How to Introduce Computer Training to Third World Countries

Computers can be introduced into developing countries in a variety of ways.

Various people have an interest in providing computer training to people in developing nations. Western nations that are building the Web have an interest in training others in the field of computers, and people in developing nations who want access to a versatile technology have an interest in acquiring it. In the island nation of Fiji during 1984-86, the U.S. Peace Corps helped the Fiji government establish a computer education program. Fiji embarked on a computer literacy program and introduced Commodore 64 computers into many secondary schools. Public and private entities can learn from this experience. Of course, today people in remote countries can buy inexpensive handheld computers and learn a great deal over the Web.

Instructions

1. Suggest through the embassy that training in the field of computer technology is available whenever local people from the developing nation express an interest in acquiring computer technology. Receive any requests for such help diplomatically and optimistically.

2. Defer to the people in the developing nation on exactly what they want to learn about computers. Avoid trying to offer training in technologies they don't want.

3. Have fun with teaching, learning and computers. Avoid monotonous courses that are boring, and instill in your students the truth about the information revolution, that the dust never settles. Encourage them to enthusiastically pursue computers and related technology, and make sure they understand that new technologies will continue to proliferate.

4. Create a central computer center with a library, computers and instructors. Train teachers and college-level students at the computer center. Offer courses in computer programming, word processing, spreadsheet use, and database design and implementation.

5. Develop software for use in schools, particularly in math and physics programs. Inform educators of useful software, such as Logo, a simple but powerful computer language that is useful to both children and adults. Instruct teachers in computer programming techniques like object-oriented programming, which is an innovation over the batch programming approach of the 1950s.

6. Publish a newsletter about computer education, or send out a monthly e-zine via email. Pool resources by evaluating software, hardware and teaching techniques. Warn other computer users of common problems, such as the effects of humidity on computer hardware, defragmentation issues with disk drives and software bugs.

7. Introduce educators and students to useful websites, which are as numerous as all the volumes at the libraries of this world. Introduce publishing methods like desktop and Web publishing, and spread the concepts of freedom of expression and freedom of information that support these activities.

8. Arrange conferences with other educational institutions, and always show sincere gratitude when private sector institutions offer charitable support. Seek mutually beneficial relations with computer makers and software designers.

9. Exchange ideas with people in the developing nations on how to better offer computer training.

References

• Journal of Medical Internet Research (National Institutes of Health): "Knowledge and Utilization of Information Technology Among Health Care Professionals and Students in Ile-Ife, Nigeria: A Case Study of a University Teaching Hospital"; Bello et al.; 2004