When I was in Zambia I did a lot of workshops on the benefits of using the internet. I explained how to work wikipedia, google and locally produced content sites (like iSchool.zm). People were really interested but a lot of the time I noticed that they were unaware of how a web browser worked. In many casses, I should not have begun explaining the different options/sites that can help them bettering their teaching but I should have started with explaining the basics in how to get to these valuable sites.

I do agree that it is possible to learn through trial and error but a lot of the people I met did not have the luxury of having an internet connection at home so the time they could spend behind a computer to ‘trial and error’ was often short and expensive. Mobiles in africa are really affordable…..internet connection isn’t. I think there is a lot of room for “trial and error learning” when it comes to affordable mobile applications but it might be to soon to expect the logical link between mobile and computer/internet connection on a large scale.

Indeed, education is an important place to start. I have looked at your work in Zambia and can see some of the challenges that need to be overcome.

I do think it is interesting when people learn how to use new tools without ever receiving an official training or course. To some extent this is possible through trial and error and to some extent these are processes we need to learn….maybe you have some more thoughts on this ?

Look forward to being in touch!

Add on to your post: Things like Bleeping or staying under a minute to cut the costs are big in Africa. People are really trying to cut costs and this influence way of use big time….cool stuff to look at.

Greets,
rikus