Search results

This chapter begins with a description of recent developments in non-formal adult education in Central America and the Caribbean. The chapter looks at the role information and communication technology (ICT) plays in open and distance learning (ODL) in these poor countries, noting that while there are examples of the use of ICT in ODL available to the poorer sectors in Central America, these programs are funded from abroad by international development operations and usually operate on a local, regional or ethnic basis for a limited period of time. The chapter then describes the Toolbox Network, a joint Central American ICT/ODL project which is in its very early stages and is aimed at the marginalised micro, small and medium sized enterprise sector and the consultants/teachers who train entrepreneurs and their staff and including unemployed people with Internet access. The importance of sustainability and quality assurance in such a project are briefly touched on. The chapter concludes that there is a need to evaluate the system with particular attention paid to recommendations made by users. Plans have been developed to include more interactive module training and it is recognised that cooperation will be needed between appropriate institutions in participating Central American countries.