GUERNSEY v. THE WORLD was the title of a motivational talk given at Les Cotils. Alan November, senior partner of November Learning, addressed more than 100 business leaders, government representatives and education professionals on how to empower Guernsey’s next generation through advances in technology.

‘The current learning structure might be good for an industrial economy but it is not good for an information economy. Education is knowledge and knowledge is power,’ he said.

Mr November believes simply adding technology to the existing education framework is not sufficient to help the island remain competitive on a global scale.

‘The whole teacher-student relationship needs to be reconfigured so there is more of a balance of control. If people are allowed to manage their own learning, with the help of technology, they do a lot better.’

He suggested that alternative topics encouraging motivation and entrepreneurship be taught alongside traditional subjects such as English and maths.

He also said that items such as mobile phones and iPods – which are used by students on a daily basis – should be integrated into lesson plans.

Mr November highlighted the impact of technology on globalisation.

‘Technology gives us the opportunity to open up a dialogue with people from all over the world to learn how to be culture-sensitive.

‘This is a key factor in becoming and remaining globally competitive,’ he said.

The event was hosted by the Young Business Group and sponsored by Cable & Wireless Guernsey and Itex (Guernsey) in association with the Education Department.

YBG president Ned Meinke said the audience had left enthused and motivated.

‘Alan is a truly inspirational speaker who has to be heard to be believed.’

Allister Langlois, Education’s e-learning steering group chairman, agreed.

‘Technology is at the very heart of all school curricula and essential in today’s learning culture,’ he said.