Sunday, September 6, 2009

WORLD CONFERENCE ON HIGHER EDUCATION

Higher Education in the Twenty-first Century
Vision and Action

UNESCO, Paris, 5 – 9 October 1998
VOLUME V – PLENARY
Norway


Note1: To meet UNESCO publishing standards, some editing of
papers has been required.
Note2: Authors are responsible for the choice and the
presentation of the facts contained in signed articles and
for the opinions expressed therein, which are not
necessarily those of UNESCO and do not commit the
Organization.


ED-99/HEP/WCHE/Vol.V-MS-131
Norway
Speech of Mr Jon Lilletun
Minister of Education, Research and Church Affairs of Norway


The UNESCO World Conference on Higher Education takes, as one of its starting-points, the
principle of equity of access to higher education. The importance of this principle is shown by the fact that it is included in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. It applies in a global as well as a regional and national perspective. In Norway and the other Nordic countries, it lies at the core of our thinking about education in general and higher education in particular.
Norway has proposed several amendments to the documents to be adopted by this conference which underline and reinforce the principle of equity of access. One aspect which we have stressed is the participation of women, another the crucial importance of avoiding exclusion due to insufficient financial means. Not least, we have stressed the importance of partnership between institutions of higher education in the developing and the developed world as a means of reducing inequality on a global scale. We believe that such efforts should take place in the context of national priorities in the developing countries, and thus aim at maximum national ownership of the projects in question.
I would like to take this opportunity to express my satisfaction with the thorough process of
consultation leading up to the World Conference, which ensures that the stakeholders in higher
education in all parts of the world have been able to contribute their views. This is the best possible guarantee of an outcome, which can fulfil the ambitious goal of drawing up a new agenda for higher education in the 21st century.
One aspect of education, which is now very much in focus, is life-long learning. Everyone
seems to agree that life-long learning becomes increasingly necessary as the world is changing ever more rapidly. In this context it is essential that everyone receives a basic education which prepares them for further learning later. Life-long learning also contains an element of equal access, as it means opening the education institutions to a new group, that of adult learners. This will have profound implications everywhere. To accommodate adults, higher education must become more diversified and flexible, while preserving its core values of academic excellence, critical rigour, independent thinking and high ethical standards.
At the same time, one must not lose sight of the basic conditions of education. For a long time,
elimination of illiteracy has been one of UNESCO’s main priorities. In the developed world, functional illiteracy is a serious problem in spite of statistically high literacy rates. Large numbers of people are excluded from participation in education, working life and society in general because they are functionally unable to understand a written text. Illiteracy substantially reduces quality of life for the individual, and constitutes a problem for any nation in a world where the ability to compete in a globalized market depends to an increasing degree on a highly educated workforce.
In Norway this year, a National Adult Learning Week was arranged as part of the follow-up to
the CONFINTEA V International Conference on Adult Education. The opening of the week coincided in time with International Literacy Day, (September 8th, 1998). This may serve to underline the connection between adult learning and literacy, and the importance of taking seriously the challenge of providing every individual with a basis for self-realization and participation.
Those who are to teach people, whether children or adults, to read and write, are themselves
educated in the higher education institutions. This illustrates the importance, and the responsibility, of higher education for the quality of the education system as a whole, and in a wider sense for a well functioning society. In our discussions of what higher education should be in the 21st century, we must not focus narrowly on academic or technical knowledge, but keep this broader social perspective in mind.
Plenary - EuropeStudents must be enabled and encouraged not only to gain knowledge in their respectivefields, but to develop the values, interests and skills required to participate in cultural and political life and in civic society in general. In short, they must be trained to become citizens. It is my belief that participation by students in the various decision-making bodies of higher education institutions constitutes excellent training in democracy. Besides, student involvement is essential for improving quality. On the one hand, active students help create a good learning environment, and on the other, if we want to make higher education better, it is essential to ask the opinion of those who benefit directly from it.
The World Conference on Higher Education is a unique forum where stakeholders in higher
education from all over the world have the opportunity to listen and to learn from each other. The documents adopted by the conference will be studied everywhere. This entails an obligation for all of us to ensure that the conference will realize its potential as a guiding light for higher education in the 21st century. The immediate aim, an ambitious one in itself, is to lay the foundations for a reform of higher education on a global scale. The ultimate aim, however, must be to use education as a tool for making the world a better place to live. Our debates must always be informed by this perspective, and thus by the values at the heart of UNESCO’s work in the field of education: equality, citizenship, participation and democracy together with a global culture of peace.

source :unesdoc.unesco.org

Technology Thoughts for Teachers

One of the most compelling videos I have watched that emphasizes the importance of integrating technology into the classroom is the “Did You Know 2.0” video. This video was originally created by a school to start a discussion about 21st Century Skills and technology integration. Not long after the release of the video, educators all over the world began to watch the video and create different versions of it.

Unfortunately, there are still places I visit today at home and around the country that have never heard of 21st Century Learning skills. The busy lives educator’s lead often get in the way of staying on top of the latest methodology and technology in the classroom. However, the 21st Century Skills are a vital part of the educational environment and vital for students to become a 21st Century Learning. Although technology is a major part of 21st Century Learning, the focus is on a change of methodology and the way we teach. Technology of course can facilitate this process and at times make it much easier to do, but technology is not the focus. As always, the curriculum, teaching and learning is the focus. Certainly a classroom heavily engaged in 21st Century Learning will contain heavy use of technology to facilitate that process, but lets not confuse the fact that curriculum is the focus and the technology is a tool used to get to the meat of the curriculum as well as a way to engage students in the learning process.

Are there skills required today that were not required ten years ago? Of course! Think of all the new technology. Someone has to create, maintain, and improve upon the new technologies today if we are going to continue to lead the world in medical, technological, and scientific advancement. The video mentions the fact that today’s educators are preparing students for jobs that aren’t even available yet, for majors that haven’t been put in place yet, and for technologies that haven’t been invented yet. How do you prepare students for something that hasn’t yet been invented? By teaching the technology skills necessary to perform today’s jobs and functions. It is hard to look into the future, but learning the skills necessary to succeed in a technological world today, will help students prepare for the skills needed in the future—the skills we don’t even know we need yet! How many of us had to learn the skills to research on the internet in college? Yet today, the internet is a vital part of our lives and without those learned skills, many aspects of our lives would be much more difficult.

Information and technology is changing at such a rapid pace that it’s almost impossible to keep up. It is important that we as educators do not assume that the students will get the skills necessary somewhere else. Each teacher is responsible for teaching the skills appropriate for the grade level.

Of course, in order to produce 21st Century Learners, you must be a 21st Century Teacher. Where do you fall as a classroom teacher? Traditional or 21 Century? Take a moment to look at the chart below. Find the words or phrases that describe you most in each of the columns.



source :tcubed.wordpress.com

How Technology Is Affecting Our Lives

Today's world is full of pieces of technology that we take for granted, the microchip has truly revolutionised the way in which we live and do business. The world we see would not be recognisable to people of a few generations ago and nowhere is this truism greater than in the world of computing. Hence it is important to stay up to date with technology news; while many may think that this type of news is purely for geeks it is clear that all of us should have at least a passing interest in news of technological developments.

Technology pretty much touches all of our lives in some way and hence technology news is a vital resource that can keep us up to date with developments and ways in which the world will be changing. For instance, the onset of digital television is something that will affect most people; news stories that inform us of the dates for the switch over are vital so the average member of public can understand when their analogue signal will be turned off. In the same way, news of technologies that may make our cars safer and more efficient is important to all those who drive on our roads.

