ARCHIVES

 

UBC Study says:

Office of the Future:
New Challenge for
Students, Instructors

Widespread use of personal computers and other
electronic technology has changed the name of
the game for office workers and teachers alike,
according to a recent study of Douglas College
Office Administration programs. "New technol-
ogy takes the boring out", said one student,
expressing a commonly shared view. Time spent
on repetitive, manual tasks like typing and
filing is drastically reduced, while the emphasis
on problem solving, communication, aesthetics
and analytic skills is increased. Rapid changes
in business practices, prompted by innovations
in hardware and software, also require frequent
updating and expanding of skills and knowledge.
The result is a more demanding and competitive
labour market for office employment, and edu-
cational programs that are more demanding of
both students and instructors.

The study, conducted by sociologists from UBC's
Faculty of Education, found that Douglas College
office programs have kept abreast of new office
technology, despite the stresses and strains of
constant demand for new equipment and mater-
ials. Word processors were followed by personal
computers as essential components of instruction
in all office programs, and even when the budget
was adequate the wiring in the rooms often was
not. Next came the problem of keeping up with
the software explosion, and coping with the lack
of up-to-date texts. "The technology changes so
quickly, your texts are outdated in a year!" said
one instructor. "And time... there isn't enough
time... or money... to do curriculum develop-
ment in every area."

While instructors feel the pressure to up-date
their courses, students enjoy the benefits of the
new electronic technology, according to the
study. When asked how word processing has
changed office work, most students responded
enthusiastically. "It sure beats typing!" or
"You can do three months’ work in an hour.....1
could have shot myself for not trying it sooner!"
It also challenges them to learn the new langu-
age of information processing, and to improve
their mental calculation and problem solving

 

 

 

skills, such as how to "dig yourself out of a
frozen system". In the advanced level Records
Management Program, students are introduced
to a new field of administrative expertise
demanding a broad knowledge of information
systems and alternative applications, opening
new opportunities for administrative careers.

The popular view that new technology makes
work easier is misleading, the study concludes.
On the contrary, the standard of performance is
actually increasing for many aspects of office
work, particularly communications skills, a
knowledge of the business environment, and a
sense of professionalism about one's work. In
today's labour market, said one instructor, "It
takes a lot to be employable."

Nancy Jackson

 

Annual Retirement

This year, May 14, 1986 has been selected as the
day to honour current retirees, and to welcome
back the retirees from past years.

Various functions will take place on this day.
The main event will be a wine and cheese party
hosted by the Bursar and Deans, starting at
3:30 P.M. in the Lower Cafeteria.

This is open to all College employees.

Please mark the date and time in your calendar.
I hope to see you there.

Bill Day

 

For Sale

Cedar planter boxes, triangular shape, approxi-
mately 8" x 10" x 4 feet. Call Douglas College
Daycare - Local 2814.