In a message dated 12/4/2002, Frederick Noronha <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> writes:
> 1. Has any study been done as to the impact of how long such computers > actually serve in Third World locations? Are these being used > effectively? Given the way hardware is made incompatible with that > produced just two to three years back, aren't we fighting an uphill > battle? How do we ensure computers are kept in a state of fair > maintenance? I think I will always remember a discussion as I worked with a group from African Schoolnet. In some schools in Africa, basic necessities like water and electricity are so rare that bringing technology resources to students might seem to be beyond their reach. I remember talking to a delegate from Togo, who shared the story of having to pay taxes on the incoming computers, and how there was really nothing to do with them, but all the same, they used the computers to teach students how to build and learn about computers. There were several townships that I visited, which had computers, with not much for them. The computers were locked down when the teacher was not there. But SchoolNetAfrica <http://www.schoolnetafrica.net/>, the first African-run nonprofit organization focusing on educational technology, is doing just that. "Countries are at different levels (of technology access) but they all believe that information and communication technology will help the students to be critical learners and thinkers," said Heba Ramzy, the steering committee member for Egypt. You may not know Heba. But she is a bundle of energy who is involved in several international projects for RITSEC, and other initiatives. Ramzy is one of 10 steering committee representatives from 10 African countries that governs SNA. Twenty-eight African countries participate in the program. The nonprofit is focusing on several programs that, she hopes, will build technology resources and leadership throughout the continent. "Maybe we are way behind," she said. "Now is the time that we have to invest in the future to prepare our kids to play a role globally. Why should anybody else plan for their future?" SNA is running ThinkQuest Africa <http://www.thinkquestafrica.org/>, a Web design competition where students collaborate over the Internet to build an educational website. It's based on the original ThinkQuest Internet Challenge. Ramzy said that SNA also wants to build a "Knowledgewarehouse" of online content that would include websites developed by students and online curriculum. Also, the organization plans to identify and train leaders who can head technology initiatives in their respective countries. Access to computers and connectivity is one of the major challenges, Ramzy said, and SNA is researching different models of funding, like the e-rate in the United States, to see what is appropriate for African countries. Ramzy said the organization is also working to facilitate relationships between telecommunications companies and different countries. About one-third of schools in South Africa have computers and/or Internet access, according to Ed Gragert, director of the International Education and Resource Network (iEARN) <http://www.iearn.org/>, a nonprofit that also works with African schools and SNA. Connections are almost always dial-ups, which can be slow and clunky. "What SchoolNetAfrica is doing is so important," said Ed Gragert. "A national program by Nigeria could be applied in Angola. SchoolNetAfrica plays the role of sharing that information." And there are numerous examples of successful projects that students have completed when given access to technology. Amr Hamdy, program manager for ThinkQuest Africa, said that students who participate in the Web design competition learn communication, in addition to technology, skills. Mohamed Abdallah, a 16-year-old from Alexandria, Egypt, built a website about blood as a participant in ThinkQuest last year. "I didn't know anything when I started," he said. "You're working with international partners and doing something useful and fun." I have been priviledged to work in many parts of the world with some of these groups and it is remarkable what they do. There are some groups like TENS, who help. It might be good to query some of the people who create possibilities for students with technology. They have wonderful stories. Bonnie [EMAIL PROTECTED] ------------ ***GKD is solely supported by EDC, a Non-Profit Organization*** 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/>
