Digital doorway computer literacy through unassisted learning in South Africa

Abstract

The Digital Doorway is a joint project between the Department of Science and Technology (DST) and the Meraka Institute, with a vision of making a fundamental difference to computer literacy and associated skills in Africa. Underpinning this project is the idea of people's inherent cognitive ability to teach themselves computer skills with minimal external intervention. For this to happen, computers must be easily accessible to potential learners in an environment conducive to experimentation. Apart from the ability to read text, literacy also involves image and screen literacy, and particularly ability to navigate information. Through access to information on the internet, a new way of learning by “discovery” rather than by “lecture” becomes possible