Information Society Watch

Fredrick Noronha

This article by FOSS activist Fredrick Noronha gives a very practical insight into why schools in India should impart computer education based on the principles of free and open source software(FOSS). Apart from the regular reasons of cost and affordability, the ability to tweak with the source code and create new/modified versions of a particular piece of software are the main reasons why schools should actively promote deployment of FOSS. FOSS does not demand high end hardware configurations which result in lowered carbon footprints.

Infochange features, Frederick Noronha

The article discusses the primary barrier to expanding computer literacy to rural india, viz. the lack of local language based software. For children coming from underprivileged backgrounds, introduction to computers should be facilitated via applications that are based on the mother tongue as this will eliminate the initial difficulties to a great extent.

Anita Dighe & Usha Vyasulu Reddi, CEMCA    

This paper highlights why women's illiteracy needs to be addressed, and outlines documented experiences in using ICTs to address illiteracy. After reviewing some of the salient experiences of running literacy programmes for women in developing countries, the authors discuss the support needed from a broad array of sources and areas for meaningful use of ICT interventions in women's literacy.

October 31, 2006, Akshaya Mukul, The Times of India

Sakshat has been introduced by the Indian Minstry of Human Resource Development to function as a one-stop education portal in all fields of study, including vocational education. The portal indicates a positive trend of non-ICT ministries taking up ICT projects in India.

January 2004, Anita Gurumurthy, World Social Forum

The author strongly critiques India’s excessive emphasis on building an IT-savvy human resource pool, which has resulted in the diversion of resources away from the much more crucial expenditures on literacy and primary education. These are not just development goals in themselves but a must if the digital divide is not to widen rapidly.

January 2005, Parminder Jeet Singh, IT for Change

This paper argues for a public goods approach to Information and Communication Technologies (ICT), education and sustainable development. The author discusses the inadequacies of the current engagement of ICTs in education.