Community Information Services 2006: A Distance Learning Course

Post-event Statement

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Background

A distance learning course based on ADBI lecture CD-ROMs.

Information and communications technology (ICT) has enormous potential to improve the livelihoods of low income people by reducing the cost of providing services to traditionally marginalized communities and facilitating the build up of constructive social capital. Access to information plays a crucial role in improving living conditions of the poor. ICT promotes integration of isolated communities into the global economy.

The main obstacle facing a visionary information society is the digital divide, the gap between those who can gain the benefits of ICT and those who cannot. Many people still live in poor conditions where vital information for survival and additional income is lacking. One approach to tackle the digital divide has been the community information center, as it has a potential to bridge the digital divide and create digital opportunities.

Community information centers in remote and rural areas often contribute to upgraded education systems, improved government policy implementation and broader range of new business opportunities. E-community centers have sprung up across developing countries in the Asian and Pacific region rapidly. The growing need to become part of the knowledge society or knowledge economy has encouraged many countries to take this initiative.

This distance-learning course will enable participants from marginalized regions to overcome geographical barriers, time limitations, and financial constraints to share knowledge and learn from experts.

The interactive self-paced course will blend these learning methods: 

• self study (documents and lecture CD-ROMs or DVD) 
• video-conference (opening and closing ceremonies) 
• online consultations with the course leader 
• teamwork (chat and forum)

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Objectives

• Review at least three different cases of e-community centers for rural development in Asian countries;
• Identify key issues in operating and establishing community information centers;
• Develop business plans for sustainable community information centers after reviewing various successful business models;
• Identify policies that can effectively promote community information centers; and
• Draft business plans for establishing community information centers.

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Outputs

• Well trained community leaders in information services using modern technologies.
• Realistic business plans and strategies for establishing community information centers
• Course proceedings that can be converted into interactive CD-ROMs and published online

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Participants

The main audience is decision makers in government ministries of communications, rural development, economy, planning and local governments. However, interested persons from civil society and the private sector are welcome.There is a limit of 500 participants. Priority will be given to applicants from ADB developing member countries.

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Language

English (Neither interpretation nor translation into local languages will be provided.)

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Responsibilities

Each participant is required to prepare an issues paper on community information services and a business plan for establishing a community information center. Suggested outlines of the issues paper and a template for the business plan will be provided in advance to the selected participants. Participants are also required to pass the final test to be eligible for the certificates to be issued by the ADBI Dean.

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Cosponsors

Possible cosponsors are the Asian Development Bank, IBM, Japan International Cooperation Agency, Korea International Cooperation Agency, Microsoft and the World Bank (Global Development Learning Network).