The intent of this study was to find answers to the Thesis question: In What Ways cans the use of Digital Technology Transform Perceptions, Expectations, Experiences and Learning Outcomes of Greenlanders. Field studies were conducted to gain information for this research study.
Questionnaires were provided and interviews were conducted with both Danish and Greenlander teachers, administrators, staff, students,
professional workers and the man on the street. Through the information collected from the questionnaires and one on one interviews
conducted conclusions were reached and a thesis was then formulated according to the answers given by participants to the questionnaires
and the following conclusions could be reached. (1) .
“The global diffusion of digital technologies which occurred more rapidly than the global diffusion of any technology previously has been mixed by its uneven distribution across and unequal effects on societies worldwide.” (2) This condition is no more apparent in the country of Greenland which is geographically and culturally separated from its predominant partner Denmark. “Attention is split between concern for the impeded access of the poor and less prepared to the revolutionary technology on the one hand and the race to lead the world in creating the next ‘Hot” technology on the other hand.” (3)
For openers: how technology is changing traditional schools and the delivery of knowledge content can now be viewed from a purely
objective point of view. “Whether you’re sailing around the world, homebound with the flu, or just in the market for more flexible learning
thanks to the internet, schooling never stops.” (4)
The Danish government, politics, behavior and way of life is adapted upon the Greenlanders. The social problems that currently exist are not
to be underestimated. In Greenland there are many small communities of less than 300 inhabitants. It is widely known and backed by
statistics that in these areas of Greenland 3 out of 4 children are abused. For example, if the economy turns downward. (fishing is still the
predominant form of work in Greenland) there is an increased use of alcohol. The Danish parliament feels the need to step in and attempt to
solve these social problems. Greenlanders however view the Danish involvement as an Imperialism and rejects the Danish involvement.
The Greenlanders do have self rule. But in terms of Defense this comes from the homeland of Denmark. The Danish parliament has recently voted to put larger sums of money into the defense department of their country as well as Greenland due to the most perceived threat of security in the 21st century, Cyber-warfare. The conclusion is that the relationship between the Danish and the Greenlanders is very complex.
On the one hand there is the need of Danish funding and subsidy to maintain and to operate the infrastructure in Greenland, the education, public health and governmental systems for example. While there exists a resentment from Greenlanders to the Danish empowerment. The reality is that without Danish influence and participation in Greenland, Greenlander society would be diminished and would in all probability fall backwards. This would be unfair to the future of Greenland, its citizens and the new generation of Greenlanders who must find a way to walk hand in hand with the Danish into the 21st century.
Source: by Dr. Christopher Chandler | Dean of Genesis University
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Genesis University.