Anyone of a reasonable age will remember the BBC's 'Tomorrow's World; a technological news show that brought us stories of the latest developments and the ways life would be changed in the future. It was as sad day when this news show was cancelled; maybe it meant that people were no longer interested in new technology. If people are less interested they should not be; being up to date with what is coming around the corner is just as important as being informed on the politics of the nation and world affairs.

Any lack of interest has been sidestepped by the internet, which has seen the creation of a platform for thousands of writers who feel it necessary to publish regular news stories on technological developments. It is not just the bedroom 'bloggers' however that is publishing detailed news stories. Major reporting institutions are now likely to have a technology dedicated page in order to cope with the huge demand for this kind of news.

The fact of the matter is that technology now covers such a diverse range of subjects that it would be foolish for any reporting company not to write stories on the genre. Technology can apply to elements of the medical industry as well as the automotive industry. It is this diversity that makes technology news articles so interesting to read and why subscribers from all over the world regularly catch up theses stories.

It can be argued that will now live in the 'computer age', whether this is true or not is a matter of conjecture but what can be assured is that we live a period where computers are becoming increasingly important to our way of life. Ultimately we are becoming evermore reliant on our computers and without them we would be lost; there are even news stories of some now being addicted to their computers and handhelds. This is the extent that technology has encroached upon our lives that people now do not feel the need to 'unplug'.

The phenomena is only set to continue, as computers become more powerful and have greater and greater applications it will not be long that we will plan our lives around the computer. This is not an attempt to act as a harbinger of doom, it is just theorising on ways in which technology will impact upon the human race. This is why keeping up to date with news stories about technology is so important, technology is about forward momentum and understanding what is at the crest of the wave is only half of the battle.


source: www.streetdirectory.com

Blogging all over the world

Digital Planet
Alka Marwaha
BBC World Service

In a special edition, World Service programme Digital Planet looked at the role of blogging, censorship and citizen journalism. In particular it considered bloggers in Vietnam, Cuba and China.

Arabic blogosphere map, Berkman Center

Arabic blogging begins to bloom
Blogging in Vietnam and Cuba

"There are about 18 to 20 million web users registered in Vietnam, of which two to three million are blogging everyday," said Giang Nguyen, head of the BBC's Vietnamese service.

"Vietnam has an army of bloggers that exchange information and views, and they discuss all sorts of topics online from mundane stuff to politics," he added.

The Vietnamese are well connected and the government is keen on the web.

"The government's contribution to the internet's development is huge," said Mr Nguyen.

"Broadband internet is popular in Vietnam and internet cafes provide very cheap internet access".

Americo Martins, Americas editor for the BBC's World Service, said blogs were becoming important in Cuba despite the poor communications infrastructure.

"You really have a hard time getting a decent connection and very few people have access to computers.

"I went to Cuba last year and had a really hard time trying to connect to the internet.

The poor technical infrastructure has made Cubans masters in creating workarounds for their problems.
A portrait of the US President Obama displayed in a Vietnamese shop
'ChangeWeNeed' is inspired by Barack Obama's famous election slogan

"Students sell their internet access to their neighbours and they also do the same in public offices," said Mr Martins.

"A good number of Cubans have access to the internet, usually using illegal tricks and it is becoming more popular," he added.

Blogging is also booming in China, which now has the biggest net using population in the world.

"Just over one quarter of the population goes online in one form or another and about 150 million blog or follow blogs," said Shirong Chen, editor of the BBC's Chinese service.

"People are not only blogging for their personal journeys but they blog on political, sensitive stuff as well.

"You can discover all sorts of topics and tips in the Chinese blogosphere," he said.

Block and censor

Despite the popularity of blogging, many net users face restrictions on what they can do and say online.

China has plans to put filters on new PCs made that will limit access to pornographic or violent content.

Many suspect that this is another way to keep people away from sensitive or dissenting political material.

"The Chinese authorities have become more sophisticated in their blocking of internet activities," said Mr Chen.
A candlelight vigil to mark the 20th anniversary of Tiananmen Square
Twitter and Flickr were blocked in China on the anniversary of Tiananmen Square

"The Chinese have teams of people to ensure that the sensitive stuff does not get published and they are now asking PC makers to install software to block access to certain sites that could very well include some blogs.

"The software will probably be able to block specific web addresses and phrases as they will be written into the source code.

"They do not just block stuff or ask the internet service providers to take stuff offline, which they have done during the week of the Tiananmen Square anniversary, the Chinese started to block Twitter, Flickr and some blogs," said Mr Chen.

"In fact one blogger noticed that his blog was blocked by his friends texting him and asking why they couldn't read it.

"Bloggers are themselves becoming more sophisticated and are trying to avoid the censors and the technical filters by using dot or a hyphen in-between the phrases," he added.

"In China and Vietnam you have a system that tries to control politically what is mentioned there but people have access to technology," said Mr Martins.
A woman reading a blog at home in Havana
Cuba has a poor internet connection and therefore very few bloggers

"In Cuba it is a completely different story, you have very few people blogging to start with, this gives the security people an advantage of knowing more or less who they are, so they go for physical intimidation sometimes.

"Some of them are arrested or they try to discredit the bloggers by saying they receive money from the US.

"In theory you could blog about anything and lots of people do until the government really starts putting pressure on some of these people," he said.

The best known blogger in Cuba is a woman called Yoani Sanchez who blogs about her daily life on a website called "Generation Y".

"Sanchez doesn't have access to a blog herself but has to e-mail the text to friends abroad and it's them who publish the blog for her in Spanish and translate it into several different languages," said Mr Martins.

"This aspect of a personal account is very powerful in a place like Cuba, she became a personality because she blogs about her daily life and that's what annoys the government.

They assume that technology and the internet is part of the economy, so they overlooked the whole control of the internet
Giang Nguyen

"The daily routine of Cubans is exposed to the press of the world, their lack of choice and lack of things to buy, she became a celebrity by exposing this and showing how difficult life is in Cuba."

Ms Sanchez was chosen in 2008 by Time magazine as one of the most influential people in the world, despite the fact that she is influential abroad and is only well known to the police, the State and the forces that control the internet in Cuba.

"The Vietnamese government have learnt a lot from the Chinese Communist Party in how to control the media," said Mr Nguyen.

"The government has overlooked the past 10 years because the premise of the Vietnamese reform, is that we have just opened up the economy.

"They assume that technology and the internet is part of the economy, so they overlooked the whole control of the internet," he said.

Blogging from the State

Many popular political bloggers in Vietnam, such as "ChangeWeNeed" and "Osin", are thought to have high-level sources inside government who leak political scandals.

Who or how many people are behind the "ChangeWeNeed" blog remains a secret but they claim to have met with Vietnamese military leaders.

The other well known blog is called "Green River" which has identified all the politicians and government officials who drive expensive cars.

"That blogger has named everybody and the government has not made any move to deny it," explained Mr Nguyen.

"It seems they are very well placed in the Communist system in Vietnam and have access to info.

Many bloggers are using their blogs as a political weapon to fight for their own freedom and rights
Shirong Chen

"Many bloggers work for the State and access the internet through the government's own computers," he said.

In China, people are encouraged to write blogs sympathetic to the government.

"These blogs partly come from those who do believe in the government line but there are also reports of people whose job it is to plant blogs in the blogosphere, to push the government lines," said Mr Chen.

"Some of the blogs are subtle, but some give the straightforward party line.

"Many bloggers are using their blogs as a political weapon to fight for their own freedom and rights," he said.

