Digital doorways and the analysis of software application usage in ‘unassisted learning’ environments in impoverished South African communities

Gush, Kim Lawrence

dc.contributor.advisor	De Villiers, Mary Ruth
dc.contributor.author	Gush, Kim Lawrence
dc.date.accessioned	2011-09-13T11:24:29Z
dc.date.available	2011-09-13T11:24:29Z
dc.date.issued	2011-03
dc.identifier.citation	Gush, Kim Lawrence (2011) Digital doorways and the analysis of software application usage in ‘unassisted learning’ environments in impoverished South African communities, University of South Africa, Pretoria, <http://hdl.handle.net/10500/4746>	en
dc.identifier.uri	http://hdl.handle.net/10500/4746
dc.description.abstract	The Digital Doorway (DD) project provides computing infrastructure in impoverished communities in South Africa. DD terminals offer opportunities for unassisted- and peerassisted learning of basic computer skills, and varying computing activities ranging from entertainment, to independent research. This study addresses software application usage, and how it relates to user demographics (age and gender) and location, in order to better understand both the user base, and the nature and extent of DD interactions. A mixed-methods approach is employed, involving log-files, interviews, questionnaires, and naturalistic observation; to build up a holistic picture of application usage and user behaviour at selected sites. Important issues with respect to ICT for Education and Development in the DD context, are addressed. Analysis of the data indicates notable trends, and relationships between age, gender, location, and application usage. User behaviour and environmental effects on usage are discussed, and recommendations provided for future DDs and similar initiatives.	en
dc.format.extent	1 online resource (xiii, 235 leaves) : col. ill., col. maps
dc.language.iso	en	en
dc.subject	Computer literacy	en
dc.subject	Community informatics	en
dc.subject	Design-based research	en
dc.subject	Digital divide	en
dc.subject	Digital Doorway	en
dc.subject	ICT in education	en
dc.subject	ICT for development	en
dc.subject	Mixed-methods research	en
dc.subject	Technologically disadvantaged	en
dc.subject	Unassisted learning	en
dc.subject.ddc	004.071068
dc.subject.lcsh	Digital Doorway (Project)	en
dc.subject.lcsh	Computer literacy -- Study and teaching -- South Africa -- Software	en
dc.subject.lcsh	Computer-assisted instruction -- South Africa -- Software	en
dc.subject.lcsh	People with social disabilities -- Education -- South Africa	en
dc.subject.lcsh	Digital divide -- South Africa	en
dc.subject.lcsh	Computer networks -- South Africa	en
dc.subject.lcsh	Education -- South Africa -- Data processing	en
dc.subject.lcsh	Telecommunication in education -- South Africa	en
dc.title	Digital doorways and the analysis of software application usage in ‘unassisted learning’ environments in impoverished South African communities	en
dc.type	Dissertation	en
dc.description.department	Computing	en
dc.description.degree	M. Tech. (Information Technology)	en