Developing a mindset for a digital future: the importance of recognising and encouraging innovation, experimentation and support

Abstract

There is an urgency to adjust the way Australians think about and respond to digital technologies. In all forms of information processing the current growth rate is nearing exponential. Together with the anticipated convergence of new technologies and the subsequent transformational reach of change into all aspects of our daily lives, whether culturally, socially or technologically, Australians are going to need urgent support to handle the revolution at their doorstep. I suggest also that these citizens should be openly encouraged to contribute innovative ideas as to how these ubiquitous new tools might be used. An analogue past relied on straight-line logic and linear presentation whereas the contemporary digital future will require Australians to evolve and practise a versatile non-linear ethos in order to successfully engage and exploit it for its creative potential. Using a practice focus this paper will draw upon research findings (inductive reasoning) from my recent work conducted in both secondary and tertiary teaching in media production as well as my facilitation (participant observation) of a small rural community's attempts to establish a self-help satellite television service. This research is supported by my thirty-four years of production experience in the Australian Television and Video industry. This paper suggests that, due to the all pervasive spread of digital technologies into every facet of life, people over 25 years of age, that is those not of the net generation, are likely to need remedial help with digital uptake. Further it argues, that recognizing and addressing the need to understand this complex phenomenon is a major step towards integrating it into our lives.