Double life

In Vietnam, journalists have woken up to the potential of blogs.

"During daylight, some of the bloggers may work on government newspapers, they produce the same articles praising the government for doing very good things but at night they write their blogs which is totally different," said Mr Nguyen.

Said Mr Martins: "Bloggers are becoming more influential and you have a lot of blog journalists from the traditional media that just decided to either give up everything or lead double lives."

"They are becoming more influential because they offer a different point of view and information that the traditional media doesn't provide," he said.

Digital Planet is broadcast on BBC World Service on Tuesday at 1232 GMT and repeated at 1632 GMT, 2032 GMT and on Wednesday at 0032 GMT.


source :news.bbc.co.uk

Education Foundation

The RYTHEM EDUCATION FOUNDATION is a dynamic, independent, not for profit organisation. Our work focuses on funding and supporting partnerships and initiatives that positively contribute to the development of young people, their education and communities. RYTHEM EDUCATION FOUNDATION, consolidating an impressive scope of expertise and knowledge of the youth and education sectors.

RYTHEM EDUCATION FOUNDATION’s proven 25 years history in the development and delivery of innovative and ambitious education programs that support the public education system, community engagement, as well as a strong research and policy advocacy capability.

Information Technology has become the fastest growing Industry in today's scenario which is providing thousands of job to well trained professionals. India has achieved a terrific growth in this field and is being considered as a Super Power in the world. Information Technology is providing the upcoming future that will change every face of Human existence. In order to produce Information Technology Professionals, IT education requires a good infrastructure and high quality competence.


The interference of the computer enter in our life. Computer education is beneficial when any course of computer is done by the recognized institution or university. Indian Government also gives the slogan "Information Technology for all". For Development and extension of this programmer 20 Lac Information Technology Experts requires within six years. Other then I.T. field Ancillary Units and Industries requires demand of more then 10 Lac employee, but it come in force in India before few years. Now by the help of internet whole world is in our computer screen. Due to which we can take any of information within few seconds through computer. It is learning institute and is always willing to invent, innovate and renovate itself with the changing times. In continuation of it & education service to the nation, the Bharat Mission has become a pioneer in providing the best IT education & training in collaboration with state and Govt. of India. Our the prime goal of providing quality IT education to its Students and the meeting the need for skilled IT Professionals in the country.

Our Institution has been decided to provide the Computer Education by the help of State & Indian Government planning & Programmes announces time to time in nominal charge for every person of our lower and middle class of society. I wish and try to success the dream of computer education in all India.

RYTHEM EDUCATION FOUNDATION is an autonomous institution. The main objective behind the establishment of this institution is to spread the computer literacy to all over the country. By this computer literacy program, we ensure that student may learn more and more and can become self motivated. Our beefy infrastructure and dedicated officers urge students to move forward to get greater Professional Competence. They have also been exposed to the training and real world projects. I am sure that our student can get enough knowledge to face any demand and challenges that an employer may have on them. I wish for their great success and bright future and hope frothier better tomorrow.


source : images.google.com.pk

Australian Information and Communications Technology in Education Committee (AICTEC)

The Australian Information and Communications Technology in Education Committee (AICTEC) is a national, cross-sectoral committee responsible for providing advice to all Australian Ministers of Education and Training on the economic and effective utilisation of information and communications technologies in Australian education and training and on implementation of the Digital Education Revolution

AICTEC_logo_web.jpg

AICTEC has representation from the schools, vocational education and training and higher education sectors, and includes both public and private education and training sector interests. Through its broad membership, the Committee represents the information and communication technology interests of each State and Territory school and vocational, education and training (VET) system, the non-government school sector, higher education, and the Australian Government.

AICTEC's revised Terms of Reference, endorsed by MCEETYA on 17 April 2008, extend AICTEC's role to include providing strategic policy advice on implementation of the Digital Education Revolution. In making this decision, MCEETYA noted that AICTEC would provide cross-jurisdictional and cross-sectoral policy advice to MCEETYA, COAG's Productivity Agenda Working Group and relevant sub-groups, and the Australian Government regarding implementation of the Digital Education Revolution and related ICT issues and, in this context, facilitate national consultation, collaboration and coordination as appropriate.

DEEWR logo

The AICTEC Secretariat is funded by the Australian Government Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations under the Framework for Open Learning Program (FOLP).



source :www.aictec.edu.au

About Information Technology Security Task Force

The Virginia Tech Information Technology Security Task Force was formed in December, 2003, to review the security of the university's information technology environment.

The goals of the task force are to:

  • identify current methods of securing VT computing and network resources;
  • identify ways to improve security; and
  • propose specific solutions and initiatives to enhance the security of the Virginia Tech information technology environment.

Information Technology Security Task Force


source :www.it.vt.edu/spotlight


UET reserved seats admission in session 2009-10

Private institutions step up drive for admission
Lahore, Sep 02: The University of Engineering and Technology (UET) has extended the last date till September 5 (Saturday) for admission in session 2009-10 against reserved seats in the varsity for other provinces and Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) on reciprocal basis.

Other professional institutions have also extended admission date ranging from Sept 5, 7 and 12. The AJK immigrants can also apply for admission to Pakistani varsities against their reserved seats.

Admission forms for medical and dental colleges could be submitted by October 7, engineering and other courses by Sept 12, and for Agriculture University Faisalabad by Sept 7 to the Additional Secretary Education (Colleges) Muzaffarabad.

Meanwhile, following display of last merit lists on August 31 in government colleges for graduate and postgraduate studies, and near the completion of admission process in Intermediate second shifts, the private colleges and varsities have accelerated their admission campaign for those who could not get admission. Most of these institutions either do not have any charter from the government or are affiliated with the institutions other than the Punjab University, Lahore Board and Board of Technical Education. Legally no other varsity can grant affiliation to any institution operating in its jurisdiction. The Punjab University has also drawn a list of the institutions, de-affiliated by it for not fulfilling the basis requirement. But these institutions are still admitting the students. Similarly, the Higher Education Commission (HEC) has also drawn a list of universities and colleges not recognised by it or which do not have any charter to act as varsity. However, these institutions as well whose quality of education and credibility of degree is questionable, are continuing to allure the unwary students due to lack of any administrative machinery to disband them. The nation


source :www.interface.edu.pk

Friday, September 4, 2009

Educational Changes in the Field of Information Technology




As the information technology industry has grown, so have the related educational opportunities. Educational curriculum isn’t always the best gauge of industry changes within a particular field, although the rules which make that fact a plainly evident reality for most industries rarely apply in the modern world of information technology. In fact, unlike disciplines such as medicine, the very nature of the current IT industry promotes the idea that advancements in technology are only truly valid and successful when they are recognized and widely accepted by all. For this reason, IT curriculum is often on the heels of the latest developments, with competition among educational providers also helping to spur the cutting edge component of the coursework.

Lately, another trend is beginning to emerge, with more universities offering specializations in the field of IT. While IT and computer science related programs with specializations are becoming more commonplace than ever, the marriage of IT and education was not always such a happy, fruitful union. Not long ago, computer science curriculum could be summed up in two phrases: network administration and programming. Large scale hardware and software IT implementations were performed by technicians certified by Cisco or Microsoft. These were the certifications one sought after they graduated from college but before attempting to find employment. Now, with the implementation and operation of server based intranet systems having long ago been de-mystified, most IT professionals are going from cap and gown to business casual with few if any stops along the way. The reason this is possible has a lot to do with changes in the educational system’s view of information technology.

