The Development Of ICT In The Era Of Globalization And the Role Of ICDL Therein

by : Datuk Agung Sidayu - Chairman of YPI Wira Tata Buana.

As it has in common understanding that in this era of globalization, that the status of the Nation and the State is no longer measured by the old indication, not measured by geographic location, in the east, in the west, in the south or in the north. Also not measure by the ideology of the nation state, Communist, capitalist, socialist or religious, but measured by a new measure related to the dominance of the States or Nations against what we always call as Information and Communication & Technology. A benchmark which produces the State called as a Rich Technology Country and Poor Technology Country, but with the same gap which is a digital divide gap, or the Digital Divide.

What is the status of Indonesia ?. Of course Indonesia, still qualifies as “POOR TECHNOLOGY COUNTRY”. But it does not mean that the country with the status as “RICH TECHNOLOGY”, The United States of America for example, there is no digital divide. As according to the research results there are more than 45% of the population does not know or facing difficult access to modern means and facilities of ICT, including the Internet.

Almost no aspect of modern life that do not require the use of information technology. In Rich Technology countries a high percentage of ownership of computers in every household has become a major goal. As a result, computers and other devices become second nature. Indeed, computers have become a basic tool to solve the problems of live, because information technology has helped to simplify and facilitate the communication in The State and Nations through the use of the Internet, satellite, and other mobile cellular network. Ministries, Departments, Institutes of state and National or Multi-national Corporations have been racing competition to serves the public or its Customers by online services.

Information Technology (IT) has become a political tool of the real world. The world modern States with high strength in information technology to easily control the nation and the state with less mastering even poor technology. Only a nation that can accommodate information technology that is able to stand upright with all her self-esteem. While countries with little mastery of the technology will be dwarfed in the political world today.

Compression or simplification of time and space within the interaction can only be achieved through the shaft technologies, especially information and communications technology (ICT). Money does not have to be brought to market, and almost all aspects of our lives have electronized / computerized through the technology of cyberspace, so much so that the fundamental change of all nations in the world are experiencing live gradually under a system called globalization. Thomas Friedman, (1996), sees this as “the looseness in the conduct of free trade agreements, the Internet and the integration of financial markets that removes the physical boundaries of the nation state and uniting the world into a single market that is profitable, but it became a very brutal competition / cruel “.

Thus, globalization has narrowed the world into a unified market system, where international trade is considered to be the main engine of economic growth, and therefore should be facilitated. This facilitation is achieved through trade liberalization, requires the elimination of tariffs and non-tariff barriers. In addition, the Government had to withdraw from the complete control of state-owned companies for promotional purposes, which states simply create a conducive atmosphere for the private sector in the country. In concrete terms, globalization presents itself as a driver of national barriers in terms of trade, flows of information and capital, and in terms of ownership of strategic industries. And the end result is the sadness that multinational company increasingly displacing local ownership in strategic and dynamic sectors.

So, what about the role of ICT in this era of globalization? On the one hand, ICT technology provides facilities that are able to conquer time and space. On the other hand, ICT also connect new manufacturing outposts of transnational corporations in their markets from the south to the north. E-commerce technology become a rapid movement to transfer the capital in every region of the world. For example, One of the pillars of globalization is the international trades and services. In the past, a company that offers services in other countries should establish local representation, in which operations are subject to national regulations. Now with ICT, all can do it in a broader scope online. Electronic banking, online education, telemedicine, etc. all of which have been fomalized by the WTO General Agreement on Trades and Services (GATS).

Generally, globalization as the world integration process has become a fact of life with the development and the role of ICT, almost nothing can be done to break free from the use of ICT. At school, at work, business, factory, hospital, office, organization, market, government, security, sports, war, music / art, household, in other words, ICT has contributed enormously in renewing our lives in this digital age. Thus, the success or failure of ICT can affect all aspects of life and living anywhere in the world.

The Government of a country has been forced to follow the political ideology of the capitalist system. Globalization has changed the nature of policy-making that must be adapted to their policy prescriptions, national policy has no role in the process of articulation. Democracy, which is intended to encourage the participation of citizens in decision-making, has been substantially undermined by a top-down flow of international trade policy of the organization, especially in terms of economic resources.

ICT is often described as the driving force behind the globalization, but also promoted as a tool for democratization with connectivity heralded as the end of the digital divide. In fact, no doubt that ICT has facilitated the flow of information throughout the world and that they have increased the chances for human rights activists and democracy activists to build international support for their struggle. Just look at what happened in Egypt recently that changed the well established regime in the relatively short time, well known as ARAB SPRING.

In the 1960s the concept of a global electronic village (GEV) has increased the value of the currency and clear objective reality. The world has become fully connected to one another is not hindered by the location and time even just simply move the mouse. This is the heart than golobalisasi Information Technology, or more broadly technology, information and communication (ICT), that continues to permeate the technology to change the way in which we do something. ICT, more simply regarded as a revolution in all things. Information technology has unleashed a torrent of technological changes in society that have profound implications in the way in which the social world regulated system.

