Using information and communication technologies (ICTs) for development at centres in rural communities

Abstract

Literature on the use of information and communication technologies(leTs) for developmental purposes at community centres refers to thesecentres in various ways, e.g. as telecentres, telecottages, communityteleservice centres, telecommuting centres, and community technologycentres. This article starts by examining this range of centres, and bydescribing the activities that typically occur at such centres throughoutthe world. An attempt is made to develop a typology of such centres.Of particular interest are community telecentres where leTs are used topromote development in rural areas. This is followed by a list of lessonslearned regarding using leTs effectively for development purposes atrural telecentres. These lessons are illustrated through specific SouthAfrican case studies involving leT usage at rural telecentres.