Most institutions are moving toward a diverse curriculum that incorporates IT fundamentals with an emphasis on a particular area of specialization. Educational institutions are reacting to the needs of employers in the job market. From the implementation of infrastructures to systems security, an area of study that once might have had a course or two devoted to it now comprises an entire degree program.

The result of these changes in the educational landscape regarding IT is indeed a direct reflection of changes in the workplace. As alterations to the structure of IT management have occurred, so have evolutions in the way IT personnel are educated and trained.



source : www.goingtouni.gov.au

Information Technology

Information Technology is the study of the processing, transmitting and storage of information by computers.

The main purpose of this broad field of education is to develop an understanding of and ability to create information systems, programming languages, information management and artificial intelligence.

The theoretical content of Broad Field 02 Information Technology includes:

• computation theory
• computer programming
• data format and coding
• management, storage and retrieval of information in a computer environment
• robotics programming and artificial intelligence
• systems analysis


source :www.goingtouni.gov.au

Engineering and Related Technologies

Engineering and Related Technologies is the study of the design, manufacture, installation, maintenance and functioning of machines, systems and structures; and the composition and processing of metals, ceramics, foodstuffs and other materials. It includes the measurement and mapping of the earth's surface and its natural and constructed features.

The main purpose of this broad field of education is to develop an understanding of the conversion of materials and energy, and the measurement and representation of objects.

The theoretical content of Broad Field 03 Engineering and Related Technologies includes:

• aeronautics
• engineering and manufacturing technology
• food technology
• land information technology and remote sensing
• materials science
• principles of design, drafting, planning and commissioning


source : www.goingtouni.gov.au

Technology photos

Browse through the collection of free stock photos that feature technology. Find everything from computer photos to humanoid images, supercomputer pictures, tech graphics and more. Technology moves so fast these days you'll want to make sure you have photos of it before it quickly moves on. Locate the picture you need whether it's of the latest gadgets, new parts, cool gizmos, crazy inventions or fast computers.

Download any of the technology based stock photos, pictures, digital images or graphics. They are all royalty free and in the public domain so use them as you please.

computer chip

computers

early supercomputer

random robot

humanoid robot

robotic soccer

source : www.easystockphotos.com







iPhoto ( EDTEC 640 )

Life is one big photo opportunity. After you've snapped all those great pictures, what can you do with them? With Apple's iPhoto, you can store, organize, and display all your images. Or send an album of favorite photos to the family and have it change automatically on their computers when you update yours. Give a beautiful printed book of special photos to a friend. Put your kid's face on a custom party invitation. Create a personalized calendar to give as a gift. In this hands-on class, you'll also learn iPhoto's floating Effects palette with the most popular effects. Apply a sepia tint to your photo. Transform it to striking black-and-white. Boost or fade color. Vignette it or blur the edges. With iPhoto, you can take your digital images to the next level with ease. This class is part of Continuing Education's HomeTech series. For more information and to see a complete list of HomeTech classes, go to www.continue.utah.edu/hometech.



source : continue.utah.edu

Education

When we think about education, we often view school in a traditional, formal sense. Many people believe that true learning can only take place in a formal classroom setting. Others feel education occurs in many different forms and environments. There may not be a definitive answer to the question of, ‘What is Education?’ However, we can start thinking about the purpose of education. Is it to educate youth to be responsible citizens? Is it to develop individuals, as well as society, in order to ensure a society’s economic success? Or is the purpose of education to simply focus on developing individual talents and intelligence? Perhaps it is the balance of all three that defines education? While our answers may differ, we can perhaps agree that education is a basic human right. When that right is granted growth and development, the society as a whole is more likely to improve in areas such as health, nutrition, general income and living standards and population fertility rates.

The information in this section will prompt you to think about some very important issues surrounding the topic of education. As global citizens of the world it is our responsibility to critically think about these issues and attempt to come up with solutions to the problems plaguing education. In 1990 UNESCO launched EFA, the movement to provide quality education for all children, youth, and adults by the year 2015. Seventeen years later much progress still needs to be made if we are to achieve the goal for 2015. The unfortunate reality is that for many countries, larger issues precede improving the quality of education. How can we achieve the goals of EFA when numerous countries around the world are faced with challenges that seem far too impossible to overcome?

The answer lies in attempting to bridge some of the gaps that prevent developing nations to compete with developed nations. One example is that of providing greater access to technology and narrowing the ever widening digital divide. In many ways the most basic access to technology can serve as a valuable educational tool. Individuals who are not afforded this access are at a disadvantage when trying to grasp opportunities to make life better for themselves, their families, and their community.

Another issue that poses a barrier to widespread development is that of literacy. There still remains a rather larger percentage of illiterate youth and adults in many nations around the world. Economic difficulty and lack of education get in the way of decreasing illiteracy rates. As you will learn in the following sections, literacy is no longer simply limited to reading and writing.

There are many different capacities in which an individual living in the twenty-first century can be literate. Helping to strengthen skills in other areas, can still help to make progress on sustaining the development of a nation, as well as achieve gender equality. The gender gap in education points to the fact that females are still not afforded the same opportunities as males. In many parts of the world cultures see no value in educating females. Two of the eight Millennium Development Goals, achieving universal primary education and promoting gender equality, seek to close the gaps that exist in the education around the world. If we can make some advancement on achieving these goals, we can further the progress on the remaining six. Education is the foundation for the success of any given society. Numerous studies have shown the correlation between education and lower birth rates, lower infant mortality rates and fewer maternal deaths. Furthermore, a more educated population will also result in higher personal incomes as we all expand access to financial opportunities.

In summary therefore, education does not only encourage personal development but also provides a place for people to interact, socialize, and unify their societies


source: issues.tigweb.org

Lead & Get Others Involved

Educational technology has made the attainment of education possible for diverse groups including those in remote areas of developing countries. The obvious question that comes to mind is: how is it possible to spread this form of education in remote areas without electricity and telephone lines? The vision to provide educational technology in such areas might seem an impossible task. However, the following story demonstrates the will of a “changemaker”, who achieved the impossible by introducing educational technology in a country where government-run schools are inadequately funded and in the remote Nepalese villages, which are isolated from urban cities and other villages due to rough terrain.

Mahabir Pun, a Nepalese teacher, due to absence of high-school education, was forced to leave mountainous village (Nangi) in western Nepal. After high school, he attended the University of Nebraska in United States. When he returned to his village, he realized his village’s need to sustainable educational institutions. From his experiences in United States, he had seen the significant contribution that information technology could make to the improving education system. This single idea motivated him to improve the quality of education in Nepal’s remote mountainous regions.

Mahabir began to work on his vision i.e. using technology to overcome the remoteness of these mountainous villages, by educating himself about computer through computer classes.

His plan is to link teachers by computers and Internet, thereby preventing teacher burnout and improving the quality of instruction. His vision allows teacher hours-walking distance away to communicate with each other, share resources, and ideas. Moreover, since qualified teachers are rare in these mountainous districts, distance-learning classes allow three or more villages to share skilled teachers.

Mahabir first steps in making his vision a possibility included connecting Nangi School with villages eight-hours-walking distance away with the help of a small handmade dish antennae. He collected computer parts from the U.S. and assembled them in wooden boxes, thereby building 14 computer for his village. In 2008, Mahabir’s dream became a full-fledged reality with wireless technology connecting 42 remote villages in Nepal.

Mahabir’s solution to geographic isolation and derisory education is compelling, but it is also applicable to numerous countries with similar geographic character and equally to those in pursuit of a sustainable education system.

