1 Non- use of IT Learning Technologies in Africa: Is it lack of the technology or attitude towards technology M Meck 1, 2 1 Department of Geology, University of Zimbabwe 2 Environmental Science Department, University of Botswana

2 Key issues IT in General IT in General E-learning technologies - world wide E-learning technologies - world wide Availability of e learning Availability of e learning Access to technology in Africa Access to technology in Africa Use of Technology in Africa Use of Technology in Africa Factors affecting non-use Factors affecting non-use Conclusions on attitudes as a factor Conclusions on attitudes as a factor Way forward Way forward

3 E -learning learning facilitated and supported through the use of information and communications technology learning facilitated and supported through the use of information and communications technology the delivery of a learning, training or education program by electronic means. the delivery of a learning, training or education program by electronic means. involves the use of a computer or electronic device to provide training, educational or learning material. involves the use of a computer or electronic device to provide training, educational or learning material.

4 Materials needed for e-learning Authoring tool for e learning such as, HTML, AuthorWare, Flash Director, ToolBook and XM. Authoring tool for e learning such as, HTML, AuthorWare, Flash Director, ToolBook and XM. Offline with CDs or Offline access with dial up Offline with CDs or Offline access with dial up a computer or electronic device a computer or electronic device appropriate material learning material on CDs diskettes and memory sticks appropriate material learning material on CDs diskettes and memory sticks Online e-learning Online e-learning Computer Computer Computer with internet or/and web browser Computer with internet or/and web browser

5 Common E-learning Options Content on Media Content on Media Content on intranet Content on intranet Content on Web Content on Web Content on E-LE Content on E-LE

6 Basic E-learning technology Basic E-learning technology laptop computers connectors diskettes CDs software internet

7 Enhancers to e: e-learning video Bulletin Board emoticons camera manuals telephone

8 Human Resources required Basic computer knowledge Basic computer knowledge Most universities and science and technology institutes offer IT courses Most universities and science and technology institutes offer IT courses Approximately 30,000 Africans holding PhDs in Science and Technology living outside continent. more human resources within the African continent. Approximately 30,000 Africans holding PhDs in Science and Technology living outside continent. more human resources within the African continent. Enough human resources to operate and maintain learning technologies in Africa Enough human resources to operate and maintain learning technologies in Africa

9 Availability and Access Learning technologies (to create & offer e- learning) available worldwide are also available to most African institutes. Learning technologies (to create & offer e- learning) available worldwide are also available to most African institutes. Computers and software needed to access online material are available in most offices Computers and software needed to access online material are available in most offices The African Tertiary Institutions Connectivity Survey shows most institutes have a certain level of connectivity The African Tertiary Institutions Connectivity Survey shows most institutes have a certain level of connectivity The technologies are being accessed and used for other purposes like s, entertainment, games etc The technologies are being accessed and used for other purposes like s, entertainment, games etc

10 Use of the technology UNESCO-ANSTI 2004, show that very little e learning is taking place offline or online UNESCO-ANSTI 2004, show that very little e learning is taking place offline or online a scarce of information being distributed for e learning as CDs a scarce of information being distributed for e learning as CDs Very little e learning courses in Africa Very little e learning courses in Africa Available packages rarely used for e learning. Available packages rarely used for e learning. Technology used for reading mails, game playing and entertainment & pornography. Technology used for reading mails, game playing and entertainment & pornography.

11 Factors affecting Use of Technology For Learning Professional Competence Professional Competence Attitudes ( teacher & learner) Attitudes ( teacher & learner) Lack of technology Lack of technology Lack of technical Expertise Lack of technical Expertise Lack of information Lack of information

12 Some statistics on use of websites Internet Lab CINDOC-CSIS Survey Internet Lab CINDOC-CSIS Survey Rankings were based on the size of the web, the visibility of the web and content in the rich files. Rankings were based on the size of the web, the visibility of the web and content in the rich files. 0.6% of African universities are in top 1,000 world universities use of websites 0.6% of African universities are in top 1,000 world universities use of websites University of Cape Town, the leading university in Africa holds the 324th position in the world rankings. University of Cape Town, the leading university in Africa holds the 324th position in the world rankings.

13 Why is Non use prevalent Is it the lack of technology Is it the lack of technology Is it attitude Is it attitude Which one is contributing More Which one is contributing More

14 Conclusion We have ample technology to offer e learning in Africa We have ample technology to offer e learning in Africa Lack of access to learning technologies is prevalent in most African countries but not the major problem of non use of learning technology Lack of access to learning technologies is prevalent in most African countries but not the major problem of non use of learning technology Attitude is playing a big role in the none use of it learning technology Attitude is playing a big role in the none use of it learning technology Opportunities exist for harnessing the technology and improve the use of e learning technologies. Opportunities exist for harnessing the technology and improve the use of e learning technologies.

15 Way forward Acknowledge attitude as a major contributor of non- use of learning technology Acknowledge attitude as a major contributor of non- use of learning technology Address attitudes together with the other factors Address attitudes together with the other factors