Weblog 5 - A Culture of Improvisation

Knowledge Workers

In this the Information age, knowledge holds the key to power.  This creates the need for a knowledge economy, and with a knowledge economy comes the need for knowledge workers.  What exactly is a knowledge worker?  In the Information and Communication Education subject syllabus (2000), knowledge workers are characterized as being lifelong learners that have good communication skills, being proficient in the use of various technologies and continually updating their abilities.  Knowledge workers are experts in their particular field, with exceptional teamwork skills.  Also knowledge workers are flexible, logical and intuitive.  These qualities being very valuable in a culture that deals in such intangible currency.  The Information Processing and Technology Syllabus in Queensland schools provides students with many of the mentioned traits for which knowledge workers are valued.

The Information Processing and Technology (IPT) subject aims to provide students with understanding of the changes in managing information, helps to develop communication skills, encourages students to think reflectively and critically about their work, and encourages students to continually develop themselves personally and socially, especially with those they work with (QBSSSS, 1998).

Students undertaking IPT will find themselves learning how to use various forms of technology as part of the learning experiences set out in the syllabus.  However the most important aspect of the subject is the focus on problem solving techniques.

As part of the IPT curriculum, students are required to undertake at least one major project, software development being mandatory.  This involves various aspects characterised in knowledge workers as stated above.  By implementing the various steps in problem solving students aquire a disciplined and well structured approach to dealing with the needs they will face when entering the workforce.  Ultimately, the skills learned while undertaking the IPT subject helps to provide our society with well adjusted knowledge workers for our society of improvisation.