doorway project in Mpumalanga
19 February 2007
Computer literacy in Barberton, Mpumalanga, is set to improve even further
with the opening of another information and technology facility at eMjindini
Public Library.
Deputy Minister of Science and Technology, Derek Hanekom, is opening the
digital doorway project in Mpumalanga on 19 February 2007.
The public library already boasts a digital village with 17 computers linked
to the Internet and adding a component like the Digital Doorway is hoped will
ensure more positive developments in terms of computer literacy there.
The Digital Doorway is a joint initiative between the Department of Science
and Technology (DST) and the Meraka Institute and is aimed at making a
fundamental difference to computer literacy across South Africa. The Meraka
Institute, a national research centre managed by the Council for Scientific and
Industrial Research (CSIR), has been responsible for the early development and
implementation of this DST funded project.
The project seeks to improve computer awareness and literacy, enable
end-users to interact with technology on their own terms and transfer learning
to communities.
According to project leader at the Meraka Institute, Ronel Smith, the
installation of this facility in Barberton is part of the second phase of
rolling out 100 digital doorways across the country by the end of March.
The first phase saw some 100 seats installed in various areas, with the
first digital doorway introduced in Cwili in the Eastern Cape in 2002.
Since then users have indicated high level satisfaction with both the
facility and content. They have also requested particular material including
that for specific age groups.
Meanwhile, 50 Digital Doorways have been earmarked for deployment by DST
throughout South Africa at community centres, schools and at Further Education
and Training (FET) colleges and even in shops. Four have already been installed
at FabLabs throughout South Africa, says Ms Smith.
A further 50 will be installed in the Eastern Cape in the OR Tambo Municipal
District and in Limpopo in the Sekhukhune District.
These will be installed in schools as hubs from where a wireless mesh
network will provide free broadband connectivity to surrounding
communities.
The Digital Doorway kiosk uses open source technology and has a modular,
ergonomic design, allowing easy reconfiguration and assembly.
It consists of a freestanding multimedia computer terminal with a keyboard
and touchpad embedded in a robust kiosk accessible to the public 24 hours a
day.
It is equipped with a satellite receiver and General Packet Radio Service
(GPRS) cellular data technology for updating content and real time monitoring
and user feedback. A specially developed radome protects the GPRS antenna from
damage without degradation of the signal.
GPRS is the technology used to transfer information over wireless or
cellular networks.
Digital Doorways' content includes open office suite, educational games and
programmes, an introduction to computer terminology scientific software, 10 000
books from project Gutenberg, a snapshot of Wikipedia, mindset health and
curriculum based educational videos, interactive science simulations and other
applications.
Smith added that research by the Meraka Institute will over the next three
years focus on exploring a sustainable model for the Digital Doorway, as well
as expanding its functionality.
The institute utilises the services of a Black Economic Empowerment (BEE)
company to install Digital Doorways and satellite dishes, which has resulted in
skills transfer and training to nine previously unemployed young adults. Among
industry partners are Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) responsible
for component production and support from a big corporate company is envisaged
in the future.
Within the Meraka Institute, the project has provided a useful training
ground for three interns, two of whom will be dedicated to the project from 1
March 2007.
For more information on digital doorway, see http://www.csir.co.za
For more information contact:
Zama Mthethwa
Cell: 082 808 3956
Issued by: Department of Science and Technology
19 February 2007