If you have lead others to get involved in making an impact on the issue of educational technology or any other global issue, let the rest of the TakingITGlobal (TIG) community know by writing your own TIG member's story and inspire others to create change just like you!



source: issues.tigweb.org

Identify & Get Informed

Educational technology, the incorporation of information technology into the learning experience, is a term that continues to evolve alongside technological advancements in the field.

The issue of educational technology has played a major part in improving the learning outcomes of individuals by personalizing the learning experience. The immediate responsiveness of computer based programs, and the self-paced private learning environment that educational technology warrants seeks to promote higher levels of motivation among students worldwide. It has also provided greater access to education such as in the case of increased accommodation for students with severe physical disabilities and for students living in remote locations.

E-learning refers to the specific kind of learning experienced within the domain of educational technology, which can be used in or out of the classroom. Distance learning, computer-based training, and social networking tools are just a few examples of e-learning. Tools like TIGed (http://www.tigweb.org/tiged) combine engaging social networking technologies with citizenship and global education. Implementing such tools in the classroom addresses the pressing need for today’s youth to be more aware of their global environment.

The debate over which tool best serves the needs of the learners is ongoing and subject to geographic context. For instance, in developing countries, mobile phones out number computers because of their low costs and operating needs, thus, raising the question of whether mobiles could serve as a better learning tool with more educational benefits than computers in the developing countries.

source: issues.tigweb.org

TECHNOLOGY EDUCATION

Free Tools To Play With Images Online, Get Creative

15+ Free Tools To Play With Images Online, Get Creative

With more and more people clicking pictures with ever increasing digital gadgets, demand for easy to use image editing alternatives is on the rise.
There are number of new online services that allow you to edit photos without installing any software on your computer.
Besides being free, these are easy to use and make you a photoshop geek - without actually having to learn photoshop. So, here goes cool tools to play with images online:
1. Splashup(http://www.splashup.com/)
Formerly Fauxto, is a powerful editing tool and photo manager. With all the features professionals use and novices want, it’s easy to use, works in real-time and allows you to edit many images at once. Splashup runs in all browsers, integrates seamlessly with top photosharing sites, and even has its own file format so you can save your work in progress.

2. Picnik ( http://www.picnik.com/)
It fast, free and fun way to play with images stored on Flickr, Facebook, PhotoBucket, Picasa, webshots or on your computer. It makes your photos fabulous with easy to use yet powerful editing tools with oodles of effects, fonts, shapes, and frames.

3. LunaPic (http://www.lunapic.com/)
It can for sure add life to your images. Animating images has never been so easy and quick before. Lunapic is a low profile yet a powerful Online Photo Editor.
4. FlauntR (http://www.flauntr.com/)
Another cool option to play with images online. Beside being easy and free, it has well designed and easy to use editing tool layout. This is for sure true - FlauntR is made for everyone, so that anyone can be a professional.
5. FotoFlexer ( http://fotoflexer.com/)
It allows you to render some cool photoshop like effects to your images. Besides being flexible, it has seamless integration with photo hosting services like Flickr, Photobucket, MySpace and much more. An advanced photo editor which is easy to use.

6. Phixr (http://www.phixr.com/)
A portable online solution to ‘Phix’ your photos. Besides the basic photo editing and effects, it has integration with photohosting websites like PhotoBucket, Flickr.
7. Graphita (http://www.graphita.com/)
It is more of a fun image editor minus the clutter of regular image editor. It allows you to add funny captions and all types of strange objects to images. You can also add bubbles, words and doodles. Strictly for fun with images.
8. Pixenate (http://pixenate.com/)
It is very basic image editing online tool. It does not advanced editing feature but a handy option for basic quick image editing needs like - resize, crop, rotate, zoom, adding sepia effect and few more.
9. CellSea (http://www.cellsea.com/media/index.htm)
Another cool alternative for basic images editing and manipulation. To get started, Simply upload image from your computer or enter image URL. Supported file format: jpg, gif, png, bmp, tiff, fpx and pnm, with maximum allowed file size: 10MB
10. 72Photos (http://72photos.com/)

It is like Flickr with image editing features. You can upload loads of photos, arrange them in galleries. Besides, you can also perform basic images editing operations on images in your account. It is a combo if images hosting and basic image editing.

11. OnlinePhotoTool (http://www.onlinephototool.com/)
You can edit and save your images, screenshots and photos online.It supports basic image functions - image Resize, crop, add text, sharpen, rotate, flip, colour balance, saturation, levels, paint, add icons, sepia, black and white.
12. MyImager (http://www.myimager.com/)
Another online tools which support basic image operations. MyImager has a primitive interface with number of dropdown boxes and does not support images files greater than 500Kbs in size.

13. SnipShot (http://snipshot.com/)

It allows you to edit photos stored on your computer or on Flickr account. Free version has most of basic image editing functions. PRO version has more features to play with.

14. Pixer.us (http://www.pixer.us/)
With pixer.us you can edit your photos online using only your browser. Upload your photo using the ‘load image’ form and you can start to play with it.
15. Picture2Life (http://www.picture2life.com/)
It allows you to edit, collage, animate and share your pictures online. Upload the picture from your computer and get going.

16. PikiFx (http://www.pikifx.com/)
No need to register or login, just upload image from your computer or provide URL and start playing with it. It has basic image editing options like resize, crop, effects etc.


source : www.information-it-education.blogspot.com


Montgomery College President Ousted


Trustees place Brian Johnson on leave, with pay, and vote not to renew contract after allegations of mismanagement

Brian K. Johnson in 2007 at his inauguration as Montgomery College president. (By Rachel Golden)





source :voices.washingtonpost.com

How to measure technology use in education


ICTs are increasingly being used in education systems around the world. How do we know what the impact of such use is? How should we monitor and assessment the use of ICTs in education? How can, should and might answers to these questions impact the policy planning process?

Questions such as these are complicated in many countries by a lack of consensus on what can and/or should be measured, and how this measurement can and should take place. Lack of common sets of methodologies and indicators in this regard also hampers cross-national comparison of developments and the impact of related initiatives.

To help address such challenges, many organizations have begun to develop, or propose to develop, common sets of 'ICT in education indicators' to help guide their activities, and those of their developmental partners, in this area.

To promote harmonization of related efforts, representatives from the World Bank, KERIS, the Korean Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, UNESCO Institute of Statistics (UIS), UNESCO-Bangkok, the Inter-american Development Bank, the OECD (CERI), and the European Union - CRELL, joined by experts from universities in South Korea, the Netherlands and Canada, and representatives from the international initiative on the 'Assessment & Teaching of 21st Century Skills' met to:

  1. share information about current and upcoming efforts sponsored by key organizations in this topic;
  2. provide critical feedback and advice to colleagues leading initiatives in this area;
  3. assess potential areas of cross-donor collaboration;
  4. identify gaps in existing or proposed initiatives; and
  5. propose areas for collaboration and joint activity going forward.

Proceedings from this event are now available on-line.

The UNESCO Institute of Statistics (UIS) has been perhaps the leading organization building consensus in this area to date, through its leadership role on education issues within the Partnership for Measuring ICT in Development. Informed by work done by other groups, including the pioneering work of UNESCO-Bangkok in the Asia-Pacific region, UIS has proposed, and reached general agreement on, a set of nine initial 'core indicators' which are largely infrastructure-related. Building off this core set, of indicators, UIS has brought together a group of 25 countries as part of a Working Group for Information and Communication Technology Statistics in Education (WISE) to expand and test a set of around fifty indicators, covering a wider variety of 'conceptual domains' (i.e. topics). A useful short summary of this work is available here (in PDF), including the full list of extended indicators, together with some useful context and explanation. This set of indicators is due to be discussed in Montevideo this December.

