Tanzania Education and Research Network (TERNET): Concept, Status, Challenges and Plans ahead Open Access 2007 5th International Conference on Open Access, Bagamoyo Tanzania, Dr. Jabiri Kuwe Bakari BSc. Computer Sc., MSc. (Eng.), PhD. Lecturer and Director Institute of Educational Technology Open University of Tanzania Co-Authors: Prof. Tolly Mbwette Prof. John Kondoro Mr. Zachariah I. Magabe 14th - 16th November 2007

Presentation Outline Background Status and Plans ahead Issues and Challenges Conclusion

Presentation Outline Background Status and Plans ahead Issues and Challenges Conclusion

Background 2000 - the need for a national ICT network of Universities and other Higher education and research institutions was realised January, 2002, 16 Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) signed a MoU to establish Tanzania Education Network however the process was stalled at later stages.

Background March, 2007 – TERNET, was formally constituted, as an autonomous body, and broadly representative of the Higher Learning Institutions (HEIs) and research organizations in Tanzania. Interim Leadership is in place 21 Intitutions signed MOU, others are ready to join Constitution was then drafted Registration is still in progress Main idea – to facilitate and enable ICT resources to be used collectively and effectively to enhance the efficiency and quality of education (both contact and Open Distance Learning - ODL) and research in Tanzania.

Presentation Outline Status and Plans ahead Background Issues and Challenges Conclusion

Status and Plans ahead TERNET is in the process of building its capacity; Establishing the status of ICT usage in higher learning institutions Establishing needs and infrastructure connectivity requirements Establish operational models in order to be able to sustainably manage the NREN. This initiative is supported by the HEIs and development partners. Small interim secretariat – working on part time basis

TERNET Members Clustered on Existing and Planned OFC

Status and Plans ahead At the National level – There are some discussions between the World Bank and the Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Technology on the possibility of assisting NREN initiatives in Tanzania.

Presentation Outline Background Status and Plans ahead Issues and Challenges Conclusion

Plans are underway to conduct regular Rolling Strategic plans meetings which will involve all members institutions and other stakeholders There could be a small meeting during this conference if the No. of members is above 50% i.e. >=12 !!!

Issues and Challenges Funding: TERNET runs its activities based on volunteered contributions from few member institutions. Once the infrastructure is established, TERNET is planning to sustain itself through capacity building plan which will equip staff with abilities to be involved in money generating activities in addition to collections from membership fees. Deployment of TERNET infrastructure: Tanzania is a big country with 26 regions with members institutions unevenly spread all over the country which create a challenge of finding an optimal staring point for deploying the network. To meet the challenge it is proposed that TERNET deploys its infrastructure in phases Make use of alternative technology

Issues and Challenges TERNET Staff: TERNET has provisional leadership composed of Chairperson of the Council, deputy chairperson, executive secretary, deputy executive secretary, and accountant; working as part time and in a volunteer- basis. This does not provide enough workforces to meet increasingly TERNET activities thus raise a need for permanent and part time employees.

Presentation Outline Background Status and Plans ahead Issues and Challenges Conclusion

Conclusion and outlook There is no doubt that once TERNET major functions of establishing infrastructure, support for E-libraries, enhancing E-learning capacity, establishing education management information system (EMIS), and capacity building plan are operationalised, TERNET will largely contribute to the country’s economical and educational development… We see TERNET as one of the major developmental projects for the proposed National backbone

Ahsante Sana !