In most developing countries, students are not able to afford personal computers, and the capacity of university computer labs is limited, not least because of infrastructure and maintenance costs. Moreover, broadband is not widely available and, if students have access to it, the bandwidth is often inadequate. As a result, computer literacy tends to be poor, especially among students who work away from campus. However, the situation is changing with the advent of low cost, portable computers and other learner devices.

The IADP Programs depend upon students having regular access to computers, especially for off-line e-books. Moreover, the IADP believes that computer literacy, and the skills of information gathering, analysis, and communications that it supports, are essential tools in today’s world.

The IADP has therefore identified and tested a growing range of low cost, portable computers and other learner devices, and supported their procurement and configuration for the first groups of university students. It has also supported the design and deployment of systems to ensure ease of use and compatibility with university learner management systems.

The funding of computers remains a significant constraint, however, and the IADP has identified a number of potential sources and modalities of funding for universities and students. The IADP has also been an advocate for specific allocations of Ministry of (Higher) Education funding for computers, and it has noted recent policy changes in South Africa, especially in relation to teacher training.

The IADP plans to continue these activities, and to step up its advocacy for “one student, one laptop” – or equivalent. It also plans to support applications for grant and loan funding from international agencies in support of government education budget allocations for computers.

ASUS EEE Laptop