E-Government can be seen as governing through the use of information technology, and a key component of e-Government is e-Participation, the use of information and communications technologies to engage citizens more closely in government processes. Public participation is achieved by a range of means, any or all of which might benefit from the use of technology in order to reduce costs and improve effectiveness. In South Africa, the public has a generally poor opinion of government services, even though Web and mobile technologies are being used. That sentiment sometimes ensues in social tensions. In this chapter, a review of literature, opinions of informed experts, and a scenario analysis develop indications and a model for e-Participation maturing with e-readiness improving.
The city of Cape Town has invested in ICT capability. The city has successfully implemented a powerful ERP system and is completing several projects such as: setting up an optical fibre network, improving GIS, eProcurement and other services. All these will impact highly on the provision of transactional services to citizens. But what about their other needs for housing, sanitation, security, legal environment and other community infrastructural facilities, the poor resolution of which is leading to fierce demonstration and sometimes to violence? This paper uses Actor Network Theory (ANT) and explores the use of mobile, web and social media technologies in achieving eParticipation in the city of Cape Town.
Rapid development and adoption of mobile technologies including Mobile Instant Messaging (MIM) platforms have transformed teaching and learning practices over the past decade. This paper presents an analysis of how students used WhatsApp as an example of a MIM platform to organise their learning activities. Drawing on Rhizomatic Learning Theory (RLT), the study showed that WhatsApp supported students to navigate through a complex network of learning where knowledge was generated beyond the confines of the formal learning context. WhatsApp supported learners during the transition to remote learning that was introduced during the lockdown due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Further, WhatsApp use supported learners to cope well with new learning experiences and practices. The study offers insights into the perspective of learners on the use of technology during challenging and uncertain times. The insights can be useful for lecturers when developing technology strategies and teaching best practices during uncertain times.
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