Global indicators of the sort that UIS is proposing will only get us so far, however. At a project level, there are widely divergent approaches to monitoring (and ultimately evaluating) the activities and impact of a specific initiative. Now, 'widely divergent approaches' can of course be a good thing, as individual indicators may be more or less relevant, given the particular objectives of a project. That said, some agreement on conceptual frameworks to help guide such work could be useful, and last week's worksho featured spirited discussion of proposed frameworks from the Inter-american Development Bank, the European Commission's Joint Research Centre - CRELL, the OECD, and Korea. More commonalities in approach emerged than differences; joint work on a commonly-endorsed framework should be out by the end of the year.


The workshop also featured presentations on the IDRC-sponsored work to build and maintain a 'Pan-African observatory' on the pedogogical use integration of ICTs and work jointly sponsored by Cisco, Microsoft and Intel to fund academic research on the assessment and teaching of 21st century skills (about which more in subsequent posts).

Also of potential interest:

  • Results from the recent CRELL International Research Workshop on "Assessing the effects of ICT in education - indicators, criteria and benchmarks for international comparisons"
  • infoDev's Monitoring and Evaluation of ICT in Education Projects: A Handbook for Developing Countries

The image used in this blog posting comes courtesy of the Tango Desktop Project via the Wikimedia Commons and is used according to the terms of its Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 2.5 license.




source :blogs.worldbank.org

The impact technology is having on the accounting profession

1. Introduction

Thirty years ago, most financial accounting was done manually, leading to a great deal of paperwork. Currently, most accounting information is recorded via computers and wide area networks (Journal of Accountancy, 1994a). Technology has certainly changed the face of accounting over the years. While it is unclear whether technology’s impact on accounting has been positive or negative, it is clear that technology has drastically changed the accounting profession. Often a technological advance may be an asset to a business, but a liability to the firm’s accountant. For example, information can be provided in a timely and more accurate manner, but at the price of confidentiality. Some of the impacts of technology are neither positive or negative; they are simply changes. So in essence, the impacts of technology on accounting have been positive, negative, and neutral, but each impact results in a demand on the profession to conform to the changes.

2. The advantages of technology to the accounting profession

The obvious advantage of technology is in the various tools that it has provided. Examples of these tools include computer-integrated manufacturing, communications technology, image processing, the Internet, and expert systems. These are a few examples of the many tools of technology whose purpose is to provide more detailed and accurate information in a timely manner.

Computer-integrated manufacturing has had a significant positive impact on the financial world and especially on cost accountants. With automated manufacturing, computers collect and report information almost simultaneously. This results in ‘an operational information system that fully integrates manufacturing with marketing and accounting data’, increasing both the quantity and timeliness of the information (Hansen & Mowen, 1997, p. 8). This detailed information has been significant in cost accounting, allowing accountants to develop activity-based costing systems. These new costing systems allow accountants to allocate overhead more efficiently. These systems can also distinguish non-value added costs providing cost accountants the opportunity to convert them to value added costs (Hansen, p. 8).

Technological tools work to promote efficiency in the transferring of data between corporations and their different divisions, offices, customers, and even their accounting firms. Communications technology utilizes a combination of technologies to transmit data in a variety of forms to each of these recipients. This particular form of technology is of considerable importance for large accounting firms, because its enhanced communications capabilities allow for easier expansion into the worldwide market. This global aspect of technology is necessary for accounting firms to maintain their international competitiveness (Journal of Accountancy, 1996).

The Internet, or World Wide Web (WWW), has become the newest location for conducting business (Journal of Accountancy, 1995). Internet transactions are a prime example of how to obtain timely, accurate information. Electronic commerce leads the way in providing the information for Internet transactions by linking multiple firms through both computers and communications technology ( Journal of Accountancy, 1996). This speeds up the transfer of information between an entity and its accounting firm. For accountants, this means getting the most current information to work with. According to the Journal of Accountancy, this electronic commerce ‘will become a prime link between a business and its CPA’s for exchanging data’ (1995). For the smaller business, services provided by the Internet include on-line banking and automatic bill paying which eliminate many clerical duties of today’s accountant ( Byte, 1995).

Technology is progressively working to eliminate paper work almost entirely. Paper work slows down transaction time and burdens entities with maintenance needs. Image processing was voted by the Journal of Accountancy as the top technology affecting accountants in 1996 (1996). This process uses scanning to convert important paper images into electronic documents. These electronic documents are easier to transfer both internally and externally, resulting in more efficient, timely information (Journal of Accountancy, 1996).

Expert systems and advanced accounting software that have recently been designed could be perhaps one of the greatest assets of technology to accountants. Users of this recent development in technology range from the smallest proprietorships to the largest of corporations. Expert systems are a type of artificial intelligence that assists accountants in their decision-making (Journal of Accountancy, 1996). These systems are especially useful in both auditing and tax decision-making but can be developed to aid users in many different areas including inventory control and financial statement preparation ( Pincus and Accounting). A software company called Intuit recently developed a program called Quicken 4 for Windows. This software provides accountants with on-line documentation, multimedia tutorials, and even interactive advice from financial experts ( Byte, 1995). Visual Accountmate developed a program called Manufactures’ Inventory that posts the goods to the appropriate accounts as the inventories move through the manufacturing process. For the small privately owned business, Windows 95 has developed a program that helps accountants to develop financial statements by presenting a series of specific questions ( Accounting Technology, 1997). These are just a few examples of how expert systems and accounting software can assist today’s accountant.

A new, innovative approach to completing projects within the business world is groupwork via computers. Workflow technology and collaborative computing are examples of technologies that promote groupwork. Workflow technology is designed to transfer information between designated workgroups. Collaborative computing and groupware is a type of software that allows an entire group of people to view and update documents from different sites. These types of software increase the number of participants, and therefore input and knowledge, on a project (Journal of Accountancy, 1996). In accounting, groupwork can be especially useful in the audit side of the practice. The auditing team that is working in the field can touch base with the corporate office and exchange information. Groupwork software is also useful for companies that have divisions nationally or abroad.

Technology promotes consolidation of information into a central database. Eugene H. Flegm, a former general auditor for General Motors, refers to these consolidations as their ‘common systems’. Previously, each division of General Motors maintained its own set of books that were consolidated a year-end for financial statement presentation. Computers have allowed General Motors to incorporate all of their data on payables, receivables, purchases, etc. from every division into one central database. This database provides current, accurate information that can be accessed conveniently from headquarters and each divisions simultaneously (Journal of Accountancy, 1994a).

Databases like the one used by General Motors, exemplify technology’s greatest accomplishments in the access it provides for timely and accurate information. Technology allows us to move from the traditional accounting system to a system that Hansen and Mowen, authors of Cost Accounting, call a Data Based Relationship accounting system (Hansen & Mowen, 1997, p. 10). Traditional systems can be viewed as a funnel. As transactions move through the funnel, much of the useful information is lost. An example is the aggregation of accounts receivable into the general ledger. The general ledger only keeps the totals of the receivables. In a data based system, all of the original transaction information is retained in a central database including customer name, purchase date, items ordered etc. Users can derive specific information such as a customer’s total number of orders. This database can be accessed by different users from different sites simultaneously ( Hansen & Mowen, 1997, p. 10).

