Applying the Digital Doorway design research model in facilitating skills transfer in rural communities

Abstract

The purpose of this article is to indicate how skills can be transferred through the application of the Digital Doorway (DD) design research model. Skills transfer takes place between the initiators of Digital Doorway (CSIR Meraka Institute) project, the implementers/support and maintenance company (Ingwapele Technology) an d the community champion in charge of a Digital Doorway (DD) in their respective communities. The purpose of the DD is to provide internet experiences in public locations to underserved, poor populations, based on similar principles of informal learning as demonstrated through the Hole in the Wall project in India. The aim is to advance and support basic computer skills which can be transferred through unsupervised experimentation and exploration in the use of the DD. For this purpose DD design research model is the method which was applied to implement the DD. The DD project involves two phases of development, phase one is depicted through the DD design research model and phase 2 highlights the current situation of the DD project as well as provide a reflection on future developments envisaged for the project. After the installation of over 200 DD across South Africa and Lesotho a specific design research model became evident which supports the transfer of specific skills between the three entities involved from inception through to the support and maintenance phase of the project. Lessons were learnt and specific skills transferred of which the most obvious seem to be the application of good communication skills, a specific technical skill set and hands-on experience. During this transfer of skills the three entities are also dealing with socio-technical and political power plays between different stakeholders in rural communities as well as trust relationships and how communities take ownership of technology challenges.