UNESCO s Approaches to the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Movement Dr. Susanne Ornager UNESCO Adviser for Communication and Information (CI) in Asia s.ornager@unesco.org
Content Introduction Information and Communication Technology (ICT) In developing countries Programmes and services MCTs and CMCs Conclusions
Introduction Internet is widely viewed as the prototype technology of the information era Internet and CD-ROMs have great potential to reinforce educational reform, due to their flexibility and potential for interactivity
ICT in Asia Problems: Certain groups are prevented from benefiting from the advances of ICT. Reasons: Isolation Lack of means Insufficient infrastructure Cultural factors Cost barrier
ICT in Asia Areas: Rural Remote Needs: Information Education and training Employment opportunities Public services
ICT in Asia Suggestion: Sustainable, cost-effective, shared community facility Servicing most of the requirements of the local population Multipurpose, shared facility: Community Multimedia Center (CMC) and Multipurpose Community Telecentre (MCT)
ICT in Asia MCTs and CMCs can be: Community owned Operated as a franchise or Sponsored by an entity such as: Regional Development State or Central Government or An international organization such as UNESCO CMCs can offer: Radio
ICT in Asia What do people think a MCT/CMC are? Phone services only, or Phone services plus email/internet, or All of the above plus fax and photocopier or All of the above plus a wide range of services and programs or All of the above plus local radio.
ICT in Asia What basic services can MCTs/CMCs offer? Email, Internet Computer use Photocopying Scanning Printing Telephone Access
What programs & services can MCTs/CMCs offer? Government forms & information On-Line Market prices Youth Club Computer Club Business Club Seniors Club Arts/Craft Club Disabled Persons support Meeting facilities Office space for daily rental
Programs and Services continued Toy Library Book Exchange Video Library Interpreting services Community Information Board Local Events promotion Labor Market information Small Jobs information Board Passport Photos Photo restoration
Programs and Services continued Job application assistance Computer training Internet training Exam supervision First Aid training Emergency training Secretarial services Word processing Tourist information produced Minutes/Agendas Bookkeeping Phone answering Printing/Publishing books, papers
MCTs/CMCs collocation with: Libraries Technical training & education groups Agriculture Post Office
Community Input is required The community can help the project by: Finding a rent free/or cheap rental building Providing Volunteers to assist in the Center Becoming members and helping with other needs as and when required
Radio and ICT Radio Browsing of the Internet Response to listeners needs Answers from reliable sites on the Internet, on CD-ROMs or other digital resources The presenter visits these pages of information on the computer screen together with a local expert The information is given in the languages used by the community
Conclusions Progress has been pronounced in Asia with substantial levels of international support The applications which are identified are often in the pilot or planning stage The greatest problem encountered by application developers and users in developing countries is limited availability and high costs of access to the Internet, particularly in smaller, disadvantaged and rural communities.
Conclusions MCT's and CMC s represent two approaches which are very promising models The international community has a continuing, important responsibility, in collaboration with Asian governments and civil society organizations: to promote innovative MCT and CMC at the community level, to share successful approaches in community empowerment and development.
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