Experiences of teaching computer literacy to South African teachers using blended learning and free open source software

ABSTRACT Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in education is essential to equip all citizens with the necessary knowledge in the information age. While most learners in the developed world have had the chance to be exposed to ICTs and learn basic computer skills through formal or informal learning, in developing countries disadvantaged learners usually do not have the same chances to acquire these skills at school or in their communities. For this reason it is crucial that educators are the first to be trained in using ICTs. This strategy would not only trigger a multiplier effect in their communities, but it is certainly the most cost-effective way to increase digital inclusiveness among the most disadvantaged members. The South African Department of Education is willing to facilitate the introduction and spread of ICT in Education, but still has to launch a massive national campaign to train all teachers in the use of computers. Most ICT courses for teachers organised at a local level are geared mainly towards administrative purposes, and not towards integrating ICTs into their curricula. The aim of this research was to identify and explore challenges to the training in ICT of large numbers of teachers from very disadvantaged contexts. Four main primary objectives were identified in order to reach this aim: (1) to study the issues in the disadvantaged South African schools and the ICT competencies of their teachers; (2) to analyse the challenges and limits of using blended learning and free open source software within the South African schools context; (3) to investigate the outcomes of the computer literacy programmes offered by Rhodes University to school teachers; and (4) to prove the feasibility of ICT training with large numbers of teachers from disadvantaged schools through designing, implementing and managing a computer literacy course using blended learning and free open source software, which would lead to an increase in teacher confidence in using computers and narrow the ICT skills gap. The principal ICT issues found in the disadvantaged schools were the lack of confidence of the teachers in using computers, mainly due to the lower level of education provided to the non-white population during Apartheid, and the overestimation of the level of computer literacy of those few teachers who were already computer literate. The lack of computers and limited access to the Internet, for the non-white South African ethnic groups, are real constraints that limit the benefits of blended learning, compared to the situation experienced by learners who live in more developed countries. Due to these constraints, blended learning systems are forced to adapt to the local settings. However, the present constraints do not severely limit the possibility of implementing blended learning programmes, they only influence the type of blending chosen. In addition, the introduction of FOSS educational software and the use of new Linux distributions, such as Edubuntu, are invaluable tools for integrating ICTs into the curricula, although the present poor usability of free open source software is sometimes a major barrier that prevents its diffusion and adoption. Regardless of the good quality of education received at Rhodes University by the teachers who attend the few computer literacy courses available, the findings of this research revealed that the main limitations are the teaching of ICT mainly for administrative purposes, the exclusive use of proprietary software, and the small course capacity. The computer literacy programmes available at Rhodes University make no use of free open source software and cater only for very small numbers of educators, usually 25 participants, even though this organisation has the means, knowledge and facilities to accommodate large numbers of attendees. Finally the research has proved that it is feasible to provide computer training for more than 200 educators at a time at Rhodes University, using blended learning systems and free open source software. The final assessment on the newly acquired skills of the teachers, proved that on average, 77.50% of teachers responded correctly to questions at the end of the course. The confidence gained by the teachers to independently use a computer and the feedback received from the tutors throughout the course, showed the viability and sustainability of this kind of blended learning approaches. The development of teacher education in all relevant fields needs to be prioritised to subsequently improve the quality of education for students in underprivileged schools in South Africa and reverse the impact of the Bantu education system. This research has determined that a major limiting factor in ICT education for teachers is the lack of large scale courses that are specifically designed for the learner level of the majority of teachers from disadvantaged backgrounds, the beginner level. It is therefore not only a matter of lack of investments that prevents the taking off of ICTs in the developing world, but mainly cultural and political decisions that have to be made in order to guide the change that would allow all citizens to have the means and the knowledge to access the information and improve their standard of living

Open source technologies and local economic development: Exploring adoption factors in a Less Developed Country.

