This article describes the recent influx of students into the Wisconsin Technical College system. These students consist mostly of middle aged adults who have been laid off from their jobs because of the recent economic downturn. The students are seeking to re-educate themselves and gain a new career. Because these students have not been in school for a while, they often lack fundamental skills such as math and computer skills. Willingness to learn may seem to lessen the technology gap, but the economy may put learning to a stand still. Technical colleges receive much of their funding from state programs and property taxes. With the state budget in deficit, the schools aren't getting the funding they need. Likewise teachers and supplies are in high demand and low supply. Though citizens are willing to learn new technology, the state is unable provide.
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Video Reflection
14 years ago
I think this brings up a very interesting point. The people who are going back to these schools are the people who keep the economy going by providing a lot of technical jobs that we rely on every day. I think it's important we fund these schools and help bridge the divide because without jobs in these sectors, the economy won't function as well... a major problem when our country is already facing such dire economic times. I think this article also touches on the tech divide caused by income that we've talked about in lecture. Often, people who attend these schools chose them because they are more affordable. I think by having these workers come back to school, it gives us a chance to fix the gap that probably existed since the beginning.
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