The effect of an information management resource kit (IMARK) DVD-based technology on training extension officers on communities of practice

Abstract

The 2020 UN Millennium Development Goals Strategy (MDGS) vision is to make use of Extension Officers (EO) to deliver information and training to various communities with the focus on the development of self-sustainability, food security and poverty alleviation. In essence, EO’s are used to address gaps between service policies and actual output by citizens. It is against this backdrop that this research was undertaken with the IMARK DVD based technology used as the intervention tool. This dissertation covered the study on the effect of an Information Management Resource Kit (IMARK) DVD based technology on training Extension Officers on Communities of Practice (COP), the research focus was on the effectiveness of using this technology. The research design followed a quantitative pre/post-test experimental design. The pre/post-test experimental design is primarily used for the comparison of two groups. Two distinct groups were selected, the Control and the Experimental groups. The Control group was Honours Information Knowledge Management (IKM) students based on their understanding and use of technology as a focus of their degree. The Experimental group consisted of EO. The research instrument consisted of the intervention tool, the IMARK DVD-based technology, and a pre/post questionnaire (ref Annexure A and B). Both groups took the same pre- and post-test. Both the Experimental and Control groups were subjected to the same intervention tool prior to completing the post-test. Both groups were asked to provide their written experience after the completion of the post-test. All the study participants expressed the benefits of this simple method of knowledge transfer particularly in rural environments, where there is inconsistent technology access and poor infrastructure. Analysis of the data showed that this technology has proven to be simplistic, relevant, inexpensive, and efficient enough to be used in areas with limited technological access and infrastructure. As a result, basic understanding and use of ICT technology would be imperative for the effective transfer of knowledge programmes. Therefore, this technology should be implemented without delay.