Browsing by Author "Gush, Kim L"

Now showing 1 - 8 of 8
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    Applying the Digital Doorway design research model in facilitating skills transfer in rural communities
    (2010-11) Herselman, Martha E; Smith, R; Gush, Kim L; Cambridge, G; Botha, Adèle; Marais, Mario A
    The purpose of this article is to indicate how skills can be transferred through the application of the Digital Doorway (DD) design research model. Skills transfer takes place between the initiators of Digital Doorway (CSIR Meraka Institute) project, the implementers/support and maintenance company (Ingwapele Technology) an d the community champion in charge of a Digital Doorway (DD) in their respective communities. The purpose of the DD is to provide internet experiences in public locations to underserved, poor populations, based on similar principles of informal learning as demonstrated through the Hole in the Wall project in India. The aim is to advance and support basic computer skills which can be transferred through unsupervised experimentation and exploration in the use of the DD. For this purpose DD design research model is the method which was applied to implement the DD. The DD project involves two phases of development, phase one is depicted through the DD design research model and phase 2 highlights the current situation of the DD project as well as provide a reflection on future developments envisaged for the project. After the installation of over 200 DD across South Africa and Lesotho a specific design research model became evident which supports the transfer of specific skills between the three entities involved from inception through to the support and maintenance phase of the project. Lessons were learnt and specific skills transferred of which the most obvious seem to be the application of good communication skills, a specific technical skill set and hands-on experience. During this transfer of skills the three entities are also dealing with socio-technical and political power plays between different stakeholders in rural communities as well as trust relationships and how communities take ownership of technology challenges.
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    Digital doorway computer literacy through unassisted learning in South Africa
    (2006-02) Smith, R; Cambridge, G; Gush, Kim L
    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
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    Kiosks are breaking through the digital divide in Africa: first among equals
    (Kiosk Europe, 2008) Cambridge, GJ; Smith, R; Gush, Kim L
    The Digital Doorway is a joint project between the South African Department of Science and Technology (DST) and the Meraka Institute, aimed at the promotion of computer literacy and associated skills in Africa. The assumption is that people have the inherent cognitive ability to learn computer skills with minimal external intervention. However, computers must be easily accessible to potential learners in an environment conducive to experimentation. Apart from the ability to read text, literacy involves image and screen literacy and, particularly, information navigation.
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    An open-source tool-set for meaningful monitoring and visualisation of rural ICT projects
    (IIMC International Information Management Corporation, 2018-05) Gush, Kim L
    Monitoring and servicing of technologically complex rural installations poses unique challenges. This paper presents some discussion and a selection of open source tools aimed at assisting help-desk personnel in the monitoring and support of rural infrastructure on a long-term basis. The tool-set is being used by a service desk in a rural ICT deployment initiative, providing tangible results. The monitoring system comprises a centralised data gathering and visualisation approach, customised to assist the service desk in various ways, The tool-set helps operators visualise network infrastructure status, assists in the timeous deployment of maintenance teams and in understanding usage behaviour. An example of connected devices showing high usage versus low usage is presented. Recommendations for projects of a similar nature include the establishment of a competent help desk with access to the necessary monitoring and communication tools.
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    Qualitative study on software application usage and user behaviour at South African Digital Doorway sites
    (2011-10) Gush, Kim L; De Villiers, MR
    Digital Doorways are rugged multi-terminal computer systems for promoting self-directed, unassisted or peer-assisted leaning in low- income communities where computer infrastructure is limited. Users develop the necessary skills through exploration and discovery, with limited or no intervention from a facilitator. Application usage data is of interest to content providers, developers, funders, community members and other stakeholders and, while quantitative analysis of usage has certain strengths, a mixed-methods research approach provides a more comprehensive picture. Qualitative studies hold utility in complementing quantitative research, by providing data on the site environment, user interactions and perceptions, and stated requirements. This paper presents the qualitative side of a recent mixed-methods study. This aspect of the study involved site visits to four Digital Doorway installations. Questionnaires, semi-structured interviews and naturalistic observations were undertaken, with the goal of better understanding user activity and software application usage, particularly with respect to age and gender of users, site location, and environmental factors. The qualitative study had both a confirmatory and complementary effect on the quantitative study, affirming certain aspects and highlighting others not identified by log-file analysis alone. User activity and application usage were influenced both by user demographics and by environmental aspects, with site administrators playing a more meaningful role at certain sites than at others.
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    RSAWORKS: things that “Tweet” in South Africa
    (2011-08) Butgereit, L; Coetzee, L; Hay, J; Hugo, J; Gush, Kim L
    The “Internet of Things” is the phenomenon of more and more “things” being connected to the Internet (as opposed to people getting connected to the Internet). Although the concept of “Internet of Things” includes bidirectional access (“things” giving information about themselves and people or software then controlling those “things”), creating “things” that “tweet” is a common first step in joining the growing “Internet of Things”. This paper discusses a project where researchers in South Africa attempted to get a wide variety of “things” to “tweet” there statuses automatically
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    Socio-technical insights deploying rural solar computer housings for informal learning and information access
    (2024-05) Gush, Kim L; Cambridge, Grant J
    The deployment, maintenance, monitoring and long-term support of information and computing solutions in rural and under-resourced environments requires innovative thinking and an integrated approach to addressing the multi-faceted challenges of such an undertaking. This paper presents recent developments and ongoing challenges faced after an extensive period of real-world interactions with multiple solar-powered computer housing deployments in rural South African communities. The solar housings are complex cross-disciplinary socio-technical systems providing a versatile digital library and physical access to computer terminals. Technical, social, and external challenges need to be understood and overcome for the installations to have a meaningful impact on the communities. Examples from field deployments are described in order to highlight lessons learned and corrective actions that could be implemented to reduce socio-technical difficulties in both existing and subsequent deployments.
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    Software usage in unsupervised digital doorway computing environments in disadvantaged South African communities: Focusing on youthful users
    (Commonwealth Youth and Development, 2011) Gush, Kim L; De Villiers, MR
    Digital Doorways provide computing infrastructure in low-income communities in South Africa. The unsupervised DD terminals offer various software applications, from entertainment through educational resources to research material, encouraging unsupervised and peer-assisted learning of basic computer skills and information access, particularly for youth and children. This study aims for better understanding of user behaviour and the nature and extent of DD interactions. Mixed-methods research is used to investigate usage of the embedded software applications at selected sites, and its relationship to user demographics – age, gender and location. We focus on the quantitative component of the study, while touching briefl y on qualitative aspects. Data analysis indicates trends and signifi cant relationships between age, gender, location, and application usage. Highest use occurs amongst youth aged between 10 and 25. Recommendations are provided for future DDs and similar initiatives.