[Telecentres] Basic Telecentre Items/ICT Definition

[David Leeming PFnet]

Hi,

If we're talking about the Information Society then we should concentrate on the information activities and not the techology. A telecentre may be simply described as a place where people can participate (and learn to participate) in the wider emerging information society, using appropriate tools including ICTs. 

David
  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Elizabeth Carll, PhD 
  To: telecentres at wsis-cs.org 
  Sent: Sunday, October 03, 2004 12:21 PM
  Subject: RE: [Telecentres] Basic Telecentre Items/ICT Definition


  Dear Don, Bevis, and all,

  I think you bring up a very important point, which is the definition of information and communication technologies (ICTs).  The definition of ICT is broad and inclusive of all ICTs, which is also the definition used by the UN and described in the rationale for the development of WSIS.   ICTs include both traditional (e.g.. radio, TV, print, video/film) and newer technologies (Internet, virtual reality, distance education applications, mind-computer interface technologies, etc).  Therefore, telecentres can operate utilizing any form of ICTs, even smoke signals if that were a form in a given region.   

  It is amazing how many people are not aware of this broad definition, including media people.  It is also one of the reasons the Working Group which I founded/chair for the UN NGO Committee on Mental Health is called WG on Media/ICT  which actually is redundant, but was necessary so that people know the functions of the WG.  I have started to use the phrase "traditional and newer ICTs" when writing articles/during interviews, etc,  in the hopes of informing the public as well as techies/specialists who may only associate ICTs with the Internet and computers.  

  It is important for the telecentres WG to at least agree on the definition of ICTs as encompassing both traditional and newer ICTs.  This definition is inclusive, consistent with the UN's definition,  and therefore applicable to ANY type/form of telecentre, such as those described by Don, Bevis, and others.  It also facilitates tying it to the WSIS Declaration and the MDGs.

  Elizabeth

  Dr. Elizabeth Carll
  Focal Point
  International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies;
  Chair Media/ICT Working Group,
  NGO Committee on Mental Health, New York
  Tel: 1-631-754-2424
  Fax: 1-631-754-5032
  ecarll at optonline.net


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