Abstract:

The infusion of technology into the roles of teaching, learning and research in Higher Education Institutions, has emerged as a key instrument to support sustainability of initiatives within Community-Higher Education Partnerships. However, in comparison with third world global access to the internet, the digital divide in the developing country of South Africa, still remains a reality. It seems that although most of the community members have cellphones, few have access to the internet. One factor that contributes to this is the high cost of data in South Africa. An inclusive communication system can assist partnerships to overcome logistical barriers in teaching, learning and research in communities. As a low cost communication tool, ‘HiComm’ integrates web and SMS interfaces, which bridges a web application with basic SMS feature phones. Since 2015 this tool was used to enhance communication in a Participatory Action Learning Action Research (PALAR) initiative in rural South Africa where service learning is used as an inclusive pedagogy. This paper builds on previous research to deal with the challenges that were identified. Data from nominal groups and reflections were gathered from participants answering the following question: “What actions do you suggest will improve the ‘HiComm’ system?” The implication of this research highlights the importance of hearing and implementing the suggestions of all partners to improve an Inclusive Communication System such as ‘HiComm’.

Keywords:

Community development, Digital divide, Inclusive Communication Systems (ICS), Participatory Action Learning Action Research (PALAR), Service Learning.