Telecentres and Sustainable Community Development in South Africa
43 Pages Posted: 31 Jul 2012
Date Written: August 15, 2006
Abstract
Information and communication technology (ICT) in South African telecentres is used by communities for social and economic development. Community informatics (CI) is a technology discipline which links economic and social development efforts at the community level with emerging opportunities in such areas as community and civic networks, telecasters, and virtual health communities. (Gurnstein 2000:1) Against this background, this paper is based on a thesis research about the role of telecentres in the education of users in South Africa. The research was conducted for the present writer’s doctoral study. The objective of the research was to contribute to a framework for the assessment of ICT-for Development projects from a critical, social viewpoint. The study consisted of a theoretical discussion on the role of ICT in development, and an examination of how ICTs improve formal and non-formal education of the groups sampled using a survey questionnaire and personal interviews. The study provides insight into the uses of ICTs for sustainable development according to geographical location.
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