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NZTech Inform – Our Digital Tipping Point
Kia ora,
Whenever I see metaphorical dark, gloomy clouds, I always look for the silver lining. Right now, COVID-19 is having a devasting impact on the world, socially and economically. However, is it possible that in the long term, something good could come from this experience? If so, how can New Zealand begin work on this now?
Late last week, I spoke with newshub about what I believe is the digital tipping point. Overnight, companies have had to experiment with remote working. What has previously been viewed as an employee benefit, is now a necessity for many businesses. Organisations that had little or no intention of enabling remote working are now scrambling to set up.
While we are uniting against COVID-19, this pivotal moment will change many of our working lives forever. Beyond lockdown, the benefits of working from home could spark permanent change. Studies have shown that employees who work from home (WFH) are more productive, compared to those in-office. Working from home also eliminates commuting – saving time and reducing the impact on our environment.
Likewise, we can see this same digital tipping point happening in schools too. Teachers who were less likely to prioritise digital tools, or digital learning have been thrown straight in the deep end! It is important to stress that this is not just about using more devices. It includes using a range of digital tools to stay connected with students, to personalise their learning experience, to allow them to collaborate and share.
Between the Government, education system and the tech sector we need to ensure every single Kiwi kid gets the chance to continue learning. NZTech members are concerned about the equity of access to learning for those students who do not have a laptop or broadband at home. This sudden forced shift, to a more digital world, will only be positive for New Zealand if everyone comes on the journey. Discussions have begun on how the tech ecosystem can help.
In other news, Techweek2020 has been rescheduled and is going digital. The new dates are 27 July to 2 August. This will provide an opportunity to be a platform for positive regrowth, economic stimulation and connections during our COVID-19 recovery phase.
Stay home, stay safe and together we can get through this.
Graeme Muller
CEO
NZTech
Connect
Join Tech Marketers webinar on 2 April for Effective communications in a time of business disruption with Chicago based PR expert, Gini Dietrich.
Help friends and family who are new to tech and show them how to stay socially connected. Also show them how to stay vigilant to avoid COVID-19 scams.
In these WFH days, video calling can take a bit of getting used to. Just ask Jennifer, who accidentally left her camera on… Also, what does your video call background say about you?
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Read the latest whitepaper from Orion Health’s chief medical officer, Dr Chris Hobson, How technology can help alleviate the COVID-19 crisis.
Learn more about the Government’s economic support package, including wage subsidies, business cashflow and tax measures. Make a personal money plan with these tips from Sorted.
As lockdown continues, it is important to prioritise our wellbeing. Even if you are not sick, you may feel anxious and this is normal. Know how to manage your wellbeing, read more.
Advance
CERT is receiving reports of COVID-19 themed scams, including donation requests to fake response funds, paying a bitcoin ransom or risk being infected and downloading malware from COVID-19 maps.
How will AI impact agriculture, finance and health in New Zealand? Read the latest. Explore our agritech story, Powered by Place. Have you joined the free online platform Scale-Up New Zealand?
Celebrate organisations who champion diversity and inclusion in the workplace. Enter the 2020 Diversity Awards. Register for TechWomen’s Mentoring Circles. Applications close 10 April.
Do you have a great idea for a digital event? Submit it now and be part of Techweek2020
