Keeping an Eye on Technology Futures, No Hidden Agendas, New Attitudes, No Platitudes!
US students have become soft when compared against those of China, Russia and India. This is yet another twist on the old "asymmetric motivation" theme - "You can't simulate hunger".
With the "No Child Left Behind" policy, the US has tried to correct the situation by forcing schools to meet performance metrics. A few years have been spent trying to bring students' math and reading skills up to basic levels by having them pass standardized tests. Failed schools may be restructured, while non-performing students may receive free tutors and be moved to new schools. No one sees the basic point - motivation is not there. Many students are more interested in MTV and iPods. They'd rather be rock-stars and sports heroes; few want to be "nerds" or "geeks".
India and China can't be ignored - they are like elephants in the living room. They have 40% of the world population, have rich cultures and histories, and aspire to superpower status. They have growing middle classes that are major global markets, and they are major producers. Both have made information technology and the Internet their high priorities.
The proliferation of software companies in India, and high-tech manufacturing in China, are key demonstrations of rapid human development through technology. At the same time millions in Eastern Europe and the Far East are also waking up, and they are giving the rest of the world a run for their money.
America's salvation is its eclectic population, the winning drive of its entrepreneurs, plus the upward mobility of hungry immigrants who are building a place for themselves in the American dream.
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