Apologies for interrupting discussions and cross-posting. We could benefit from List members' experience and views. Collaboration is sought for a national South African telecentres project that could be important to all local higher education (HE) institutions. FOTIM (Foundation of Tertiary Institutions of the Northern Metropolis) commissioned the investigation into existing telecentres that support HE. FOTIM is a consortium currently consisting of sixteen northern universities and technikons/technicons. <http://www.fotim.ac.za/index.html>.
The project aims to survey existing telecentres in the HE sector and to recommend a model of an "ideal" telecentre for HE. "Telecentre" refers to any centre with telecommunications facilities that are used for HE. It could be called a learning/information centre, outlet, telematic education unit, community telecentre, etc. More information about the project and telecentres in general, and an extended bibliography can be found at the project Website: https://www.techpta.ac.za/study/telematic/fotim/index.htm In this country the use of HE centres for distance education is still limited to a few of the largest universities, technikons and colleges. However as the leader in the field of ICTs in Africa, South Africa should learn from experiences elsewhere. It has been calculated that a new university would have to open its doors every 7 days this century to keep up with the demand for tertiary education worldwide. Nearly half of the 4,000 major colleges and universities in the U.S. now offer courses over the Internet or use the Web to enhance campus classes. About 2 million students take online courses and their ranks could swell to 5 million by 2006. Are telecentres the solution to extend access to HE? Do they offer a viable option in South African circumstances, particularly in rural areas? Even if their services are "second best" in comparison to residential institutions, is that not the best alternative for so many students who cannot afford study fees or even a computer? In a situation where HE institutions are being rationalised and a government task group has recommended that satellite campuses not be expanded, it is becoming imperative to reconsider the role of distance education and telecentres or other distance facilities. In his State of the Nation address this year, Pres. Thabo Mbeki stated: "Studies . have shown that a critical and pervasive element in economic development in the current age is the optimum utilisation of information and communications technology. In addition to the many programmes we have introduced in this area, including tele-centres, we shall as a matter of urgency complete the work towards the establishment of an ICT University." Enquiries: Charles Malan at: [EMAIL PROTECTED] ------------ ***GKD is solely supported by EDC, an NGO that is a GKP member*** To post a message, send it to: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To subscribe or unsubscribe, send a message to: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>. In the 1st line of the message type: subscribe gkd OR type: unsubscribe gkd Archives of previous GKD messages can be found at: <http://www.edc.org/GLG/gkd/>
