Familiarity and Separation in the Use of Communication Technologies in South African Migrant Families

2020 ◽  
Vol 41 (10) ◽  
pp. 1859-1884
Author(s):  
Maria C. Marchetti-Mercer ◽  
Leslie Swartz
Keyword(s):  
South African ◽  
Information And Communication Technologies ◽  
Communication Technologies ◽  
Elderly Parents ◽  
African Migrant ◽  
Information And Communication ◽  
Care Of Elderly ◽  
Racial Divide ◽  
Technological World ◽  
African Families

We explored the experiences of South African families across the racial divide regarding the burden of care of elderly parents of their emigrating children. The emergence of information and communication technologies has transformed these families’ abilities to stay connected despite distance and enables family members to maintain relationships of care in spite of physical separation. Total 23 families participated in the interviews of this qualitative study. We followed a family systems theoretical approached and analyzed the data according to the thematic analysis method developed by Braun and Clarke. The results reveal ambiguous relationships with technology, either positive or alienating and lacking intimacy. This article hopes to add to the emergent body of knowledge exploring the experiences of transnational families, as well as to underscore the manifold nature of human relationships in our increasing technological world.

Cultural Factors Affecting Integration of Technology in Media Education in Nigeria

2014 ◽  
pp. 63-76
Author(s):  
Ofomegbe Daniel Ekhareafo ◽  
Oroboh Ambrose Uchenunu
Keyword(s):  
Information And Communication Technologies ◽  
Information Age ◽  
Communication Technologies ◽  
Cultural Factors ◽  
Media Education ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
Number Of Factors ◽  
Integration Of Technology ◽  
Information And Communication ◽  
Technological World

Today's world is aptly described as an information age, driven primarily by Information and Communication Technologies. This chapter stresses the idea that ICT usage in media education will not only improve the capacity of the students to learn but also improve the capacity of the facilitators. Although there are a number of factors that affect the integration of technology in learning, the chapter advocates that against the benefit of ICT education proactive steps need to be taken to redress the low trend if the graduates must compete with others, particularly those with overseas qualifications and other professionals in today's globalised and evanescent technological world.

Deconstructing the South African Government's ICT for Development Discourse

2011 ◽  
pp. 283-290
Author(s):  
S. Moodley
Keyword(s):  
South African ◽  
Information And Communication Technologies ◽  
Communication Technologies ◽  
National Commission ◽  
Poor People ◽  
The South ◽  
Development Discourse ◽  
Development Technology ◽  
Information And Communication ◽  
Ict For Development

The post-apartheid South African government has placed ICTs at the centre of the national agenda for social and economic development (Mbeki, 1996, 2002b; Presidential National Commission on the Information Society and Development (PNC on ISAD), 2003a). The question of whether the application of technologies to improve information and communication access can increase the capabilities of disadvantaged and poor people is central to whether the new ICTs (particularly the Internet) will support or undermine real development. Technology appears in the South African government’s ICT for development discourse as a politically neutral force with the power to develop, and without which people are classified as information-poor. As Wajcman (2002) cogently argues, “governments everywhere legitimate much of their policy in terms of a technological imperative” (p. 348). One effect of this discourse is to render poor people passive and dependent, as objects to be developed, rather than as active agents of development. Failure to address these assumptions may lead social scientists to become complacent in distracting attention away from the very real global economic, social, and cultural inequalities, to virtual inequalities, which merely hide an unwillingness to address the core failings of the development paradigm. The paper attempts to meet the challenge put forth by Robert Wade (2002): The current campaign to promote the uptake of information and communication technologies (ICTs) in developing countries and to get aid donors to redirect their aid budgets needs devil’s advocates to challenge what John Stuart Mill once called ‘the deep slumber of a decided opinion.’ (p. 443)

Deconstructing the South African Government's ICT for Development Discourse

2008 ◽  
pp. 816-825
Author(s):  
Sagren Moodley
Keyword(s):  
South African ◽  
Information And Communication Technologies ◽  
Communication Technologies ◽  
National Commission ◽  
Poor People ◽  
The South ◽  
Development Discourse ◽  
Development Technology ◽  
Information And Communication ◽  
Ict For Development

