Tech gadgets vs. tech knowledge

Tech gadgets vs. tech knowledge

IT'S SAD THAT TODAY'S KIDS DON'T SEEM TO BE INTERESTED IN STUDYING SCIENCE AND MATH
By Janet Perna

Some excerpts from her writing in Mercury news.

"The National Commission on Mathematics and Science Teaching for the 21st Century revealed that by 2008, the technology-driven economy will add 5.6 million jobs in the health sciences and computer industries that require science and math skills. Meanwhile, more tech workers are retiring, and precious few are ready to take their place."


"Taken together, the black, Hispanic and American Indian communities constitute only about 6 percent of the 2 million scientists and engineers in the United States."

"We can do a number of things to improve this picture. We must support national advocacy, research and policy organizations that are working to redress the underrepresentation of women and minorities in technical careers. These groups need both funding and volunteers. And companies must focus on attracting and retaining women and minorities in information technology positions."

"But most of all, parents, teachers and business leaders -- all of us -- must encourage and influence our children to take a longer view of what education has to offer, which will lead many of them to find rich and rewarding careers in math and the sciences. Tell them and teach them about the exciting opportunities that await them over a lifetime. Our nation's future success depends upon this effort."

JANET PERNA, a former high school math teacher, is general manager of IBM Data Management and works out of IBM's Silicon Valley Labs in San Jose.