Kiwi Computer Challenge

 
“One million New Zealanders will have an internationally recognised foundation computer qualification by 2015”

Digital Literacy is actually about People not Computers

Technology is a wonderful tool but it is just a waste of space if we don’t know how to use it.

Ultra fast broadband to 97% of New Zealand is a lofty goal but the millions of dollars spent will be wasted if we aren’t confident enough to make effective use of it.

Are you sitting in front of a computer at work every day but don’t feel confident about how to use it effectively? Do you waste time trying to work out how to do something but always thinking that there must be a better way? Are you confident around computers but would like to find a way to prove it to yourself or your employer. Do you have a computer at home but only use it for emails.

Our productivity is leaking out through the holes in our computer skills.

To increase productivity and growth in New Zealand we need to ensure that the majority of New Zealanders are comfortable, confident and productive around computers and other technology.

Our Goal:
"One Million New Zealanders to gain an internationally recognised core computer certificate by 2015"


What is it?

There are three parts to the Kiwi Computer Challenge.

1. One Million New Zealanders
2. To gain an internationally recognised core computer certificate
3. By 2015

One Million New Zealanders

This may sound like a large number to set as a goal.  The truth is, we actually need about three million but people said that was just mad . . .

The reality is that everyone needs to increase their computer skills or prove that the level of skills they have fits the needs of their daily lives and work.

We need to shift the paradigm – really change the way we think about ongoing learning. This isn’t about small projects that will help a few people who are unemployed or disadvantaged. We need everyone to get involved, including our communities, workforce and businesses. One million people reflects these needs and provides the Kiwi Computer Challenge with a big, hairy, audacious goal that will impact on all New Zealanders.

To become a truly digital nation, a country whose people are comfortable and productive around technology, we have to reach as many people as we can. Poor computer skills impact everyone and the ripples create issues at all levels. Our productivity is leaking out through the holes in our computer skills. If we can turn that around and send out positive ripples representing our new-found skills and confidence, we  will have a more productive workforce and a more prosperous country.

To gain an internationally recognised core computer certificate

Have you ever started a course and never finished it? Bought a self-help book and left it on the shelf unread?

Have you tried to find a computer course so you can increase your skills or do you tend to keep your head down so no one will question how much you know? How do you decide what you need to learn?

There needs to be clarity so that everyone understands what the core computer skills are that we all need for work and home. It also needs to be clear for employers and organisations so that when they employ people the level of their computer skills is clearly evident.

So what we need is more than just another computer course. We need a certification that has been designed by international experts and recruitment specialists to determine the core computer skills we all require. Then we need to go one step further and include testing to ensure that we actually have the skills when we finish. (Yes, we appreciate that no one like to take tests and exams but the confidence we all gain by going that little bit further is worth the effort).  After all, if you have put the effort into gaining or improving on computer skills, why wouldn’t you want to prove what you have achieved?

The lead certification for the Challenge is the Internet and Core Computing Certificate (IC3), which is recognised in 141 countries, including our trading partners. How valuable will it be to show them that we are a truly digital country?

Providing a benchmark for New Zealand businesses can reduce the risks when employing new staff. As an internationally recognised certificate there is only one central database – prospective employers can verify certification with the permission of a job applicant.

By 2015

This is not a project that can be completed in a few weeks, or even months. It will be the most inclusive project that New Zealand has ever seen and the intention is for it to become part of the fabric of New Zealand life so that we can all reap the rewards in the future.

New Zealand is the “biggest village in the world” and we are amazing at networking. We want to harness this ability and couple it with the community spirit displayed during the Telethons and the competitive spirit of the America’s cup and the All Blacks to propel New Zealand into a brighter future.

We want to see businesses involved so they can invest in their own employees (all of them, no excuses, and no exceptions) and then spread the word to their clients and suppliers. Individuals can send out information to their friends and family. If you have passed the IC3 we will help you to pay it forward by helping others to get online and start to learn.

The Kiwi Computer Challenge is about working with you to find out what will motivate you to take part in the challenge. How can we show you the benefits for you and your family or business? How can we celebrate your success so you will be keen to share your experience? Most importantly how can we make it fun so that we can keep the momentum going once the first burst of enthusiasm fades?

For more information on what it is about and how you can be involved, please visit the website: www.kiwicomputerchallenge.co.nz

or contact Pam Martin directly:

Phone:          0800 224 622 or
                      09 476 1325 or 021 034 0009 (in Auckland)
Email:           pam.martin@kiwicomputerchallenge.co.nz