[11075] in Public-Access_Computer_Systems_Forum
Information Technology Conference in Ghana (long)
daemon@ATHENA.MIT.EDU (Public-Access Computer Systems For)
Mon Feb 17 20:28:20 1997
Date: Mon, 17 Feb 1997 15:35:43 -0600 (CST)
From: Public-Access Computer Systems Forum <LIBPACS@UHUPVM1.UH.EDU>
To: Multiple recipients of list PACS-L <PACS-L@UHUPVM1.UH.EDU>
Reply-To: Public-Access Computer Systems Forum <PACS-L@UHUPVM1.UH.EDU>
1 Message; 672 Lines
From: Information Technology <Library_Science@Juno.Com>
Subject: Hi!..AFRICA CONFERENCE: Dist Lrng/Info Technology
UPDATE
**Very Rough Draft**
Input needed/welcome!
Pls respond directly to Osei: "Dr. Osei Darkwa" <darkwa@tigger.cc.uic.edu>
Dr. Osei Darkwa
Director-Distance Learning Program/Ghana (VOLU)
University of Illinois-Chicago
Tel: 312-996-8508, 708-848-7054
<darkwa@tigger.cc.uic.edu>
Please contact Osei if you are able to contribute (by E-mail) to the
discussion, planning or organization of this conference, or if you simply
want to stay informed about it.
Thank you.
[our apologies for the length]
16 February 1997
Hi!
I am forwading some information on the proposed conference. This is a very
rough draft/outline of some of the issues to be dealt with. Kindly comment
on the information by adding, deleting, editing, etc. This should give us
something to work with.
I've incorporated suggestions and ideas from those who responded to our
appeal for assistance in organizing the conference. (sorry about margins,
formatting-pls make adjustments)
THE FIRST NATIONAL/AFRICAN CONFERENCE ON THE USE OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
IN ECONOMIC AND EDUCATIONAL DEVELOPMENT (4TH-10TH DECEMBER, 1997).
We are on the threshold of a new century and the brink of a new millennium.
New knowledge is exploding and expanding very rapidly as we make the final
jog to the next century. Over the past few years, computers and information
systems have become a vehicle underpinning socioeconomic development of
communities. Experts predict that within the next few years information
technology will be the vehicle for revolutionalizing existing societal
institutions. Yet, its use in Africa is still in its infancy. Africa, the
second largest continent is said to be the least computerized. Even though
some major strides have been made in the use of computer technology and
information systems in some African countries, Africa is yet to explore the
full potentials of the new global information network. If Africa fails to
explore and take advantage of the opportunities brought about by the use of
information systems, it will signify the increasing marginalization of the
continent.
The Ghana Distance Learning Project (GDLP) in association with the Voluntary
Workcamps Association of Ghana, Operation Crossroads Africa, Inc., Project
Scope (here, TO INCLUDE THE NAMES OF ADDITIONAL SPONSORS), are organizing a
conference to ascertain the state of information technology in Africa.
The theme of this conference is "Using Information Technology to Assist in
Economic Development and Education in Africa".
CONFERENCE SITE
(TO BE ANNOUNCED-VOLU IS WORKING ON IT)
CONFERENCE GOALS
* To create an awareness of computer literacy needs at the community and
grassroots level;
* To promote electronic networking for development in Africa;
* To explore possibilities and barriers to developing national/international
goals for infusing computer literacy into primary, secondary, and tertiary
education in Africa;
* To create a demonstration effect on public opinion in terms of what
information technology can offer for national and international development;
* To increase awareness of how the computer and electronic connectivity can
reorient youth groups toward the economy and labor market of the 21st
century; and
* To strengthen the capacity of grassroots organizations and low
incomecommunities to initiate, choose, plan and manage their own self help
projects through computer technology and information systems.
WE MAY NEED TO REVISE SOME OF THE GOALS TO MAKE THEM MORE FOCUSED-ANY
SUGGESTIONS
The conference is geared toward understanding the state of information
technology in Africa and how information technology is being applied at
various levels in Africa.
