Talk from Head of Software Solutions at IBM
Chris Bray, Head of Software Solutions at IBM gave a talk to selected Year 10 students on 6th July 2010. There were some fascinating insights into the history of computers and Chris demonstrated how much smaller and faster and more powerful they had become since the days when a single computer filled a large room. He pointed out how bad people were at predicting the future. In the early days, heads of large businesses were saying things like:
“I think there is a world market for maybe five computers”
“There is no reason anyone would want a computer in their home.”
How wrong could they be!
Chris talked about the developments in computer technology and the breakthroughs and current barriers.
The important thing for all of us to understand is that we have to be extremely skilled in ICT to be successful in the future job market. Our students are digital natives, a generation that has grown up with computers, and they are leaving their parents and grandparents far behind.