Original Research
Training people from disadvantaged groups in computer use: Is the backlog not too big to overcome?
Submitted: 21 September 2007 | Published: 21 September 2007
About the author(s)
Pieter Blignaut, Departement Rekenaarwetenskap en Informatika, Universiteit van die Vrystaat, South AfricaEngela Dednam, Departement Rekenaarwetenskap en Informatika, Universiteit van die Vrystaat, South Africa
Tanya Beelders, Departement Rekenaarwetenskap en Informatika, Universiteit van die Vrystaat, South Africa
Full Text:
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The digital divide is both a matter of having access to technology and being able to use it. There are several initiatives to roll out Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in public places in South Africa, but the question arises as to whether people will be able to use it effectively. Is the backlog with regard to general education and training not so insurmountable that people from disadvantaged communities are not educable for computer usage? This paper reports on the experiences and observations of instructors during a word processing training course for people from such communities. An interaction model that incorporates user and interface limitations with the difficulties experienced, serves as framework for the discussion. It became clear that most of the difficulties that attendees experienced were related to lack of technological experience, a limitation that can be eliminated through practice and perseverance. Enough practice might also result in an attenuation of the effects of some psychological limitations.
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