Title: Computers for Africa: lessons learnt from introducing computers into schools in Mozambique

Authors: Generosa G. Cossa, Johannes C. Cronje

Addresses: Centre of Informatics, University of Eduardo Mondlane, Mozambique. ' Faculty of Education, University of Pretoria, South Africa ' '

Abstract: This article discusses research undertaken to document the process of introducing and using information and communication technology (ICT) in the secondary schools of Mozambique in the last three years of the 20th century. The research takes the form of a case study focused on the internet for Schools Project (IFSP), which is considered the first attempt to integrate computer-assisted education in Mozambique. The study identifies some important collateral aspects that developing countries should not underestimate when planning the dissemination of ICT in schools to accelerate the country|s future participation as an active member of the global information society. We ask three questions ||What happened? What worked? What did not work?|| We then propose some recommendations for implementing computers in schools in other developing countries.

Keywords: ICT-based learning; collaborative learning projects; ICT integration in schools; pedagogic use of internet; e-learning; educational computing; computers in schools; technology in schools; technology in developing countries; World Bank projects.

DOI: 10.1504/IJLT.2004.003683

International Journal of Learning Technology, 2004 Vol.1 No.1, pp.84 - 99

Published online: 06 Nov 2003 *

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