Computer technology training

China is speeding ahead on the information technology train. The Register * www.theregister.co.uk a UK online magazine whose slogan is, "Biting the hand that feeds IT," recently reported on China's decision to make information technology courses mandatory for children as young as five years old. By 2005, says Li Lianning, director of the department of basic education, IT courses will be compulsory in all secondary schools and in primary schools located in cities and other developed areas.

The Japanese have often been early adopters of technology, but e-learning seems to be a different case. A recent survey by Gartner Japan Ltd. found that only 3 percent of Japanese firms are using e-learning for training.

Another 2 percent of firms report that they have plans to introduce e-learning within the next year, and 3 percent say they might use it within the next three years. But 30 percent of firms said they had never heard of e-learning, and almost 19 percent said they weren't interested in it.

The survey defined e-learning as "using an online service that provides study material via a Website." The most common reason given by firms that had no plans to introduce e-learning was that it was hard to visualize the positive effect it would have on the company. Gartner notes that, to be successful, suppliers must be able to explain clearly the benefits of e-learning to customers.

* Source/ www.asiabiztech.com