CONFERENCE SUBTHEMES
ST1 Instructional Use of Information Systems in Africa
ST2 Role of Internet Providers in Africa
ST3 Community-Based Computing Services
ST4 Computer Literacy and Distance Education Curse and Blessing
ST5 Computer Security Issues, Concepts and Resources
ST6 Telecottages and Software Development in Africa
ST7 Social Implications of Information Technology in Africa
ST8 Application of Information Systems in Government and Businesses
ST9 Technology in Developing Countries Dividing or Uniting
ST10 Age and Gender Issues in the Use of Information Systems in Africa
ST11 The Use of Digital Library Resources in Education, Science, and
Technology
ST12 Ethical Norms in the Development and Use of New Information and
Communication Technologies.
PLENARY SESSION THEMES
Opening Plenary Session 1
The State of Information Technology in Africa
Plenary Session 2
Africa and the Paradigm Shift in Education: The Role of Distance Education
Plenary Session 3
Rural Electronic Education: Which way forward
Plenary Session 4
The Information Superhighway (cyberspace)- Policy Issues and
Strategies
Plenary Session 5
Adult Computer Literacy:Prospects and Barriers
TARGET GROUPS
* Policy makers and senior government officials
* Senior decision makers in private sector
* Senior education managers, educators, academics and researchers
* Leading professionals (legal, medical, financial, etc.)
* Leading IT managers and practitioners
* Educators
Conference Provisional Schedule
Wednesday December 10 ThursdayDecember 11 FridayDecember 12
Saturday December 13
Morning 12:00-9:00PM
Registration 09:00-10.30
Opening Plenary Session
1-Keynote address
Coffee Break 11:00-12:30
Plenary Session
2-Lunch 09:00-1030
Plenary Session
3-Coffee Break 11:00-12:30
Plenary Session
4-Lunch 09:30-10:30
Round tables
Coffee Break 11:00-12:30
Round tables
Lunch
Afternoon
Pre-Conference Tour 1:30-3:00
Concurrent Workshops
Coffee Break 3:30-5:00
Concurrent Workshops 5:00-6:00
Business Meetings 1:30-3:00
Concurrent Workshops Coffee Break 3:30-5:00
Concurrent Sessions 5:00-6:00
Business Meetings 1:30-2:30
Closing Plenary Session
5-Report by the Chief Rapporteur
Awards
Closing ceremony
Post-Conference Tour
Evening 7:00-8:30PM
Welcome cocktail reception 7:00-9:00
Cultural Night
Ghana Dance Ensemble
Hospitality Evening Farewell Dinner
REGISTRATION INFORMATION
Registration Procedure
Please find enclosed an official Registration Form, to be completed by all
delegates. The completed form should be faxed or mailed to the Conference
Secretariat's office. The Secretariat will acknowledge receipt of your
registration and fees paid. Participation fee per person is $250.A small
number of fellowships may be available for deserving applicants. Reservation
for accommodation, social events and organized tours must be indicated in
the relevant sections of the Registration Form. It is recommended that all
accommodation reservations made through the Conference Secretariat to
facilitate smooth planning.
Payment Details
Payment of registration fees, accommodation reservation deposits, and
tickets for social events and organized tours may be made as follows:
* Cash payment directly to the VOLU-InfoTech Conference (or the Voluntary
Workcamps Association of Ghana).
* A check or bank draft made out to the Voluntary Workcamps Association of
Ghana
* If paying by Credit Card (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Diners
Club), kindly make payment to OCA-INfoTech Conference.
On-Site Registration
A Registration Center will be located at the Conference venue and will be
operated at the following times:
Wednesday December 11 11:00AM-9:00PM
Thursday December 12 8:00AM-6:00PM
Friday December 13 8:00AM-6.00PM
Saturday December 14 8:00AM-6:00PM
The Registration Center will issue badges and relevant conference materials
to all registered delegates. The badge will be the official pass to all
events, including exhibitions and social events.
Cancellation Policy
Refund of registration fees, accommodation deposits and social events will
be made as follows:
* Cancellations received before September 30 will receive a refund of fees
paid less 15% handling fee.