Completely Integrated Business Environment (CIBE) is an example of a data based relationship accounting system. The CIBE system works to organize the major outflow of information produced by all of these technologies without eliminating any important details in the process. These data based relationship accounting systems are of great value to management accountants. This CIBE system is completely integrated allowing all financial and management information to be controlled by a single corporate database. This single control point will allow the business to operate more efficiently and effectively. CIBE collects and analyzes data automatically. For management accountants, this means that specific factors contributing to the health of the entity can be monitored on a continual basis. Information becomes a ‘strategic resource’ to the entity. Information from all sources can be combined when necessary. This provides management accountants with a very effective and efficient method of analysis, management reporting, and control (Management Accounting, 1990).

3. The disadvantages of technology to the accounting profession

As we have seen, the advantages of technology over the last several years have been numerous. Unfortunately, the disadvantages are equal in quantity and impact. Technology has provided accountants with many avenues for extracting detailed and precise information in a timely manner. At the same time, accountants run the risk of losing accountability and confidentiality.

The elimination of the ‘paper trail’ can prove to be a key concern of accountants in this electronic information age. Some technologies actually allow for more fraudulent activities with the elimination of this paper trail. Image processing works to reduce the amount of paperwork needed for a business transaction. As a result, traditional backup papers may not be converted and will therefore not be available for support. In an Electronic Data Interchange (EDI), routine business transactions between two enterprises are conducted primarily with a computer system rather than by personnel. The use of EDI for processing everyday transactions results in a purely electronic audit trail for auditors. This electronic trail becomes even more difficult to follow with the use of area networking and collaborative computing. Area networking is an approach that allows resource sharing by various computers at different sites. Unfortunately, this networking makes it more difficult to track the origin of a transaction, opening the door for fraudulent activities. As previously mentioned, collaborative computing increases the volume of input on a subject. Unfortunately, this increased number of participants in a project jeopardizes the verification process and accountability for the information. Consequently, accountants must take into consideration the control over and the reliability of the information provided by these technologies (Journal of Accountancy, 1996).

As mentioned earlier, confidentiality is a primary concern of accountants in the 20th century. Security enhancements should be a standard precaution taken by accountants in the protection of vital information. Several technologies contribute directly to the increase in security risks including the use of the Internet, communications technologies, and groupwork (Journal and Journal). Accountants need to take the necessary precautions to limit access to confidential financial information to authorized users. This can often be accomplished with the use of a PIN number or a multilevel password ( Byte, 1995). CIBE systems have attempted to resolve this security problem by adding a feature to the program that can restrict areas even for authorized users to very specific, individual areas of information ( Management Accounting, 1990). Accounts must ‘monitor their activities to ensure the maintenance of … confidentiality,’ according to the Standards of Ethical Conduct for Management Accountants ( Hansen & Mowen, 1997, p. 18).

One of the greatest disadvantages of technology is its dependency on human forethought. Technology is a product of human innovation, and therefore, repeats human error. Human error, when intertwined with technology, can be very costly. This is best shown by what is known as the ‘Year 2000 Problem’. This problem, which affects virtually every computer, began when many computers were originally programmed 20 or 30 years ago. At that time, computer memory was very expensive, and as a result, technicians only used two digits, instead of four, to represent the date. The problem will be on January 1, 2000, when computer systems everywhere will think it is January 1, 1900. This misunderstanding will cause chaos for most businesses unless the problem is corrected. Correcting this problem is not a simple or cheap task. Worldwide, it has been estimated that the correction will cost between $300 and $600 billion. Yet, if the ‘Year 2000 Problem’ goes unresolved, the cost will be much greater. An extensive amount of accounting and human resource data will be distorted by this problem. Entire computer systems will become useless. Perhaps this demonstrates that another disadvantage is the profession’s dependency on technology. Forty years ago, a failure of the computer system would simply be an inconvenience. Today, that same failure could destroy many businesses (Ernst & Young, 1997).

The year 2000 Problems is not the only consequence of human error. All computer programs, including the expert systems mentioned earlier, are written by people. If the programmer makes an error in the software, it will be reflected in all the results of the system. Therefore, these expert systems should be viewed as a mechanism for decision making based on ONE model. These expert systems do not produce the RIGHT answer; they only produce the best answer according to that particular model.

4. Technology as a change to the accounting profession

Technology has had many effects on the accounting profession. Not all of these effects can be labeled as positive or negative. Many outcomes of the interaction of technology and accounting are simply changes to the profession. Some of these changes include the hiring pattern of enterprises, the education and training of accountants, and the changing of the profession as a whole.

An increased need for education results from advancements in technology. Accountants must be familiar with these new software programs, expert systems, and communications systems to utilize them efficiently (Journal of Accountancy, 1996). Accountants in the 21st century should expect to be involved in continuing education. Software systems can become obsolete within months of their creation. For accountants, this means the need for continued education.

Technology in accounting affects the hiring patterns of accounting firms. Fewer entry-level positions will be needed as these responsibilities are taken over by computers. In 1994, Charles B. Eldridge, a partner of Ernst & Young, said ‘Hiring into our audit practice has declined over the last several years as a result of changes in that area and the impact of technology.’ A representative of Peat Marwick, who is experiencing the same hiring pattern, said this reduction ‘is not a temporary measure (Journal of Accountancy, 1994c).’ This hiring pattern extends beyond accounting firms into most corporations. Many firms will replace their manual, clerical functions with computers ( Journal of Accountancy, 1994a). In the 21st century, the newest generation of accountants should look to specialization and consulting to ensure a position in the profession.

Consulting already makes up a large portion of business for accounting firms, and this area will continue to grow in the 21st century with the expansion of technology consulting. A major component of this consulting is network management. Consultants in this field will be responsible for the implementation of many of the new technologies already discussed. Internet access requires consultants to be responsible for the education of their clients on how to make their own companies more efficient through the use of the WWW. Research capabilities and security issues will need to be addressed. The introduction of IntrAnets in the last couple of years has broadened the options for businesses and their consultants. Businesses can create their own version of the Internet on a smaller, personal scale called an Intranet. These Intranets resolve some of the security issues associated with the Internet, because they cannot be accessed by users outside the company. With this onslaught of technology, many businesses can be overwhelmed by the numerous decisions in selecting software packages. For this reason, Jeff Zulusky, an intranet specialist, says ‘there is a renewed tendency among [business executives] to trust their accountants as technology advisors’ (Accounting Today, 1997).

The accounting profession has definitely been influenced by the recent bombardment of technology within the industry. Some ‘business thinkers’ believe the accounting profession should be entirely revamped. It is true that some technological changes have made many of the current accounting practices no longer relevant. An example is the ledger account (Journal, 1994b). Previously, this account was very important as a historical record of transactions and was used to expedite the preparation of financial statements ( Knapp, 1996, p. 82). With today’s timely information, the ledger account becomes less important. Computers have taken over as the record keeper for this type of information. According to a contributor to the Journal of Accountancy: ‘if the accounting profession doesn’t reinvent itself, it easily could … be replaced by a profession that has yet to emerge with an entirely different vision of how information, analysis and attest services should be provided’ (1994b). Competitors of traditional accountants include consulting firms, financial advisors, computer companies, and more ( Journal of Accountancy, 1994b).

5. In Conclusion …

We have seen that technology is an asset to all businesses because of the enhanced communications skills it has provided. Technology has provided many tools that increase efficiency in any business, including accounting. Examples of these technological tools include computer-integrated manufacturing, image processing, the Internet, and expert systems (Journal of Accountancy, 1996). This enhanced efficiency within businesses allows accounting information to become dynamic, reflecting the current state ( Journal of Accountancy, 1994b). This helps to fulfil management accountants’ objective of providing the most accurate and timely information.

