DIGITAL, KNOWLEDGE-BASED ECONOMY

The 21st century will witness the rise of  newer kinds of economic goods and services that are digital in form, HEAVILY DEPENDENT ON KNOWLEDGE and In many respects, will transform today's technology society into a digital, knowledge-based economy.

George Kozmetsky, Chairman  Executive Associate for Economic Affairs
The University of Texas System Annual Report, IC2 Institute, 1996-1907
 

William Moore wrote Blind Men On A Freeway that essentially characterized how under-prepared we were for the expansion era and the dual mission priorities of equality and quality.  We were even less well prepared for the modernization era and the first wave of rather simple know-how and technology.  We are not at all prepared for the era of fundamental global macro restructuring that will occur over the next few years.

Competencies and skills for Inclusion in the curriculum have evolved In numerous ways.  Many states have attempted to place more emphasis on technology, some by adding It to the "science" areas and some by converting home economics and Industrial arts to Technical Education.  Developing A Curriculum (DACUM) evolved for specifying workforce skills.  The Secretary's Commission on Achieving Necessary Skills (SCANS) and the 22 occupational skills projects helped raise awareness about workforce competencies.  Academic standards, national and state, and America 2000 goals, along with "What Works" documents, helped to raise awareness about strategy.  Analysis about Information Technology (IT) issues shaping the future of 26 million professionals In the $375 billion North American technology market is critical to leadership.  That IT market is likely to grow 70% in the next five years.

Critical In HUMAN RESOURCES DEVELOPMENT (HRD) strategy is the identification of a critical mass of "service providers" who relate the content of disciplines (math and science) to CRITICAL THINKING COMPETENCIES and PROBLEM SOLVING SKILLS and imbed content and process in curriculum via technology to meet standards established at local and state levels.
 

 Anglin developed a Guide for Strategic Plan for use by Assembly of God educational institutions in Asia that used categories of ORGANIZATIONAL DEVELOPMENT (OD) data and information such as policy, mission priorities, strategic alliances, curriculum and student outcomes, technology, human resources development needs, and financial resources.  These seven categories are especially useful when thinking about Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) for computer based education In Anytime Anywhere Learning (AAL) formats.  Only a few issues will be discussed here to highlight some of the aspects of strategic thinking for high quality IT planning.

Policy
Access to contemporary technology (biometrlc, card, voice, and wireless technologies) is especially challenging when one considers aspects of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) legislation and equality of opportunity.  What beliefs and values guide policy and resource allocation decisions?

Mission Priorities
A clear mission, purpose and vision for IT are essential.  At what level should above-mentioned and other technologies be introduced?  Developmentally appropriate learning units for the above-mentioned technologies are being introduced in a teacher education program at one university In S. Korea.  The decisions about technology are about (a) WHAT technology should be In curriculum and (b) WHEN and HOW to include It.

Strategic Alliances
A large number of establishments Implementing E-Commerce In a region would need graduates with a concentration on EC-EB.  Alliances with establishments engaged In EC-EB would help to co-create the IT generic curriculum that will be the base on which to develop an EC-EB concentration and delivery system.  Similarly, a large number of establishments involved in Health Informatics need graduates in the HI concentrations,

Curriculum
Content must yield competencies and skills to meet diverse workplace needs for various sectors of a regional economy.  EC varies considerably even within one specific category of manufacturing or service based on strategy and variables.  Generic IT curriculum of high quality is the base on which concentrations and specializations are built.  Globalization is requiring competencies in concentrations In International trade and specializations in countries and economy sector.  Establishments that manufacture pharmaceuticals and belong to a "chain" engaged In EC-EB that provide products and services to Asia Pacific need multi-faceted IT graduates.

Discussion about planning IT curriculum is presented on the following pages and will be presented In future Issues.
 

*****

ANYTIME ANYWHERE LEARNING (AAL)

PRE        STRATEGIC PLANNING       POST

1999-2000              HRD + OD for AAL          2000-20005

Content and Content Form
 Delivery System Formats
   Evaluation Formats

Categories for Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP)

BOTTOM LINE

ANYTIME ANYWHERE LEARNING (AAL)

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Some research exists about the need for traditional types of IT professionals and technicians such as database managers, network administrators, systems analysts, programmers, etc.  However, data are difficult to interpret during the Y2K era.  In addition, E-Commerce (EC) and E-Business (EB) are a first generation of "siblings" followed by family members in roles of Chief Information Officer (CIO), Knowledge Manager (KM), Health Informatics (HI) specialists, and other occupations.  How will globalization expand the IT family of career paths?

The People's Republic of China entry into the World Trade Organization (WTO) requires analysis of changing dynamics in Asia Pacific and the implications for the entire IT family.  A few paragraphs begin that analysis focused on China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and S. Korea that leads to OPPORTUNITIES.