Abstract A rapidly growing body of research is investigating the role and the adoption of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in alleviating poverty. Many of these studies have focused on ICT with proprietary software, however, careful academic studies have been devoted to the adoption of Free Open Source Software (FOSS), since it is recognized as unique opportunity for less economically developed countries (LEDCs). In fact, a lot of opportunities and challenges have been posed for developing countries by the dramatic growth of open source software. However, the problematic nature of FOSS adoption is readily evidenced in the fairly frequent reports of problems. With issues such as high level of poverty, illiteracy, poor health services and lack of ICT awareness, how can developing country policy makers and other key stakeholders make informed decisions about the benefits and implications of choosing open source solutions. To benefit from this opportunity, it is therefore important for all players to identify and understand the strategic factors and future trends that affect the development of an efficient FOSS industry in LEDCs. To reach this research purpose, we proposed a conceptual framework based on various literature reviews and examined it to find the effect of some of the technological, environmental, organizational, social and individual factors on FOSS adoption and use in SMEs industry in Ghana; then, future trends that are likely to impact the deployment and development of FOSS in the country were assessed. The methodology employed is a two-fold approach involving; quantitative method with structural equation model of partial least squares (SEM-PLS) and qualitative method using a combination of Delphi techniques and SWOT analysis. In the quantitative approach the results of study suggest that power distance cultural dimension and FOSS system compatibility and capabilities have positive influence on perceived usefulness of the software. Conversely, system complexity, government supports and awareness have negative influence on the perceived usefulness. However, perceived usefulness has no effect on users’ intention to adopt. In addition, FOSS quality and power distance cultural dimension have positive influence on perceived ease of use which in turn has significant effect on users’ intention to adopt. While government supports, education and awareness have negative influence on users’ intention to adopt, power distance cultural dimension, social identification and personal innovativeness in IT have positive effect. In summary, the obtained results from SEM-PLS revealed that related factors explained 86% of the variation of influencing factors on intention to adopt, which in turn explained 58% of variance of usage behavior. In the qualitative approach the result was based on the internal and external factors identified through the Delphi techniques iterations. Additionally, SWOT analysis was carried out to foresee an efficient software industry that could help to boost local economic development of the country. In fact, the result reveals significant strengths within Ghanaian SMEs but less opportunity for Ghana as a whole. In regard to this finding there is need for strong collaboration and partnership among government, universities and industry with policy suggestions that should be optimally implemented

The adoption of open sources within higher education in Europe : a dissemination case study

For some time now, the open-source (OS) phenomenon has been making its presence felt; disrupting the economics of the software industry and, by proxy, the business of education. A combination of the financial pressure Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) find themselves under and the increasing focus on the use of technology to enhance students' learning have encouraged many HEIs to look towards alternative approaches to teaching and learning. Meanwhile, the "OS" has challenged assumptions about how intellectual products are created and protected and has greatly increased the quantity and arguably the quality of educational technologies available to HEIs

Economic barriers to development : cost of access to internet infrastructure

The Internet is increasingly viewed as an "indispensable" resource for general development and economic growth (UNDP 1999). Its adoption by governments, organizations and individuals has resulted in the shrinking of spatial and temporal distances between different regions of the world, and has greatly facilitated the "free" and quick exchange of information. Such constrictions of time and space impact upon social and economic interactions at all levels of society. Furthermore, ramifications of this impact are felt by a society, group or individual irrespective of whether or not they use the Internet. The ability to access the Internet, and in particular the costs associated with such access, are therefore important points of consideration. Not only do these costs contribute to the disproportional spread of the Internet across the world's population; they also potentially contribute to uneven patterns of development within, and between countries

