I was just reading Jeremiah Owyang’s post titled, Internet Usage in Third World Countries and couldn’t help but to agree that third world countries are still far from Internet technology awareness.
While America is currently in debate of how the flow of Internet information (IT) could be handled and censored, most third world countries are struggling to have their own computers in their institutions and at home.
The figures below by internetworldstats.com do not surprise me, but they are very alarming as I am also a believer of Internet’s many advantages to society:
•North America is only 5% of the world although 68% is online
•Asia is 56% of the World 10% is online (but the largest amount of internet users anywhere)
•Latin America is 8% of the world, but has 14% online
•Europe is 12% of the world with 36% online.
•The growth column shows Africa, Middle East, Latin America to explode in internet usage over the last 5 years
As previously mentioned, money is still the major reason for such problem. In India, for example, there are a lot of schools that only have two to four computer units for their computer classes. This means that if there are 40 students in one class, 10 students are in one unit.
The same struggle could be seen here in the Philippines. Many students from provinces suffer lack of IT knowledge because computer subject for them is just a matter of “special course” than treated as one of their major subjects. I have a cousin that really has no idea on how to open a computer!
Though I may sound too harsh for these poor people, this is only to address that the on-going problem could create major impact to a country. Knowledge on Internet technology brings competitiveness and a whole lot more in terms of bridging cultures, communicating to individuals and people in distant places, establishing business relationships, creating stronger economy, etc. However, I also understand that computers and the Internet are least of their concerns because there are still bunch of problems that really need immediate attention like food, shelter, and clothing. (Sigh) I guess we could not do more about this but to offer our deepest and warmest empathy.
ORIGINAL ARTICLE SOURCE:
http://www.gbwatch.com/?p=205
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Aside from being a full-time writer, she also loves beauty and the arts. She appreciates the works of the Impressionist artist Monet and loves to paint landscapes and seascapes. She also loves to do photography of people, where the theme centers on the spirit of realism. Aside from that she simply enjoys life and hangs out mostly on the dance floor or by the beach.
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