Today's discussions about the impact of technology on the economy and society have to take into account the growing importance of connectivity. Connectedness, which is the capacity to benefit from connectivity for personal, social, work or economic purposes, is having an impact on all spheres of human activity. Therefore, devices and gadgets are less important than the ability to be connected and seizing the opportunities that connectedness offers.

This introduction defines what connectedness is, and explains why today's policy discussions about the knowledge economy and society must shift from purely technology-related issues to the opportunities brought about by connectedness and digital media. To turn connectivity into connectedness dedicated policies have to be designed with a twofold goal: first, to guarantee that all the emerging opportunities brought about by technology and its outcomes can be seized in favour of economic and societal development and second, that the resulting benefits of these opportunities are equally accessible to all.

Education has to play a major role in the achievement of these two goals. To begin with, both policy makers and educators are increasingly concerned about the fact that children and adolescents in particular are extremely attached to digital media and spend a lot of time connected.

Yet they need to know how far the claims, both positive and negative, usually made about the effects of technology attachment are based on real and trustworthy evidence; secondly, what courses of action may make sense in the context of the emergence of knowledge economy and society; and finally, how attachment to digital media and connectivity during childhood and adolescence can be used in favour of promoting connectedness.

Key Topics Covered:

Executive summary

Introduction. Why connectedness matters

Chapter 1. How connectedness is shaping the economy and society

Chapter 2. How relevant connectedness is for young people

Chapter 3. Contrasting views about the digital generation

Chapter 4. What are the effects of attachment to digital media and connectivity? -A research challenge

Chapter 5. Are learners' expectations changing?

Chapter 6. Emerging issues for education

Chapter 7. Key findings

Chapter 8. Implications for educational policy, research and practice

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Source: OECD Publishing