Unfortunately, a technological asset to a business may result in a liability for the business’s accountant. The more timely and accurate information that is provided by the technological tools often costs the business accountability and confidentiality. There are many more opportunities for fraudulent activities due to the purely electronic audit trail accountants are often forced to deal with. These audit trails do not allow the accountant to trace many transactions to their origin. Internet transactions, as well as other methods, lead to confidentiality issues. Accountants’ dependency on computers has proven to be a disadvantage with the Year 2000 Problem. These are just some of the negative impacts that technology has had for today’s accountant.

Overall, technology has caused change in the accounting profession. Hiring trends, education needs, and the rise of the consulting side of accounting are just some of the impacts that technology has had on the accounting profession. These cannot necessarily be labeled as benefits or disadvantages. It is clear, however, that these impacts, as well as the advantages and disadvantages, are forcing a change in the accounting profession. In response, the accounting profession needs to conform to these changes, or the profession could be replaced by a rising generation of competitors. As one author for the Journal of Accountancy says, it is clear that the accounting profession ‘needs to upgrade its practices and skills to reflect where the world is going, not where it has been’ (Journal of Accountancy, 1994b).

References

Book exert from ‘1998 accountant’s guide to intranets’. Accounting Today. August (1997).

Bringing order out of chaos. Management Accounting. September (1990) 16–17.

Ernst & Young. (1997). Countdown 2000.

Hansen, D.R. and Mowen, M.M., 1997. Cost Management: Accounting & Control, South-Western College Publishing.

High-tech bookkeeping. Byte. January (1995) 155–156.

Internet: The place for electronic commerce. Journal of Accountancy. December (1995) 57.

Knapp, M.C., 1996. Financial accounting: A focus on decision making, West Publishing Company.

New Products. Accounting Technology. September (1997).

Number of entry level hires growing in consulting and … Journal of Accountancy. November (1994c).

Pincus, K.V., 1997. In: CORE: Concepts of accounting information vol. III, McGraw–Hill, pp. 3–31.

Technology: Top 15 technologies CPAs should know about in 1996. Journal of Accountancy. January (1996) 25–28.

The view from the inside: GM’s general auditor looks back. Journal of Accountancy. March (1994a) 44,46.

The new finance. Journal of Accountancy. August (1994b) 73–76.

*1 1st Place Undergraduate Winning Manuscript



source :www.sciencedirect.com

he 11th ITTE Research Seminar

The Møller Centre

The 11th ITTE Research Seminar

Thursday 11th & Friday 12th March 2010

The Møller Centre, Churchill College, Cambridge.

Enquiries to Libby Jared: ecj20@cam.ac.uk

Call for papers, application forms and draft programme available October 2009.



source :www.itte.org.uk

Obama speech to students draws conservative ire


DALLAS -- President Barack Obama's back-to-school address next week was supposed to be a feel-good story for an administration battered over its health care agenda. Now Republican critics are calling it an effort to foist a political agenda on children, creating yet another confrontation with the White House.

Obama plans to speak directly to students Tuesday about the need to work hard and stay in school. His address will be shown live on the White House Web site and on C-SPAN at noon EDT, a time when classrooms across the country will be able to tune in.

Schools don't have to show it. But districts across the country have been inundated with phone calls from parents and are struggling to address the controversy that broke out after Education Secretary Arne Duncan sent a letter to principals urging schools to watch.

Districts in states including Texas, Illinois, Minnesota, Missouri, Virginia, Wisconsin have decided not to show the speech to students. Others are still thinking it over or are letting parents have their kids opt out.

Some conservatives, driven by radio pundits and bloggers, are urging schools and parents to boycott the address. They say Obama is using the opportunity to promote a political agenda and is overstepping the boundaries of federal involvement in schools.

"As far as I am concerned, this is not civics education - it gives the appearance of creating a cult of personality," said Oklahoma state Sen. Steve Russell. "This is something you'd expect to see in North Korea or in Saddam Hussein's Iraq."

Arizona state schools superintendent Tom Horne, a Republican, said lesson plans for teachers created by Obama's Education Department "call for a worshipful rather than critical approach."

The White House plans to release the speech online Monday so parents can read it. He will deliver the speech at Wakefield High School in Arlington, Va.

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"I think it's really unfortunate that politics has been brought into this," White House deputy policy director Heather Higginbottom said in an interview with The Associated Press.

"It's simply a plea to students to really take their learning seriously. Find out what they're good at. Set goals. And take the school year seriously."

She noted that President George H.W. Bush made a similar address to schools in 1991. Like Obama, Bush drew criticism, with Democrats accusing the Republican president of making the event into a campaign commercial.

Critics are particularly upset about lesson plans the administration created to accompany the speech. The lesson plans, available online, originally recommended having students "write letters to themselves about what they can do to help the president."

The White House revised the plans Wednesday to say students could "write letters to themselves about how they can achieve their short-term and long-term education goals."

"That was inartfully worded, and we corrected it," Higginbottom said.

In the Dallas suburb of Plano, Texas, the 54,000-student school district is not showing the 15- to 20-minute address but will make the video available later.

PTA council president Cara Mendelsohn said Obama is "cutting out the parent" by speaking to kids during school hours.

"Why can't a parent be watching this with their kid in the evening?" Mendelsohn said. "Because that's what makes a powerful statement, when a parent is sitting there saying, 'This is what I dream for you. This is what I want you to achieve.'"

Texas Gov. Rick Perry, a Republican, said in an interview with the AP that he's "certainly not going to advise anybody not to send their kids to school that day."

"Hearing the president speak is always a memorable moment," he said.

But he also said he understood where the criticism was coming from.

"Nobody seems to know what he's going to be talking about," Perry said. "Why didn't he spend more time talking to the local districts and superintendents, at least give them a heads-up about it?"

Several other Texas districts have decided not to show the speech, although the district in Houston is leaving the decision up to individual school principals. In suburban Houston, the Cypress-Fairbanks district planned to show the address and has had its social studies teachers assemble a curriculum and activities for students.

"If someone objected, we would not force them to listen to the speech," spokeswoman Kelli Durham said.

In Wisconsin, the Green Bay school district decided not to show the speech live and to let teachers decide individually whether to show it later.

In Florida, GOP chairman Jim Greer released a statement that he was "absolutely appalled that taxpayer dollars are being used to spread President Obama's socialist ideology."

Despite his rhetoric, two of the larger Florida districts, Miami-Dade and Hillsborough, plan to have classes watch the speech. Students whose parents object will not have to watch.

"We're extending the same courtesy to the president as we do with any elected official that wants to enter our schools," said Linda Cobbe, a Hillsborough schools spokeswoman. Cobbe said the district, which includes Tampa, has gotten calls from upset parents but said officials don't think the White House is trying to force politics on kids.

The Minnesota Association of School Administrators is recommending against disrupting the first day of school to show the speech, but Minnesota's biggest teachers' union is urging schools to show it.

Quincy, Ill., schools decided Thursday not to show the speech. Superintendent Lonny Lemon said phone calls "hit like a load of bricks" on Wednesday.

One Idaho school superintendent, Murray Dalgleish of Council, urged people not to rush to judgment.

"Is the president dictating to these kids? I don't think so," Dalgleish said. "He's trying to get out the same message we're trying to get out, which is, `You are in charge of your education.'"

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Libby Quaid reported from Washington. Associated Press Writers April Castro, Monica Rhor, Zinie Chen Sampson, Christine Armario, Jessie Bonner, Scott Bauer, Tim Talley, Martiga Lohn, Tammy Webber and Alan Zagier contributed to this report.



source : www.washingtonpost.com