Technology shows the way

Updated on: Monday, August 24, 2009

A new survey of India’s school children shows that ‘The Web 2.0 Generation’ are digital natives, who are highly technology savvy, global in terms of aspirations and outlook and increasingly optimistic about India’s economic future. The survey was conducted by IT solutions provider Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) across 14,000 high school children (between the ages of 12-18) in 12 Indian cities during 2008-09.

The survey finds that one in four students own laptops in metro cities, and two of three own music players. IT and engineering remain overwhelming popular career choices; while media and entertainment, travel and tourism are emerging careers; and the USA and UK top their list of international destinations for higher studies.

“Nearly one out of 10 people on the planet are under 25 years old and living in India. That is the significance of India’s next generation and what they do, think and aspire towards is insightful for all those who aim to engage with this Web2.0 Generation,” says S Ramadorai, CEO and MD, TCS, adding, “The survey confirms that today’s students are shifting their academic and social life online and embracing the digital world as true digital natives. This societal trend has important implications for parents, educators, policy makers, future employers and companies and brands that want to sell to tomorrow’s generation”.

Classifying youth into four categories: globetrotters, gadgetphiles, nation-builders and social networkers, the survey highlights the fact that at a relatively young age, India’s urban students are thinking about travel, learning new skills, experience and salary when they consider future careers. The desire to study abroad cuts across students nationwide with USA being the most preferred destination. For some students, especially in the mini metros, physical proximity plays a part in the choice of overseas education destinations. Singapore and Dubai are thus preferred by one in five students in Chennai and Kochi, respectively, as top choices for overseas education.

Technology shows the way

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