David noting that he has recently invested in a second screen for his PC – now uses one for email and communication, and the other for ‘data’ and information – and it has transformed his life. This is interesting, perhaps I should think about it for my own desk…<\/p>\n
David has several times mentioned the resistance to innovation and change that he has encountered. He is talking about his experience in a parliamentary committee (House of Lords) and how they end up using their hands because of the lack of visual aids – and reflecting on the fact that the Chancellor of the Exchequer can’t use visual aids when presenting (for example) on the budget – and that this is then ‘spun’ by analysts and media organisations, who can use visual aids to interpret what the Chancellor is saying – so it isn’t a ‘neutral’ issue.<\/p>\n
David now reflecting on how far Singapore and South Korea are ahead of the UK, and how they understand the link between great infrastructure and innovation.<\/p>\n
If we don’t invest in technology infrastructure, we risk delivering a second class education in the future. Unversities and Colleges are in the position to be able to influence and change the future.<\/p>\n
Questions<\/strong><\/p>\n Q: Is there any evidence that we have a better workforce or society through investment in the Open University<\/a>?<\/p>\n A: Avoiding the question of a ‘better society’, what we have managed to do is keep up with changes in the workplace. 15 years ago there was a large organised workforce (factories etc.) who didn’t need flexibility. Now (for example) the vast majority of the workforce need some level of IT skills. Although we may not have a workforce fit for the 21st Century, we at least have a workforce fit for the late 20th Century. Although we have made good inroads, it isn’t enough, and not all the right direction for where we need to go next.<\/p>\n
![](\"http:\/\/img.zemanta.com\/pixie.png?x-id=c0b25245-d765-4956-91aa-e2833739dcc2\")
<\/a><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"