Getting ready for the digital era

AS the new submarine fibre optic cable network comes into use to boost the internet speed in the country, internet services will become more reliable.
Once the Coral Sea cable is completed by the end of this year, internet cost is expected to drop, making it accessible to a lot more people then today.
The Coral Sea cable system is a 4700km-long fibre optic submarine cable system linking Sydney, Australia, to Port Moresby and Honiara.
Then there is the Kumul submarine domestic fibre optic cable network which will provide high speed capacity to coastal centres and remote coastal centres of the country.
This network will also provide additional interconnection points to international submarine cables in Madang, Vanimo and Jayapura (Indonesia) resulting in more reliable international telecommunications services.
The network consists of three systems – connecting Jayapura to Arawa with seven branching units connecting to Vanimo, Wewak, Lorengau, Madang, Kimbe, Kavieng and Kokopo; then connecting Madang to Port Moresby with three branching units connecting to Lae, Popondetta and Alotau. From Port Moresby, it connects to Daru and Kerema.
With concerns already on the materials being downloaded by our children on their mobile phone, parents and schools have the responsibility to ensure our children master the new skill of digital literacy.
Every educator is familiar with the concept of literacy – the ability to read and write. A person who is illiterate, who cannot read or write, will inevitably struggle to get along in society.
Digital literacy, by this definition, covers a wide range of skills, all of which are necessary to succeed in an increasingly digital world.
Students who lack digital literacy skills may soon find themselves at just as much of a disadvantage as those who cannot read or write.
Digital literacy refers to an individual’s ability to find, evaluate, and compose clear information through writing and other mediums on various digital platforms.
While digital literacy initially focused on digital skills and standalone computers, the advent of the internet and use of social media have caused some of its focus to shift to mobile devices. Digital literacy overlaps with computer literacy, as most digital media technologies require some level of computer competency.
Most students already use digital technology such as tablets, smartphones, and computers, at home. Many students already know how to navigate the web, share images on social media, and do a Google search to find information. However, true digital literacy goes beyond these basic skills.
Students also need to be digitally literate so that they can be safe and smart while navigating social media sites. It is inevitable that students will get engaged with social media, so schools should work to prepare them for it.
One of the most important components of digital literacy is the ability to not just find, but also to evaluate information.
As technology becomes a part of daily life, it’s more important than ever for educators to teach digital literacy.
Whether they plan on going to college or not, students will need digital literacy to be successful in their personal and professional lives.
The world we know is fast changing. We are already within a technological revolt that is reshaping the way we interact with each other, the way labour market manages its production and even the way human being reason.
Peter Williams, of Deloitte Australia is not wrong to say PNG needs to ensure its people are digitally literate and know how to use the internet.
There are tremendous opportunities, but it is a long journey, and it will not happen overnight.
We must be prepared for this digital era.