The post-apartheid South African government has placed ICTs at the centre of the national agenda for social and economic development (Mbeki, 1996, 2002b; Presidential National Commission on the Information Society and Development (PNC on ISAD), 2003a). The question of whether the application of technologies to improve information and communication access can increase the capabilities of disadvantaged and poor people is central to whether the new ICTs (particularly the Internet) will support or undermine real development. Technology appears in the South African government’s ICT for development discourse as a politically neutral force with the power to develop, and without which people are classified as information-poor. As Wajcman (2002) cogently argues, “governments everywhere legitimate much of their policy in terms of a technological imperative” (p. 348). One effect of this discourse is to render poor people passive and dependent, as objects to be developed, rather than as active agents of development. Failure to address these assumptions may lead social scientists to become complacent in distracting attention away from the very real global economic, social, and cultural inequalities, to virtual inequalities, which merely hide an unwillingness to address the core failings of the development paradigm. The paper attempts to meet the challenge put forth by Robert Wade (2002): The current campaign to promote the uptake of information and communication technologies (ICTs) in developing countries and to get aid donors to redirect their aid budgets needs devil’s advocates to challenge what John Stuart Mill once called ‘the deep slumber of a decided opinion.’ (p. 443)

Is a New Worldwide Web Possible? An Explorative Comparison of the Use of ICTs by Two South African Social Movements

2007 ◽  
Vol 50 (1) ◽  
pp. 109-131 ◽  
Author(s):  
Herman Wasserman
Keyword(s):  
Social Movements ◽  
New Media ◽  
South African ◽  
Information And Communication Technologies ◽  
Communication Technologies ◽  
Media Technologies ◽  
Treatment Action ◽  
Treatment Action Campaign ◽  
Worldwide Web ◽  
Information And Communication

Abstract:In this article the use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs), especially new media technologies such as e-mail and the Internet, by postapartheid South African social movements is explored. Following a discussion of the use of these technologies by activist groupings in international contexts, a typology suggested by Rheingold (2003) is used as a framework for comparing two South African social movements: the Treatment Action Campaign (TAC) and the Anti-Privatization Forum (APF).

scholarly journals Readiness of Students for Multi-Modal Emergency Remote Teaching at A Selected South African Higher Education Institution

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (6) ◽  
pp. 135
Author(s):  
Obert Matarirano ◽  
Abor Yeboah ◽  
Onke Gqokonqana
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
South African ◽  
Information And Communication Technologies ◽  
Education Institution ◽  
Communication Technologies ◽  
Technology Readiness ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Information And Communication ◽  
E Learning ◽  
South African Higher Education

The closures of Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) due to the Covid-19 pandemic meant that face to face classes had to be put on hold. However, the growth in information and communication technologies (ICT) made it possible for HEIs to continue with their core activities remotely, primarily using learning management systems (LMSs). The overuse of LMS at the selected HEI resulted in the former’s collapse. The consequence was that management of the institution advised lecturers to use multi-modal emergency remote teaching (ERT) to save the academic year. Lecturers adopted a variety of platforms and approaches, largely depending on their preferences. This study identified the ICT platforms and approaches used by lecturers during remote teaching as well as estimating the readiness of students for emergency remote learning. Readiness was established with the use of the Technology Readiness Index 2.0 (TRI2.0) of the Technology Readiness Model. In addition, the effects of age, gender and level of study on technology readiness were estimated. A self-administered questionnaire was shared with senior students within the accounting department of the selected HEI. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyse the data collected from 243 respondents. The study found that Microsoft teams was the commonly used platform whilst pre-recorded lectures and live classes were the popular approaches used. In terms of technology readiness, the study found that students were not ready as indicated by a low TRI 2.0 of 2.8. Age and study level had a positive effect on technology readiness. To provide the best possible learning experiences to students, lecturers need to understand what worked, what did not and why. The results of this study provide invaluable information and lay a foundation for successful future e-learning projects.

