The fast-paced technological advancements have pushed us into the digital age which is marked by the use of super computers, mobile phones of latest technology, unlimited information and potential of utilizing the available data in multiple ways. Gone are those days when people used to stand in ques in banks to withdraw money or carry cash for purchasing purposes. People enjoy online marketing from the comfort of home and also have an option to return the items in case they do not like them. Proportion of cash transactions have reduced considerably. People rely on credit cards/debit cards, online banking channels or other payment gateways like Paytm etc for making their purchases or receiving funds. The information about anything is easily available upon a single click from internet. Students of the current generations depend more on the search engines for their doubts rather than searching the books or interacting with their teachers or mentors to get their doubts resolved.
The economic and social changes instigated by the industrial revolution were gradual and took several years to get imbibed into the society. The outcomes of the digital era are very rapid and give no time for some members to learn or adapt to the new technology. By the time one learns and gains mastery in a particular technological aspect, there is a change in the whole technology. In countries like India, where the literacy rate is very low in some states, people are facing difficulties in keeping pace with the technological changes. Every change comes with its own merits and demerits; same is with technological changes too. On one side, people appreciate the ease in all sorts of money operations, whereas the other darker side points towards the rampant increase in the number of cybercrime cases.
We have a number of mobile apps that encourage banking transactions from home. Even bank employers encourage their clients to use internet banking. A simple device like mobile is connected to our bank accounts. In case, it is hacked we have the potential to lose our deposits or savings in a few seconds. The information about our phone number is circulated to many databases. We often keep getting calls from unknown persons about paper-free bank loans, property sales, or about some goods that have been ordered or about making easy money in a couple of days or weeks. Many of them could be from cyber criminals. In many of the cybercrimes, it has been noticed that the victim has innocently passed the information about the OTP that he/she has received. Sometimes, well-educated people also become a victim to such fraud. The master mind criminal tries to hack the phone and then the victims bank account through the phone. In some of the cases, the personal computers have been hacked by the criminals to get access into the mail account and get all the valid information like bank details and related credentials. The question that often bothers the current generation is that: “Is my information secure”?
Whatever may be the risks associated with the technological changes, we are now forced to learn the new developments and keep ourselves safe. Our future generation, that is, the students, should be properly trained in schools to understand the technological advancements and make right use of it. Unfortunately, in some of the cybercrime cases, students have misused parent’s money in some gaming apps and have made their parents paupers within no time. Now-a-days, such gaming apps are shamelessly advertised by some celebrities, which lure the young minds towards the idea of making easy money.
Almost all the schools have started computer science as one of the subjects starting from the school level. Usually, our school children are taught about a few basics of some computer languages and initials of cyber security as a part of the school curriculum. Most of the students also opt computer science as one of the subjects, as it is scoring and easy to cram. It is time to ponder how is such education going to help students in their future life. Will they be able to handle technological advancements? Are they being sufficiently taught about data privacy and the impacts of losing data? Can a tenth-class student guide elders at home about the areas in which one has to be cautious so that the personal information does not get misused? Does our education system provide information about various gaming apps that lure students towards illegitimate money earning behaviour?
There are loopholes in our cyber education system. If we can correctly identify them, our education will become more meaningful. Our students will not be left in search for job after they pass out of schools and colleges with advanced degrees. As a parent, I feel that some amendments are necessary in computer science subject. My objective in writing this article is to draw attention of several parents or students towards these amendments. As the saying goes “Little drops make the mighty ocean”, perhaps several common views put together can bring about a revolution in our education system.
Unlike earlier generations, students of the current generation have ready access to tabs, mobiles and laptops. Most of them are aware of password security, but all of them might not be aware of the information that can be downloaded and what is apt for their age. It is true that students search for all possible queries related to their subjects through search engines like Google. Teachers and educated elders should teach them about validating the authenticity of the information and when to limit their search.
Earlier it was a practice in many schools to have banks associated with schools and colleges. Students used to carry money and pay the school and college fees through these banks. In this process, they used to learn all the steps related to banking transactions and at the same time how to keep money safe in banks. The students of the current generation should also be trained about e-banking. Students can be encouraged to open their own account with minimal balance. They can be asked to make some transactions under the guidance of elders so that they understand the importance of password security and the correct time to disclose the information about OTP.
There was a time when sex education had become very essential to reduce the spread of HIV/ AIDS. Currently, cybercrimes are also spreading in our society like a strong virus. In order to fight with this, we need to instruct students about certain dangerous gaming apps that can captivate the young minds and control them. Some basic ethical concepts like “easy money doesn’t last long” should be deeply ingrained in the young minds, so that they strongly say a “no” to such apps that encourage gambling.
The syllabus should be thoroughly revised to meet the current demands. Instead of learning some old programming languages, students can be encouraged to learn concepts related to artificial intelligence. They should be given an opportunity to experiment and exhibit their knowledge.
I was able to touch only a few areas where changes can be incorporated. My blog is open for comments and ideas with respect to the amendments that can prepare our students for the upcoming technological developments in the right way.
Your Opinion
There are a
large number of gaming apps available. Please share your experiences with the
negatives of such gaming apps in the comments section.
In schools a revised syllabus of computer science is needed to meet the challenges of cybercrimes. According to you, what additions in the syllabus will be helpful to students.
Below is the link for class 9 CBSE computer applications syllabus for the year 2023 for reference.
https://cbseacademic.nic.in/web_material/CurriculumMain23/Sec/Computer_Applications_Sec_2022-23.pdf
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