Even today it is very possible for a person to interact with others only from the bedroom because ICT policy has made it convenient to coordinate interactions with one round of the mouse and the touch of a finger on the keyboard. By using skype A prime minister or foreign minister of any country can give instructions to all their ambassadors worldwide by teleconference.

Whatever the experts respond to the pace of ICT developments in this globalization era, which obviously all been penetrated and pierced aspects of life and the lives of all mankind. Both in the work places, interaction with government, business transactions, so for those who do not have skills in the field of ICT will have greater difficulty in participating in the various activities of national and state life.

In the era of the so-called More connected Era, Resources information is available in large quantities and is not limited to, also a greater demand for flexibility and diversity has penetrated every aspekta life, has required us to reconsider how we acquire skills and knowledge. Intercede on a challenge to the old concept of the ” Vertical ” skills and competencies, in the sense that someone should be trained in a set of activities, or a particular job, which the “era” has produced a more holistic view of why someone should learn, and how someone in learning. The need for skills and knowledge, integrated social and economic in the community, will create a community environment that is able to develop the potential competencies and more broadly knowledge.

In the work environment, employees are now required to perform a wider variety of functions that are not only related to the field of work that they do, but are able to do the whole process of performance there, and this is very different from the past. This trend has been influenced by the development of technology: In the past the use of the Information Technology the jobs only done by a group or part of a particular section. Currently, almost all workers must be able to operate technology related to the operation of managerial organization where they work.

Another development is the increasing need for lifelong learning and the necessity for an organization to adopt it for a change, especially in relation to the increase in the market and the increasing levels of competition in the era of globalization.

At the macro level, the reality of the economic and labor linkages, such as the rapid pace of economic change internationally, and the continuous evolution of the technology landscape now requires continuing education and training (CET), and lifelong learning, there is also the added with the Action Learning. A person is not only expected to maintain skills so it is always up-to-date, but this time some one must also have generic competencies that allow it to adapt to the Amendment. In addition, increased creativity and innovation a more skilled workforce has a positive impact on productivity and reliability amid organizational knowledge intensive economy. In accordance with the concept of lifelong learning, CET has a great contribution to promote inclusive growth: but also in encouraging entrepreneurship, innovation, and social cohesion.

The role of the Digital Competence Development, namely competence in using Information and Communication Technology (ICT), or digital competence, in many parts of the world have been identified as a critical competency in the era of globalization. Competencies which enable individuals to significantly develop other key competencies through Lifelong learning. Digital competence underlie important life skills and become a community asset information. Mastering ICT skills is essential, such as those developed by the ECDL / ICDL, is an important step to mastery of various competencies, not solely related to the ICT itself.

Lifelong Activity and personal lerning development currently relies heavily on e-learning resources and individual readiness itself, therefore, requires a level of digital proficiency to be able to unlock the potential benefits offered by the various existing resources. These resources has a double benefit that can be accessed throughout the world, since most are not costly, and can be accessed anytime and anywhere, without the need for a formal grade class.

based on the described above, the computer has played a larger role in this globalization era. There are many reasons why this is the case, among others, is because technology has penentrated all aspects of live of the human being. This change is a reality that can not be denied, and indeed Computers have helped us to work faster, smarter, more efficient and certainly more productive than ever.

However, the role of computers do not just acquire respond positively, as benefits. Because there are many people who can not accept the role of Information Technology in their environment. They prefer to write letters or engage in traditional telephone, and fax, even with all email can be done more quickly and efficiently. They prefer to do banking transaction in front of counters instead of using internet banking facilities faster and cheaper.

This computer era seems to have left some groups of people. Digital Divide is a term that can be left away but also able to bring a group of people to the development of information technology. Still many of the members of the community in this world, which is still equal importance in the use of information technology is constantly evolving, it is because of their limited knowledge of the basic fundamentals of computing so that they feel uncertain or insecure.

In this era of dramatic change, students who receive the inheritance of the future, will find the fact that the life of the past can no longer be used in this era of change “.

How ECDL / ICDL is able to reflect the above changes ?.

The answer is ECDL / ICDL, is a digital capability development program, which provides tools to master a variety of computer applications and other devices. This includes mastery of skills related to computing though available seven modules which are continuously to be updated to follow the development of ICT in the world, among others are:

1. Concepts of Information Technology (IT basic concept)

1.1. Knowledge of the basic concepts of IT in general and knowledge about the form and content of computer (PC), for example, that issues related to hardware, software, storage and memory.

1.2. General knowledge of communications, networking, software applications, Health and safety in the use of computers, security protection and knowledge of the legal aspects

2. Using the computer and managing files (using the computer and managing files (file)

2.1. The ability to use computers and application systems.

2.2. Knowledge and skills to perform the adjustment setting, using the help instructions, restart from errors, operate Deskop, organize files and folders.