China
China is one of the world oldest civilizations, the world's most populous nation and covers an area larger than the U.S. But, the China market is small and concentrated In a few areas along the eastern seaboard.  Also, "the People/s Republic Is a mere 50 years old and most of the laws and regulations governing business and trade have been written in the past 20 years." Practically no foreign investment firms existed In China In the 1970s but now over 300,000 account for almost 50% of China exports.  "Foreign trade has grown from $38 billion In 1980 to over $325 billion In 1998.  But, U.S. exports to China were only slightly more than $14 billion In 1998," only 2% of U.S. global exports.  See:
http://www.stat-usa.gov/  http://www.state.gov/  http://www.mac.doc.gov/

What "learning units" about China should be In curriculum?  How can developmentally appropriate learning units in early years become a CONTINUUM OF UNDERSTANDING of civilizations, cultures, demographic, economic, scientific, technological variables that could lead to a family of IT career paths?

Hong Kong
Hong Kong was under British rule for 150 years until It reverted to Chinese sovereignty on July 1, 1997.  China's "One Country, Two Systems" approach guarantees the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) a high degree of autonomy In economic system, life-style, and rights and freedoms but not in matters relating to foreign affairs and defense.  Hong Kong is an economic powerhouse.  It Is the 15th largest trading partner with the U.S., with U.S. exports of US$12.9 billion and two-way trade of US$21.8 billion In 1998.

What learning units about Hong Kong should be in curriculum?  What background is Important to learn about political change?  How can these "lessons" be Included in the IT career paths,?  See:
http://www.stat-usa.gov/  http://www.state.gov/   http://www.mac.doc.gov/

Taiwan, ROC
Both Taiwan and the U.S. have benefited from a partnership over the past 50+ years.  Technology was used to accelerate maturation through stages of industrialization.  Educational assistance was provided to meet critical workforce needs.  Brekke discussed the Miracle of Taiwan, with a summary of details about its democracy and the economy, with benefit.  Per Capita Income (PCI) exceeded $13,000 In 1998 (Brekke), U.S. exports to Taiwan were US$18.1 billion In 1998.  See American Institute In Taiwan   http://www.stat-usa.gov/

However, Taiwan is a province of the Republic of China.  Taiwan - U.S. relations over the past two decades has been one of trying to balance full recognition of China and the interests of Taiwan.  The "Taiwan Security Enhancement Act" is being discussed currently by leaders in the U.S.

The Taiwan Bureau of International Cultural and Educational Affairs maintains offices throughout the U.S. The Web site links to many resources  http://www.edu.tw/bicer/english

What learning units about Taiwan should be in curriculum?  What are the significant contrasts In China/s economic and political relationships with both Hong Kong and Taiwan?  How can educational institutions globalize Curriculum and internationalize instruction, research, & service functions?

South Korea
South Korea was the 6th largest export market for the U.S. in 1998, bigger than Australia, Brazil, France, and Italy.  U.S. exports to Korea were US$16.5 billion In 1998.  "At the same time, Korea has been described as one of the toughest markets in the world for doing business, a place where firms must do their homework and take nothing for granted."  What learning units about S. Korea should be In curriculum?
 

Institutions are internationalizing programs and services.  What culturally sensitive procedures could be followed in responding to needs and wants of people from Asia Pacific?  How can institutions use technology to meet those needs?  How can Web pages be designed to market programs.  How can technology be used to deliver services to diverse clients?  Kathryn A. Green is working on a proposal to help a college to meet the needs of international students In a context where 20% are from Asia Pacific  kgreen2l@hotmail.com

Curriculum can be designed and Implemented for adults as well as for youth in (a) computer based online formats and (b) site based formats.  Entrepreneur who were successful] in implementing business plans over the past several years must convert them to electronic formats to be competitive.  How can chambers of commerce, economic development agencies, and educational Institutions collaborate on dual missions?
 

The healthcare industry underwent fundamental restructuring during the past decades.  It will continue to undergo change in the future through a conversion from paper to electronic formats.  Use of technology to access accurate data and information in a timely manner is central to the industry.

"The - Joint Healthcare Information Technology Alliance (JHITA)) is comprised of the five organizations identified below.  Vision 2006, created by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA), led to eight action issues:

1. Encourage Establishment of HIM "Tract-," Programs at the Baccalaureate Level.
2. Encourage Establishment of Programs and Tracks for HIM Education at the Master's Level.
3. Require an Associate's Degree to Take the ART Exam.
    Five more issues also relate to HUMAN RESOURCES DEVELOPMENT.

Vision 2006 led to analysis of changes in workplaces and work processes, career paths, and reorganized reporting relationships.  The analysis led to a conceptual framework for career scenarios focused on Health Information Manager, Clinical Data Specialist, Patient Information Coordinator, Data Quality Manager, Data Resource Administrator, Research and Decision Support Analyst, and Security Officer.

The work of these and other organizations is essential to all levels of education.  What developmentally appropriate learning experiences are needed in curriculum to prepare more people for the career paths in Health Informatics?