* Cancellation received after September 30 will receive 50% of fees paid.
* There will be no refund of fees paid after November 30.
TRANSPORT INFORMATION
Official Carrier
The preferred official carrier for the conference is Ghana Airways. The
airline will provide discount rates for international delegates.
Airport Bus Service
From December 10-14, buses will be available at the Kotoka International
Airport to transport delegates to their hotels and conference site.
Transport Service to the Conference Venue
During the conference, transport will be provided to all delegates between
the conference hotel, the conference site and social events. Delegates
should inquire at the Registration Desk for details on transportation
arrangements.
CONFERENCE SECRETARIAT DETAILS
For all communications regarding registration, social events, accommodation,
site visits and tours:
The Coordinator
VOLU.InfoTech 97 Conference
The Voluntary Workcamps Association of Ghana
P.O. Box 1540
Accra-Ghana
Tel: (233) 21 663486
E-mail:
URL: http:// (to be filled in)
EXHIBITION
If your organization is interested in exhibiting, please contact the
Conference Coordinator at 233-21 663486.
CALL FOR PROPOSALS
Proposals are invited for presentations in a variety of formats, for
consideration by the Review Committee Papers which (a) are relevant to the
main Conference theme, (b) describe the state of information technology in
Africa, and (c) speak to the conference theme and subthemes are most
welcome.
The content of a presentation must relate to one of the Conference subthemes
listed on page---. Kindly indicate the subtheme number (e.g. ST1, ST2)
according to the primary and secondary content areas of your proposal.
These are several formats for presentation on the programme. Proposals are
invited for paper presentations, panel discussions, demonstrations, and
association and organization workshops within concurrent Workshops, Poster
Sessions and Business Meetings.
Plenary Sessions
Plenary Sessions will feature keynote addresses and papers presented by
invited speakers.
Concurrent Workshops
Concurrent Workshops provide for a variety of presentation formats described
below.
Papers and demonstration projects
Papers highlight the results of recent research or demonstration projects or
programs. Presentations should be 15-20 minutes long. Abstracts must give a
short statement of the specific demonstration project. There will be
question time after the last presenter at each concurrent session.
Roundtables
This format provides for idea sharing, discussion and networking at
roundtables, and maximum interchange between presenters and audience.
Association and organization workshops
Organizations and institutions dealing with information systems in Africa
are invited arrange a workshop or a symposium. The topic of the workshop or
symposium must be related to the main Conference theme. Proposals to arrange
a symposium or workshop must be submitted by the institution or
organization. The proposal must state the topic and the name(s) of the
organization or presenter.
Business Meetings
Institutions and organization dealing with information systems in Africa are
welcome to hold a Business Meeting at the Conference. The convenor of the
Business Meeting must submit a Proposal requesting for organizing a Business
Meeting and indicated the number of people expected to attend.
Other presentation formats will be considered by the Planning Committee.
Guidelines for Proposal Submission
Please complete the enclosed Proposal and Abstract Form and forward the
original and three copies to the following address:
(WE NEED SOMEBODY TO TAKE CARE OF THIS: ANY VOLUNTEER?)
Individuals may submit more than one abstract for consideration by the
Review Committee. A copy of the Form may be printed and completed on-line.
Manuscripts for presentation which should be 8-20 pages (word processed and
doubled spaced) in length should be submitted for refereeing by August 30. A
soft copy in MS Word, or WordPerfect should also be submitted via e-mail or
on a diskette. Proposals may also be submitted in SGML (standard General
Markup language).
The Reviewers Committee will notify all those whose papers are accepted for
presentation within 30 days after they submit their abstract. The deadline
for proposal submission is May 30, 1997. Proposals submitted after May 30
will not be considered.
Abstracts of accepted proposals will be published in the Conference
Abstracts. Presenters must inform the Conference Secretariat in writing by
September 30 if their presentation will not be given, or their workshop or
business meeting not held.
