Can Technology Save Africa

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/20363166/site/newsweek/page/2/

Newsweek shares the debate of whether or not technology can save Africa as well as other poverty stricken countries. Africa is participating in a initiative that places gas generator powered computer labs and plasma T.V.'s (that present lessons in English) in local high schools. Amazingly these schools have no electricity and no running water. Leaders and many educators feel this will give Africa and other countries a leg up in the race for quality education. Currently there are over 400 school participating in this $100 million project that is support by UNESCO, World Bank and corporations like Cisco Systems. Supporters feel this is the only way to compensate for the lack of ability to provide teachers, textbooks and additional resources for all these schools. One goal is to get the continent IT ready by next year so all schools could have access to this technology. However, there are those who feel that the priority should not be on getting technology in the schools but to actually get the students there. Some argue that in a place where people live on less than a $1 a day, computers can't solve their problems. The majority believe that this is the short cut to the Information Age and a great long term investment. Countries such as Rwanda have started using large touchscreen and SmartBoards in their classrooms to equal the playing field in the race for higher education and Nigeria is seeing a spike in attendance in schools that offer computer training.
I do not believe technology is the sole answer to a countries education deficient however, I do think it is a step in the right direction. Education problems result from poor resources, societal beliefs and political unrest to name a few. Therefore, it takes all kinds of change to get big results but in this case I believe knowledge is power. Technology can offer the avenue for improvement one school at a time.