M Meck 1, 2 1 Department of Geology, University of Zimbabwe

1. Non- use of IT Learning Technologies in Africa: Is it lack of the technology or attitude towards technology M Meck1, 2 1Department of Geology, University of Zimbabwe 2Environmental Science Department, University of Botswana

2. Key issues • IT in General • E-learning technologies - world wide • Availability of e learning • Access to technology in Africa • Use of Technology in Africa • Factors affecting non-use • Conclusions on attitudes as a factor • Way forward

3. E -learning • learning facilitated and supported through the use of information and communications technology • the delivery of a learning, training or education program by electronic means. • involves the use of a computer or electronic device to provide training, educational or learning material.

4. Materials needed for e-learning • Authoring tool for e learning such as, HTML, AuthorWare, Flash Director, ToolBook and XM. • Offline with CDs or Offline access with dial up • a computer or electronic device • appropriate material learning material on CDs diskettes and memory sticks • Online e-learning • Computer • Computer with internet or/and web browser

5. Common E-learning Options • Content on Media • Content on intranet • Content on Web • Content on E-LE

6. Basic E-learning technology connectors laptop computers diskettes internet software CDs

7. Enhancers to e: e-learning video manuals Bulletin Board emoticons telephone camera

8. Human Resources required • Basic computer knowledge • Most universities and science and technology institutes offer IT courses • Approximately 30,000 Africans holding PhDs in Science and Technology living outside continent. more human resources within the African continent. • Enough human resources to operate and maintain learning technologies in Africa

9. Availability and Access • Learning technologies (to create & offer e-learning) available worldwide are also available to most African institutes. • Computers and software needed to access online material are available in most offices • The African Tertiary Institutions Connectivity Survey shows most institutes have a certain level of connectivity • The technologies are being accessed and used for other purposes like emails, entertainment, games etc

10. Use of the technology • UNESCO-ANSTI 2004, show that very little e learning is taking place offline or online • a scarce of information being distributed for e learning as CDs • Very little e learning courses in Africa • Available packages rarely used for e learning. • Technology used for reading mails, game playing and entertainment & pornography.

11. Factors affecting Use of Technology For Learning • Professional Competence • Attitudes ( teacher & learner) • Lack of technology • Lack of technical Expertise • Lack of information

12. Some statistics on use of websites • Internet Lab CINDOC-CSIS Survey • Rankings were based on the size of the web, the visibility of the web and content in the rich files. • 0.6% of African universities are in top 1,000 world universities use of websites • University of Cape Town, the leading university in Africa holds the 324th position in the world rankings.

13. Why is Non use prevalent • Is it the lack of technology • Is it attitude • Which one is contributing More

14. Conclusion • We have ample technology to offer e learning in Africa • Lack of access to learning technologies is prevalent in most African countries but not the major problem of non use of learning technology • Attitude is playing a big role in the none use of it learning technology • Opportunities exist for harnessing the technology and improve the use of e learning technologies.

15. Way forward • Acknowledge attitude as a major contributor of non- use of learning technology • Address attitudes together with the other factors