SOCIAL PROGRAMME
(To include some general information on Ghana)
FLIGHT ARRANGEMENTS, HOTEL BOOKINGS AND VISA REQUIREMENTS
The official airline for the conference is Ghana Airways and travel agent is
(---)
Accra boasts many good hotels and other social amenities. A hotels' guide is
available on request. Additional information on Ghana can be found on the
following websites:
Visitors to Ghana are required to have a valid Visa. Please contact your
nearest Embassy or Consulate for advice.
Should you require any assistance with flight arrangements, accommodation or
Visa arrangements, please the Conference Secretariat.
Hotel Accommodation
Conference organizers will work to secure a highly competitive rate. More
information will be available on this.
CO-SPONSORS
Anyone know of any group(s) in the United States, Canada, and
elsewhere who'll be willing to co-sponsor this conference? Need to
identify groups in Ghana who'll be willing to be co-sponsors-the
business community, internet providers, Ghana Airways, the Ghana Government,
etc.
CONFERENCE COMMITTEES
OVERSEAS PROGRAMME PLANNING COMMITTEE
Dr. Osei Darkwa, University of Illinois-Chicago
Cecil Washington, University of California-Berkerly
LaVerne Brown, Operation Crossroads Africa, Inc.
Dr. Steve Eskow, Electronic University Network
Premaq Quadic
Max Fruend
Dr. Joseph Arthur, Marshall University
Dr. Adam Bodomo, Tromso University
Carolyn Manjourides, Project SCOPE Incorporated
LOCAL ORGANIZING COMMITTEE
Eric Yankah, Volta River Authority
Wilfred Owen, Reston Enterprise
Ms. Grace Bansa, Encyclopadia Africana Project
Dr. Eddie K. Abban, Council for Scientific and Industrial Research
Francis Donkor, Voluntary Workcamps Association of Ghana
Oliver Boachie, Data Telecom Limited
(WE NEED TO EXPAND THIS COMMITTEE...ANY RECOMMENDATIONS?)
REVIEW COMMITTEE
Dr. Eberhard Lisse, Namibia Internet Development Foundation
WE NEED TO FIND ADDITIONAL PEOPLE WILLING TO SERVE ON THE REVIEW COMMITTEE
REGISTRATION FORM-SAMPLE
FIRST AFRICAN CONFERENCE ON THE USE OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY IN ECONOMIC
AND EDUCATIONAL DEVELOPMENT.
FAMILY NAME: ________________________________________________
OTHER NAMES: ________________________________________________
TEL. NO. (home) _________________________(Work) ______________________
FAX NO.______________________E.MAIL_______________________________
AFFILIATION: ________________________________________________
ADDRESS: ___________________________________________________
___________________________________________________
CITY/TOWN: __________________________________________________
STATE: ______________________________________________________
COUNTRY: ____________________________________________________
TEL.: (WORK)____________________________(HOME)
FAX: ____________________EMAIL (if any):_____________________________
Please tick as appropriate.
I/We intend to participate in the Conference/Exhibition.
I/We intend to submit a paper/make poster presentation.
I/We intend to exhibit.
Subject Area/Product Description _______________________________
________________________________________________________________
Title/Precise Product or Service Name: _________________________
________________________________________________________________
LANGUAGE OF THE CONFERENCE
The official language of the conference will be English. However, if a
sizaeble number of conference attendees and presenters are from non-English
speaking countries, simultaneous interpretation service in their respective
languages will be provided,
Will be looking forward to your comments.