Context for ICT’s Role in South African Development

2010 ◽  
pp. 89-97 ◽  
Author(s):  
Udo Richard Averweg ◽  
Geoff Joseph Erwin
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Economic Development ◽  
South African ◽  
Information And Communication Technologies ◽  
Communication Technologies ◽  
African Government ◽  
Disadvantaged Communities ◽  
Socio Economic Development ◽  
Information And Communication ◽  
Mixed Approach

This chapter discusses that information and communication technologies (ICTs) can (and should) be used to disseminate information and participation to disadvantaged communities in order to foster socio-economic development in South Africa. The objective of this chapter is twofold: (1) how should ICT policies and frameworks in South Africa be implemented (e.g. by a “top-down”, “bottom-up” or “mixed approach” paradigm) in order for the South African government to achieve its socio-economic goals?; and (2) can socio-economic development in South Africa be effectively assisted by the use of ICT? A discussion of these points may assist in the formulation of national ICT policies in South Africa and thereby spawn the setting up of social appropriation of ICT advancement programs. Such programs are particularly relevant to the digital divide, for fostering socio-economic development and in promoting an inclusive information society in South Africa.

scholarly journals Evaluation of Alternative Telecommunication Technologies for the Karoo Central Astronomy Advantage Area

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Petruccione, Francesco ◽  
Gastrow, Michael ◽  
Hadzic, Senka ◽  
Limpitlaw, Justine ◽  
Paul, Babu Sena ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Sphere ◽  
South African ◽  
Information And Communication Technologies ◽  
Communication Technologies ◽  
Objective Evaluation ◽  
Access To Information ◽  
Astronomy Observatory ◽  
Information And Communication ◽  
Potential Alternative ◽  
The Relationship

The National Research Foundation (NRF) requested the Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf), on behalf of South African Radio Astronomy Observatory (SARAO) and the Square Kilometre Array (SKA), to undertake an independent and objective evaluation of potential alternative telecommunication technologies for the areas of the Karoo Central Astronomy Advantage Areas (KCAAA). The study encompasses regulatory, public sphere, and technical dimensions to explore options for maintaining the functionality of the telescope while, at the same time, delivering appropriate connectivity solutions for local communities.The objectives of this study are as follows: 1) Assess the technologies currently being, or planning to be, deployed through existing alternative communications programs managed by SARAO, including whether these technologies are comparable with market available technologies that could feasibly be deployed in the KCAAA; and 2) Assessment of current and future telecommunication technologies that may act as suitable replacement and/or improvement (functional and feasible) for existing detrimental technologies, utilised in the KCAAA. This report provides a critical background into the relationship between the SKA and local communities as it relates to ICTs in the area. Based on this understanding, potential technology solutions are proposed to ensure residents of the KCAAA are still afforded valuable access to information and communication technologies (ICTs) within the parameters of affordability, desirability and feasibility.

scholarly journals E-documentation and Crossborder Healthcare

2015 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 35-45
Author(s):  
Marta Sjeničić
Keyword(s):  
Information And Communication Technologies ◽  
Personal Data ◽  
Working Party ◽  
Communication Technologies ◽  
Information Communication ◽  
Information And Communication ◽  
European Health ◽  
On Line ◽  
Care Of Elderly ◽  
Safe Access

E-health is, in many European countries, one of the health care areas that are in the fastest development, due to the endeavor to apply modern information and communication technologies for the purpose of meeting the needs of citizens, patients, health professionals and the health policy creators. E-health potentials are virtually endless and can reach from the delivery of health information and health controle over the internet, through on-line consultations, issuing of drugs through electronic devices, till robotised surgeries or care of elderly population. European Union works actively in this field through different conventions and directives related to the patients’ rights in cross-border healthcare, but also protection of individuals with regard to the processing of personal data. One of the most recent and important documents in this field was Working Document 01/2012 on epSOS (Article 29 Data Protection Working Party), which was enacted January, 2012, and which was the basis for so-called epSOS project that has been impelemented from July 1, 2008 till June 31, 2014. The main objective of epSOS project is to shape, establish and evaluate the infrastructure of services which would enable the crossborder operability between the system of electronic health documentation in Europe. epSOS project aims to develop practical frame for e-health and information-communication infrastructure that would be basis for the safe access to the information on patients' health, in the diferent European health systems.

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