Version User Scope of changes
Aug 25 2008, 5:13 PM EDT (current) FDU_Soule
Aug 20 2008, 7:28 PM EDT FDU_Soule

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Original course & content comes from Washington State University Extension, Center to Bridge the Digital Divide.

Telecommunications and Socio-Economic Development
Technology is Bringing People
out of Poverty: GapMinder

Development in Local Community


Scope of Module 5
The main focus of this part is to familiarise learners with issues of development in relation to ICTs. Learners will understand the benefits of telecommunications to socio-economic development. This section also identifies the constraints of the ownership and use of ICT for development. It deals with identifying various aspects of development and locating the roles that ICTs play in these aspects.


Learning Outcomes

By the end of this study unit you should be able to:
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the concept of development
  • Explain the role of information and communication technologies (ICTs) and telecommunications in development of rural areas
  • Explain the social constraints that act as barriers to the use and ownership of ICTs, especially in developing countries
  • Distinguish between the characteristics of a culturalistic and a technological-economic, and otherperspectives on the impact ICTs have on community development.

Introduction
This study unit discusses the role of ICTs in development, an issue visited by many theorists in the area of development communication. The study unit defines relevant issues in development, including rural and sustainable development, and explains how ICTs can play a positive role in these processes.

Problems of developing countries that inhibit development are also discussed, as well as strategies that can be used to overcome these problems, using ICTs as part of the solution.

The role of ICTs and telecommunications in socio-economic development is also discussed in detail. The social constraints that act as barriers to the use and ownership of ICTs, especially in developing countries are explained. Finally, conclusions are made on all the issues raised in the study unit and a brief summary of the discussion is provided at the end of the study unit. Let us review the role of ICTs and telecommunications on development.

Telecommunication contributes towards the development of various countries that share information with each other in direct and indirect ways. These ways are discussed in this study unit. There is much that countries can share with others, including technological expertise, software development, hardware manufacturing, educational aspects and projects, cultural artifacts and activities such as art and other exhibitions, television soaps and conferences for development and tourism issues.

For the purposes of this module, it is important, first, to understand what development is, before discussing the role of information and communication technologies (ICTs) in development. It is also important to define rural development as well, because most parts of Africa are rural areas which need basic development in terms of the development of educational and health facilities, sanitation and roads, basic housing, creation of employment opportunities and reduction of poverty.