After it emerged that 85% of parliamentarians are computer- and Web-illiterate, GetSmarter and the University of Cape Town (UCT) have offered complimentary Internet training for parliamentarians, worth R110 000.
Speaking at a parliamentary budget vote debate, parliamentary house chairman Obed Bapela ordered parliamentarians to improve their IT skills, since they fail to make use of the laptops issued to them.
He said most MPs do not have the skills to operate the machines, and so they are unable to engage with their constituents on social networking Web sites, such as Twitter and Facebook.
“We cannot have MPs that cannot access the Internet,” Bapela said.
Free training
Online training company GetSmarter and the UCT have decided to step in and help.
They are offering parliamentarians 20 complimentary places (to the value of R110 000) on the UCT Internet Super-User course.
GetSmarter says the course is part-time and runs over 10 weeks. “The course covers everything from basic Web search to advanced online research, cellphone browsing and social networking on Facebook and Twitter.”
Lindiwe Mazibuko, Democratic Alliance shadow deputy communications minister, said many MPs were embarrassed about admitting they could not use their computers.
“Many MPs appear to just ignore their laptops, or often just give them to their children to do homework on. What they do not realise is that technology is an enabler and can make them more efficient at doing their jobs,” she added.
GetSmarter says those parliamentarians who are embarrassed about their lack of skill need not worry, since the course is conducted entirely online and can be completed from the privacy of their homes or offices.
Basic abilities
Although Bapela said many MPs don't use their laptops at all, GetSmarter director Rob Paddock says: “We have been informed that the fundamental need is for Internet literacy and we understand that the majority of these MPs do have basic computer skills.
“The course does require a person to be computer literate and, therefore, the non-computer literate population of SA won't benefit from this course until they have a basic level of computer literacy,” says Sam Paddock, co-author of the course and MD of GetSmarter.
Rob Paddock has been in contact with Bapela about the offer and expects to hear from him early next week.
“GetSmarter is committed to increasing Internet literacy in SA and we see this as a good opportunity to start from the top down,” says Rob Paddock.
Xhead = Internet super-users
The part-time, Internet-based course includes modules on Internet communication tools; search engines; online research; managing information; information security and transacting online; social networking; mobile technology; and Web culture and responsible netizens, says GetSmarter.
“Students will learn how to use tools like Google, Skype, Wikipedia, Google Earth, Facebook, Twitter, Blogger, PayPal, eBay, uStream, Qik, and Mozy, like the professionals,” says Sam Paddock. He adds that this course teaches students how to harness the power of the Internet, to use its relevant tools to their full potential.
He explains that the course is very practical, as “...we feel students learn best when given the opportunity to apply knowledge gained. Our learning model mirrors the traditional learning environment in many ways; students work through one module per week and access all course material via the user-friendly learning Web site using their specific login details.”
Students will then read course notes, watch video lectures, complete multiple choice quizzes, participate on the discussion forum, read comments from fellow students and course conveners, and complete their assignment to apply what they have learnt in the module. Sam Paddock says students are evaluated via continuous assessment, and there is no final exam.
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