Free/Open Source Software - Education

Co-published with Elsevier a division of Reed Elsevier India Private LimitedFree/Open Source Software (FOSS) is a recent phenomenon that has the potential to revolutionize the software industry. It has already gained a strong foothold in the server software segment, with a leading market share worldwide in some software categories. It is also gaining ground in desktop applications and it has been predicted that its use on the desktop will become significant in the near future. Interest in FOSS is growing globally, particularly in developing countries. Governments are considering policies to promote its use, businesses are recognizing its potential and various other sectors are giving increasing attention to the opportunity for localization that it presents. The impact of FOSS will be felt in many areas. In this primer we focus on FOSS in education and the role it can play in schools, colleges and universities. Information and communication technologies (ICTs) have the potential to improve the quality of education. However, educational institutions are often faced with financial constraints. Competing demands for resources and the high costs of ICTs can be a major obstacle to providing ICT facilities in educational institutions. FOSS has the potential to help lower the cost barrier by reducing the cost of software, which is an important component of ICT facilities.Besides the cost benefits, there are numerous other advantages in using FOSS in education, including pedagogical benefits. This primer is intended to help policy-makers and decision-makers understand the potential use of FOSS in education—where and how it can be used, why it should be used, and what issues are involved. In particular, officials in ministries of education, school and university administrators, academic staff and researchers should find this primer useful. This primer is part of a series of primers on Free/Open Source Software brought to you by the International Open Source Network (IOSN), an initiative of the UNDP’s Asia-Pacific Development Information Programme (APDIP).We would like to thank all those who have been involved in the creation of this primer. We would also like to thank the International Development Research Centre (IDRC) of Canada for their generous financial support without which this primer would not have been written

Global Innovation Policy Index

Ranks fifty-five nations' strategies to boost innovation capacity: policies on trade, scientific research, information and communications technologies, tax, intellectual property, domestic competition, government procurement, and high-skill immigration

Public Service Delivery: Role of Information and Communication Technology in Improving Governance and Development Impact

The focus of this paper is on improving governance through the use of information and communication technology (ICT) in the delivery of services to the poor, i.e., improving efficiency, accountability, and transparency, and reducing bribery. A number of papers recognize the potential benefits but they also point out that it has not been easy to harness this potential. This paper presents an analysis of effective case studies from developing countries where the benefits have reached a large number of poor citizens. It also identifies the critical success factors for wide-scale deployment. The paper includes cases on the use of ICTs in the management of delivery of public services in health, education, and provision of subsidized food. Cases on electronic delivery of government services, such as providing certificates and licenses to rural populations, which in turn provide entitlements to the poor for subsidized food, fertilizer, and health services are also included. ICT-enabled provision of information to enhance rural income is also covered

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Examines the state of the foundation's efforts to improve educational opportunities worldwide through universal access to and use of high-quality academic content

The Revolution of Mobile Phone-Enabled Services for Agricultural Development (m-Agri Services) in Africa: The Challenges for Sustainability

The provision of information through mobile phone-enabled agricultural information services (m-Agri services) has the potential to revolutionise agriculture and significantly improve smallholder farmers’ livelihoods in Africa. Globally, the benefits of m-Agri services include facilitating farmers’ access to financial services and sourcing agricultural information about input use, practices, and market prices. There are very few published literature sources that focus on the potential benefits of m-Agri services in Africa and none of which explore their sustainability. This study, therefore, explores the evolution, provision, and sustainability of these m-Agri services in Africa. An overview of the current landscape of m-Agri services in Africa is provided and this illustrates how varied these services are in design, content, and quality. Key findings from the exploratory literature review reveal that services are highly likely to fail to achieve their intended purpose or be abandoned when implementers ignore the literacy, skills, culture, and demands of the target users. This study recommends that, to enhance the sustainability of m-Agri services, the implementers need to design the services with the users involved, carefully analyse, and understand the target environment, and design for scale and a long-term purpose. While privacy and security of users need to be ensured, the reuse or improvement of existing initiatives should be explored, and projects need to be data-driven and maintained as open source. Thus, the study concludes that policymakers can support the long-term benefit of m-Agri services by ensuring favourable policies for both users and implementers