Bill and Eric, could you ask VOLU to:
* Compile a list of major hotels in Accra
* Find local sponsors
* Ask VOLU to establish an account and office for the conference
* Talk to Ghana Airways about competitive rates for conference delegates
* Find a site for the conference
Osei Darkwa
==================================================================
From: Dr Osei Darkwa <darkwa@tigger.cc.uic.edu>
Subject: Distance Education Conference in Ghana
Cc: owen@ncs.com.gh, EBrowne@gha.healthnet.org, oca@igc.org, crw@loop.com,
darkwa@tigger.cc.uic.edu, cmanjourides@projectscope.org,
quaynor@ncs.com.gh, Prema Qadir <premaq@ilhawaii.net>,
irishg@io.org,
kwameagati@aol.com, "Eric N. Yankah" <enyankah@ncs.com.gh>,
Makhabane Felix Khotseng <mfk11@juno.com>,
"Dr. Adams Bodomo" <adams@proffen.avh.unit.no>,
"Gideon Hayford Chonia" <k042240@rzu.unizh.ch>,
"Gideon Hayford Chonia" <gideon@osagyefo.ghana.net>,
Donna Monahan <Dmonahan@MSH.ORG>, Agunga.1@osu.edu (Robert Agunga),
Lisa Aubrey <aubrey@oak.cats.ohiou.edu>,
"MARTIE SANDERS" <martie@gecko.biol.wits.ac.za>
ANNOUNCEMENT of CONFERENCE Planning:
________________________________________________________________________
D i s t a n c e L e a r n i n g / T e l e c o m m u n i c a t i o n s
________________________________________________________________________
Dates: December 10 - 14 1997
Location: Accra, GHANA, W. Africa
The Ghana Distance Education Project, an initiative jointly sponsored by
the Voluntary Workcamps Association of Ghana and Operation Crossroads
Africa, is planning a conference on issues of distance education and
telecommunications in Sub-Saharan Africa. The conference will be held in
Accra, Ghana, and is tentatively scheduled for December 10-14, 1997.
We would like to float our idea to all people working in these and
related areas, and solicit your feedback and assistance in planning the
conference. We especially welcome advice and help from others who have
planned international conferences of this sort, and from people who would
like to participate actively in the planning and execution of the
conference.
Some of the conference's goals could be:
* To create an awareness of computer literacy needs at the community and
grassroots level;
* To promote electronic networking for development in Africa;
* To explore possibilities and barriers to developing national/international
goals for infusing computer literacy into primary, secondary, and tertiary
education in Africa;
* To explore gender bias in the unfolding of the Information Age and to
propose corrective measures and programs; to advance methods to stem the
development of information technology as another agent of female
subordination and oppression;
* To create a demonstration effect on public opinion in terms of what
information technology can offer for national and international development;
* To increase awareness of how the computer and electronic connectivity can
reorient youth groups toward the economy and labor market of the 21st
century; and
* To strengthen the capacity of grassroots organizations and low
incomecommunities to initiate, choose, plan and manage their own self help
projects through computer technology and information systems.
Areas of work in planning the conference include:
- Theme/goals: What are the conference's organizing principles and goals?
How can it complement other conferences and meetings planned over the
coming year and contribute to the effort to advance telecommunications and
distance education in Africa? What should the conference's primary theme
(and sub-themes) be?
- Budget and finance: including fee scale, travel assistance, and external
fundraising.
- Marketing and Outreach: Who will the conference be targeted to? How big
an event are we envisioning? How can we spread the word and get presenters
and participants to come? How can we ensure that people from Africa know
about and participate in the conference?
- Logistics: venue, accomodation, social events, etc.
- Content: Who will review the potential presenters' proposals? How
should we go about screening participants?
If you would like to contribute to this effort, please let us know.
Thank you!
Max Freund
(Volunteer, Ghana Distance Education Project)
NOTE:
If you are able to contribute to the planning and organization of this
conference, or simply want to stay in touch about it, please send a
message to the following:
Dr. Osei Darkwa
University of Illinois-Chicago
<darkwa@tigger.cc.uic.edu>
Bill Owen
CEO, Reston Enterprises, Ghana
<owen@ncs.com.gh>
Dr. Edmund Browne
<EBrowne@gha.healthnet.org>
Max Freund
<mfreund@interport.net>
=========================================================================
Pls respond re: willingness to help with Conference planninng/discussions
directly to Osei: "Dr. Osei Darkwa" <darkwa@tigger.cc.uic.edu>
______________________________________________
Dr. Osei Darkwa
Director-Distance Learning Program/Ghana (VOLU)
University of Illinois-Chicago
Tel: 312-996-8508, 708-848-7054
<darkwa@tigger.cc.uic.edu>
Thanks so much.
