraged in classrooms. Only then, will the positive results come at a much quicker pace.

Youth can definitely learn a lot about diversity from the Internet. Being exposed to Google, Youtube, Facebook and other communication channels definitely gives a basic understanding to them about the diversity present in the world. However, one cannot have a deep cultural understanding about other cultures unless one travels around the world. Just using internet and communication channels will not bring about this deep understanding.

Unless helped by educated people or the younger generation, the elderly population that may not use the internet and that are susceptible to old patterns of discrimination will not be able to get even a basic understanding about the diversity of the world. If they adapt themselves to using new technologies and have an inquisitive mind to know about what is happening in the world, then elderly population will be able to have a better understanding about the diversity in the world.