A new approach to achieve e-inclusion with ICT education in rural taiwan

Abstract

With regards to the applied education of ICT tools in rural Taiwan, past studies on digital opportunity and digital divide have somewhat overlooked the purpose and requirements of e-learning, as well as suitable teaching materials and teaching methods. This study analyzes the case of PunCar Action, and employs participant observation and in-depth interviews to explore key factors that affect information application learning in rural communities, namely how communities learn to apply ICT tools. Research results show that PunCar Action's "flexible teaching materials with an emphasis on communication" and "localized teaching methods" are the key to its successful ICT education in rural Taiwan. © 2011 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg.