Abstract:

This paper reports the experience of an eLearning Digital Inclusion eCentre Manager Training Project 2012 at the Centre for Innovative Educational and Communication Technologies (CIECT), University of the Western Cape (UWC), South Africa. The project was a follow-up to a successful Pilot Digital Inclusion eCentre Manager Training Programme implemented in 2011. Western Cape Knowledge Production and Coordination Hub (WCKPCH) was, established with a focus on Digital Inclusion and Social Integration within Western Cape and Northern Cape communities (rural, deep-rural, urban and peri-urban). WCKPCH’s main objective is; to produce knowledge and coordinate innovation, existing and complex digital inclusion eSkills initiatives as part of a response to the South African National e-Skills Plan of Action; and aligned to the Medium Term Strategic Framework (MTSF).
CIECT designed, localised, developed, implemented and registered the programme to level 6 of the National Qualifications Framework (NQF).The centre also observes through research and internal evaluation, in order to report on the impact, lessons learnt and give recommendations for further local and national delivery. This research paper is as per project outcome of Twenty Twelve (2012) follow-up implementations results.
eLearning is simply “the use of internet and digital technologies to create experiences that educate fellow human beings” (Horton, 2001). The programme targeted eCentre managers and other key role players at the telecentres such as administrators or even board members. Participants receive relevant training on eSkills that capacitate their existing skills and knowledge. The utmost goal was to have them become trainers of trainers at their respective communities so as to ensure community is empowered with Information Communication Technology (ICT) skills.
The study used a case study approach. A total of 62 telecentre managers across Western Cape and Northern Cape communities (rural,deep-rural,urban and peri-urban) were selected. Since the aim of the project research was to identify community needs in relation to eSkills, the paper will give a discussion of the same and recommendations will be provided.
Some of the findings of the study indicated were: - need for reliable infrastructure; limited time allocated for usage of telecentre services; more efforts needed towards empowering communities; certification/rewarding of community members who receive training offered by the telecentres and that eCentres provide very important services to community members.

Keywords:

e-learning, digital inclusion, community needs, eSkills, asynchronous and synchronous eTools and eCentre manager.