Local information and communication resource centers, usually called telecenters, are springing up in developing countries with the objective of bringing the benefits of new communication technologies to the rural poor. Rural telecenters are calling the attention of academic and nonacademic researchers, but there is no theoretical framework to help understand the process of diffusion and adoption of these centers by the local communities. This paper uses diffusion theory to provide a conceptual framework for telecenter research and practice. After briefiy reviewing the core of the theory, this paper focuses on the three aspects of diffusion that are most pertinent for telecenter application: (1) the perceived attributes of innovations, (2) the communication aspects of the diffusion process, and (3) the consequences of innovation adoption. The paper concludes with a summary of the implications of diffusion theory for telecenter research. (c) 2004 Massachusetts Institute of Technology Information Technologies and International Development.
Abstract. This paper discusses why concerns about the importance of content provision for ICT community development projects, such as tele-centers, must go beyond international initiatives such as the World Bank Development Gateway. The authors emphasize the importance of grassroots research, such as community needs assessments, for the generation of contextually appropriate content through ICT, including the role that local universities may play as facilitators in the identification and processing of this content. After providing a brief case study of a tele-center research project in India, the paper concludes that awareness raising about the value of information and the integration of information services within the local communication structures constitute a basic foundation for locally relevant content generation and use.
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