Since higher level jobs usually require higher levels of education and can command higher earnings, it is not surprising to see these characteristics linked with computer use too. However, as shown later, persons in this line of work use a computer quite differently than do professionals or managers. Although clerical jobs may not be considered "high skill", they had the second highest rate of computer use (84%). Most managerial jobs also involved computer use (78%). Those with such jobs had the highest rate for computer use at work (86%) ( Table 1). Professional occupations 1 often require a highly developed set of skills that, as the data confirm, often includes using a computer. In 1989, the comparable figures were 38% and 32%. The same trend can also be seen in other industrialized countries (see International comparisons).Īs found in past studies, a higher proportion of employed women in 2000 used a computer at work than men, 60% compared with 54%. In a mere decade, the proportion of workers using a computer at their main job has risen from 33% in 1989 to 57% in 2000-with almost 80% of users now working at their computer every day ( Chart A, Table 1). This paper examines the extent of computer use by Canadian workers (see Data source and definitions): which workers are most likely to use a computer at their job, how often they use it, what they use it for, and how they learned their computing skills. Digital divides have been documented within industrialized countries as well-among individuals, households, businesses and geographic regions. For example, only 6% of the world's population has ever logged onto the Internet, and close to 90% of them are from industrialized countries ( ILO, 2000). It is argued that access to and use of ICTs can increase productivity and efficiency, enhance knowledge and skill levels, and improve the quality of work life ( ILO, 2000).Ĭoncerns have been raised, however, over the uneven use of ICTs-the "digital divide"-between and within countries. "ccess to and development of information, communication and e-commerce resources are increasingly viewed as crucial for economic and social development." ( OECD, 2001). Furthermore, most workers today go well beyond using their computer as a mere typewriter or calculator.Īs intriguing as this computer-use revolution may be, embracing information and communication technology (ICT) is viewed as an essential ingredient for both businesses and individuals to remain competitive in today's knowledge-based economy. The ubiquitous personal computer has changed all this and revolutionized the workplace. Long gone, but still remembered by many, are typewriters, typing pools, carbon copies, adding machines and physical mail boxes. Please contact us to request a format other than those available. It is not subject to the Government of Canada Web Standards and has not been altered or updated since it was archived. Information identified as archived is provided for reference, research or recordkeeping purposes.
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