Zim WiFi:Project Chapter
Wireless Open Source Refurbished computers (W.O.R) project – Low cost Internet connectivity into schools in Zimbabwe
| Researchers: | Muroro Dziruni (muroro[@]comone.co.zw) |
|---|---|
| Partner Organisations: | World Links Zimbabwe |
| Zimbabwe Academic Network (Zarnet) | |
| PowerTel – Zimbabwe |
Synthesis
The constructs of the rationale for the project is informed by the need to provide low cost Internet connectivity into schools in Zimbabwe, with the purpose of enhancing the teaching and learning experiences in the classroom. It is developed from the understanding that any successful integration of ICTs in education curriculum, has to be built on computer technology that connects to the Internet, creating limitless possibilities for communication, collaboration and accessing the knowledge base that is the World Wide Web. Stand alone computers, that do not provide Internet connection are limited in terms of usefulness and are inappropriate for the technology savvy 21st century learner required in today’s knowledge driven economies.
The problem is that, accessing the Internet using current connectivity solutions is an expensive proposition for a social institution like a school and unless a low cost solution that pulls together affordable technology choices for connectivity; appropriate education and policy provisions, and training is provided for learners and teachers in using the technology, then Internet access will not be a pervasive service in schools, especially in public schools. This reinforces the notion of digital exclusion and deepens the digital divide between schools that have and those that do not. From a national perspective, the opportunity cost of having a cohort of students ‘left behind’ in the digital progression becomes a competitive disadvantage in the long run.
The objective of this project is to demonstrate best practice approaches in school wireless connectivity networking, and to influence policy and practice in the education sector on how ICTs can be mainstreamed and integrated into curriculum by looking at issues related to:
- Access – what are the available wireless technology connectivity solutions and Internet access choices for schools?
- Policy – what policy provisions are relevant in creating an enabling environment for ICT in education, focusing on guidelines for low cost wireless connectivity?
- Training – how can learners and educators be trained in the appropriation of ICTs in the class or a better teaching and learning experience?
The methodological approach of the project has been a hands-on experiential and empirical process, structured around participatory partnership building with service providers and the engagement of the beneficiary schools in the process of technology planning and implementation.
Lesson Learnt (Take away lessons)
Not with standing the challenges that the project has had to deal with on a day to day basis, the takeaway lessons that have emerged from this work are that:
- Lesson 1: Define the technology need correctly – just as any development action should be in response to an identified need, the same is applicable to ICTs in school networking. The proliferation of new technologies for connectivity into schools can easily distract the focus of the initiative into a “technology” driven solution rather than a project about connecting schools for better learning and teaching. Invariably it becomes tempting to assume that the more the technological solution, the better, without considering the true underlying need uppermost in the mind of the users. This leads to solutions that are “nice” to have but place incredible demands in terms human and financial resources on the school without the certainty that it will deliver value in terms of meeting education objectives.
The needs assessment was a fundamental first step in the project design because this process enabled the project to openly discuss the expected costs and benefits of the technologies under consideration, and an informed decision on how to proceed going forward. Just as much as defining the technology is crucial, involving all key stakeholders, particularly the intended users of the technology, in the process of project design through contribution of feedback and recommendations, helped to build understanding and confidence in the proposed technology.
- Lesson 2: Firm partnerships assist in effective implementation – Technology focused projects are not without their challenges, particularly when using certain technologies that may require skills that project staff have not used or obtained before. An important lesson that has been learnt is that building technology solutions into existing partnerships, where the need is commonly shared, increases the likelihood of success and can deliver learning effects across the partnerships. Both PowerTel and Zarnet are experts in wireless technologies in Zimbabwe in their own right and their knowledge, skills and access to appropriate assets was invaluable for the project roll out. In instances were the project did not have one particular piece of equipment, the partners were able to locate an alternative from their resources and contribute towards successful implementation.
Acronyms
CSR/CSI – Corporate Social Responsibility or Investment
FMFI – First Mile First Inch project
ICDL – International Computer Driving Licence
ICT – Information and Communication Technology
ICT4D – Information and Communication for Development
ISM – Industrial Scientific and Medical radio frequency spectrum in the 2.4 and 5.0 GHz
ROI – Return on Investment
Potraz – Postal and telecommunications authority of Zimbabwe
UNECA – United Nations E commission for Africa
WiFi – Wireless Fidelity which is the radio standard that uses the 802.11 suite of wireless protocols