Computer education in Hong Kong is lagging behind our Asian competitors, and there is a strong need for a comprehensive computer training plan, a recent study revealed.
The findings from a study on the 'Internet and Young People' showed that the computer facilities in the educational system were inadequate to cope with the rapid development of technology, and that secondary school syllabuses on computer studies failed to provide students with the knowledge of computer applications needed for employment.
Experts pointed out that computer hardware at schools was not up to standard for Internet or multimedia usage, and Chinese educational software was hardly adequate.
Many schools did not have enough phone jacks for modem connections, which affected the efficiency in computer teaching, demonstration and practices at school.
The study, conducted by the Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups in May, collected opinions from computer teachers and experts, Internet service providers and users, and tested 546 youngsters aged 15 to 29 on their level of computer literacy.
The report suggested that Hong Kong lagged behind Taiwan and Singapore on education in computer application.
'In order to respond to the rapidly developing information and computer technology, it is obvious that the Hong Kong Government needs to put more emphasis on education for computer application in secondary schools,' the report said.