American Hlealth Information Management Association (AHIMA)   http://www.ahima.org/
Quality healthcare through Quality Information 
BROWSE  Vision 2006 and then MINE Emerging Roles

American Medical Informatics Association (AMIA)   http://www.amia.org/

Center for Healthcare Information Management (CHIM)   http://www-chim.org/

College of Healthcare Information Management Executives   http://www.chime-net.org/

Healthcare Information & Management Systems Society (HIMSS)   http://www.himss.org/
Click on Partners in Healthcare
BROWSE Resource Links
Scroll down and click on Healthcare lnformatics: The Bus ....   http://www.healthcare-informatics.com/

Joint Healthcare Information Technology Alliance (JHITA)  (includes five organizations above)   http://www.jhita.org/ 

TEACHER PREPARATION, LICENSURE, AND CERTIFICATION

Teacher preparation, licensure, and certification are becoming increasing more Important.  Key Web sites are:
American Association of Teacher Education  http://www.aacte.org/
National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education   http://www.ncate.org/
National Board for Professional Teaching Standards   http://nbpts.org/nbpts/

Access    http://www.accte.org/
Scroll down and click on Membership In AACTE at top left.
Scroll down past Mission, etc., and click on Structure.
Click on AACTE appointments to NCATE Boards.
Click on NCATE Executive Board and "BROWSE to MINE.
"Click and BROWSE NCATE Specialty Area Studies Boards.
BROWSE and MINE Other Links such as the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS).
Go "Back" to Structure and click on Special Study Groups.

NCATE's Specialty Area Studies Board and Special Study
Groups provide breadth and depth of analysis of the issues.
Board members act after they are aware of IT and EC Issues.

Sandra Vance is working on an applied dissertation proposal to analyze curriculum content and content formats, delivery system formats, and evaluation formats to develop induction and continuing professional development programs for the Dallas School District    http://www.svancegoldglory2ooo.org/
 

The editors of Home Office Computing published the HOC 100 "Gold" in the December issue, Categories include hardware,
software, and Web tools.  The Gold and Silver winners were:
 Gold:      Blgstep.com     http://www.bigstep.com/
 Silver:    Evocative ProCart     http://www.procart.com/
 Silver:    Yahoo Stores     http://store.yahoo.com/

Home Office-Computing, 17(12), 58-70.      http://www.smalloffice.com
 

The 100 Most tech-savvy small businesses in North America can be accessed below.  Check     http://www.universityaccess.com/

Sandlund, Chris.  "Tech-savvy Small Business in North America." Small Business Computing and Communications, 4 (12), December 1999, 47-58.    http://www.smalloffice.com/
 

Think Outside has released a foldable keyboard for use with 3Com's Palm series of handheld PCs.  The full-size keyboard makes it easier to write e-mails, take notes, etc.     http:// www.thinkoutside.com     http://www.smalloffice.com/    (Dec 1999, 26-27)
 

Q: We're looking at using BIOMETRICS as a way of Improving user authentication to our network resources.  Can you explain the difference between optical-based fingerprint scanners and chip-based scanners?  Also, do you know of any ultrasound-based fingerprint scanners?  - Name withheld, Advisor.com

A: For verifying someone's identity, using their physical attributes is better in many ways than a password or ....

Michael Cobb. e-Business Advisor, 17(10), November 1999, 38-41. http://www.advisor.com%20www.cobweb.co.uk/
 

Anglin, D. L. (1996).  Development of a Guide for Strategic Planning for Assemblies of God Educational Institutions & Ministries In Asia Pacific.  Unpublished major applied research project, Nova Southeastern Univ.

Brekke, W. A. "Talwari's Drive to Internationalization."  Asia Pacific Business Outlook 1999 Conference Proceedings, University of Southern California, March 22-24, 1999.
American Institute in Taiwan  http://www.stat-usa.gov/

Casey, Judi C., and O'Leary, Susan M. The Corporate Imperative: A Business Guide for Implementing Strategic Education Partnerships.  Washington, DC: Partnership for
Family Involvement in Education, U.S. Department of Education, 1999.        http://pfle.ed.gov

Derryberry, Anne.  Predicting ROI: Making the Business Case of Online Learning.  Washington, DC: American Society for Training and Development, 1999. http://www.astd.org/

Duffy, Daintry.  "It Takes an E-Village."  CIO Enterprise, 13(2), October 15, 1999, 32-46.   http://www.enterprise.cio.com

Levine, Linda.  An Information Technology Labor Shortage?  Legislation in the 106th Congress.  September 14, 1999, Congressional Research Service, The Library of Congress.

Maxwell, Jill Hecht (November 1999).  "Anytime, Anywhere - and Anything." Inside Technology Training, 3(10), 18-23.

McLoughlin, Glenn J. Federal Government Information Technology Policy: Selected Issues.  January 5, 1999, Congressional Research Service, The Library of Congress.

Paul, Lauren Gibbons (November 1999).  "The Battle for Internet Skills Certification." Inside Technology Training (10), 18-2 ,    http://www/ittrain.%20com

Webb, Wendy (November 1999).  "Show Me the Return."
Inside Technology Training, 3(10), 18-23.