2.3. The ability to do text editing, print management, compression and protection against virus attacks.

3. Word Processing

3.1. be able in making application word for daily tasks, and format the document completed in small size

3.2. Doing copying and removal, using tables, drawings and images and utilize clues mail

4. Spreadsheet

4.1. Be able to use spreadsheets applications

4.2. be able to develop, reformat and modify spreadsheets with a very limited understanding of conception

4.3. be able to improve and apply formulas and use graphs / charts

5. Databases

5.1. Being able to use a database application and understand the basic concept 

5.2. Being able to create and modify tables, queries, forms and reportage and juggle output

5.3. Being able to make a tables, manipulate and save the information by using a query and sorting tools.

6. Presentations

6.1. Being able to use presentation tools in the computer

6.2. Being able to create, reformat, modify and prepare layouts and slides for presentation

6.3. Being able to make a simple draw simple objects and create charts

6.4. Being able to manipulate text, pictures or images and animate the presentation

7. Information and Communication

7.1. This module is divided form the two parts, the first part includes:

7.2 Ability to use the internet, to understand the basic concept and able to appreciate the security issues

7.3. The search engines will be able to downloads tools for regular browsing and search various kinds of information

7.4. Utilizing web-based forms, bookmarks, and print pages needed

The content of the second part is:

- Ability to use email and understand the basic concepts, including matters relating to the security

- Ability to create, send, receive and forward the email, handle attachments (attachments) and make all forms of message folders in the email, and the important thing is the privilege.

The above seven modules will be taught at the Approved test center (ATC) by traditional and online tutorials, which is currently prepared by YPI Wira Tata Buana for more than 3500 ATCs to emphasis ICDL certification program for its candidates , so that when the time comes alumni of the ATCs will not only well qualified academically but have the ICT skills which are very usefully in this era of globalization.

ICDL certification is designed in such a way above through rigorous monitoring process in order to tune with the existing development and change. Certification which is developed on the basis of:

1. Approved implementation guideline for the development of certification

2 Consultation with various psychometric consultants are well-known

3 Technical validation that has been recognized by the general public: (process, quantitative, qualitative)

4 Quality control is done by computer experts and professional practitioners 

5. Process monitoring is done continuously in order to meet standards and durability Variable Validity. 

ICDL program which will be implemented at the ICDL ATCs is a one way to anticipate the pace of ICT development in the era of globalization, so that when the time comes Indonesia will benefit and certainly will be a country that would not fully depend on the particular countries and relatively more controlling the Technology in the Country.

We are all aware that There is a fundamental need for what is called a Computer Literacy in Indonesia. And the ICDL concept has been introduced to support these basic needs, training programs and certification of the ability to use computers of the workforces to be held at the above ATCs. ICDL in this case will work hard to meet the basic needs with the introduction of the concept of international standard qualification.

The main objective of the ICDL program is as follow:

1 To Promote and increase Computer Literacy for all citizens of Indonesia

2 To raise the level of knowledge of information technology (IT) and the degree of a person’s ability to use a personal computer and apply computers in general, for all the people of Indonesia

3 To ensure all computer users understand best practices and the benefits of the use of computer

4 To increase the productivity of all Civil servants and private sector employees in Indonesia who need to use computers in their work environment 

5. To allow the return of investment in information technology (IT) is faster 

6 To provide basic ICT qualification, for all people, regardless of their background, so that they are able to become members of the ICT community 

In the world in which we live is increasingly competitive, then everyone should be able to show any job skill rank.

ICDL certification has become the benchmark of the business / industry in rank employees or prospective employees skills in the field of information technology, and used as a standard measurement of IT in the business / industry. Is one thing that is extremely important that a person must have the skills to enter the workforce. Similarly, students from all available ATCs, they must also have skills that continue to grow and can be tested objectively in their own field.

ICDL is appropriate to be implemented in all sectors, or for all Civil servants, and of course for all citizens, as the benefit of the ICDL is as follows below:

1 Qualification ICT for everyone

2. innovative methods and real (tangible) in the measurement of skills

3 A model for education and training for public information (Information Society)

4 A model of training that is really effective 

5. The increasing public awareness of the benefits of active participation in the community of information (Information Society) 

6 A flexible and accessable qualifications that offer increased career mobility for ICDL certificate holders 

There are still many people who are struggling to question the benefits and disadvantages of globalization with various theories and discourse, but with a clear political will, Indonesia with positive thinking responded with various real action, among the evidence is the support of the Government for the implementation of ICDL at the above ATCs.

I believe that in the near future the country will be filled by the skilled labor forces that can turn this country into an independent state and not completely rely on other countries, Indonesia will be the State suppliers of skilled labor and characterized for the global market.

In this case we can also make India, Sri Lanka and several countries in the Middle East as a lesson learned. These states vigorously sought to make the younger generation as the digital generation literate, India and Sri Lanka have managed to make IT as one of the main skills of its workforce, so that they can be accepted in the International job market, beating other Countries, which until today still rely on domestic workers .

Finally the world can be changed from time to time, but we must always be with them. the era of Globalization and the terrible development of ICT could continue , but Indonesia will always be prepared to anticipate, arrive at a time when most of the Schools and university students in Indonesia will be ICDL Certified. Then change can be happened, but the young generation of the country will always be ready with change itself.

Nevertheless everything is returned to Allah.