Not Everyone Has a Computer
Employers, advertisers, schools and many others assume everyone has access to computers at home. The reality is there are many households that cannot afford a computer or internet access. Although the cost of technology has come down, it is still prohibitive to many. There is also a large population, such as the elderly, who have not learned to use this technology.
Anyone who has applied for work recently knows all too well how cumbersome it has become, and how valuable computer access is to the process. The only way to apply is online and the minimum amount of time per application is thirty to forty minutes. Usually it takes much longer. If your only access is through a library or employment office computer then it is even more difficult to be "first" to apply.
Schools are giving students assignments that require computer access. Although it may not require a lot of time, if you don't have a computer at home the time to accomplish that assignment seems monumental. Parents come home from work and hope they can get their child to a library before it closes, or if they are lucky they have a family member close by with a computer. Either way it is added stress on the child and their family.
There is no doubt how important technology has become in our lives. It allows us to access information not available thirty to forty years ago. If used wisely it is an amazing tool. However, not everyone can afford to have that luxury.
Employers lose by limiting applicants to an online only process. I have never understood how they can possibly select candidates for an interview if they receive hundreds (or thousands) of applications. As we all know someone may look good on paper, but not have enough partical experience and common sense to do a job. Seeing them face to face for a conversation can give an employer great insight into the qualifications of a potential employee.
Schools lose if students are not encouraged to access books for research. There is so much that can be discovered, and retained, from reading a book. Things that an online article may not contain. Doing things the fastest way is not always a benefit.
Whether it is an employer looking to hire; a teacher giving an assignment; or advertisers looking for customers, they all need to remember not every household has a computer. Maybe they need to consider trying to reach out the "old fashioned" way and truly engage with their audience. They might be amazed by the things they learn.
Anyone who has applied for work recently knows all too well how cumbersome it has become, and how valuable computer access is to the process. The only way to apply is online and the minimum amount of time per application is thirty to forty minutes. Usually it takes much longer. If your only access is through a library or employment office computer then it is even more difficult to be "first" to apply.
Schools are giving students assignments that require computer access. Although it may not require a lot of time, if you don't have a computer at home the time to accomplish that assignment seems monumental. Parents come home from work and hope they can get their child to a library before it closes, or if they are lucky they have a family member close by with a computer. Either way it is added stress on the child and their family.
There is no doubt how important technology has become in our lives. It allows us to access information not available thirty to forty years ago. If used wisely it is an amazing tool. However, not everyone can afford to have that luxury.
Employers lose by limiting applicants to an online only process. I have never understood how they can possibly select candidates for an interview if they receive hundreds (or thousands) of applications. As we all know someone may look good on paper, but not have enough partical experience and common sense to do a job. Seeing them face to face for a conversation can give an employer great insight into the qualifications of a potential employee.
Schools lose if students are not encouraged to access books for research. There is so much that can be discovered, and retained, from reading a book. Things that an online article may not contain. Doing things the fastest way is not always a benefit.
Whether it is an employer looking to hire; a teacher giving an assignment; or advertisers looking for customers, they all need to remember not every household has a computer. Maybe they need to consider trying to reach out the "old fashioned" way and truly engage with their audience. They might be amazed by the things they learn.
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