Educational Media Reviews Online

What is the role of digital technology in Africa? Should a continent that has many countries dealing with issues of poverty and unrest think about entering the computer age? This provocative video would lead one to believe the answer is yes. Presented in French, English, Jula and Yoruba with English subtitles viewers are able to meet a number of people who are using the available technology to increase business, improve access to educational resources and enhance the making of cultural materials and the preservation of African history.

Segments of the film focus on the increasing use of cell phones in Africa and how even those in remote communities use cell phones to stay in touch with those in the cities as well as overseas. Other issues explored include the development of cybercafes; the training needed to help people learn about using the Internet in business and how to deal with people who don't have credit cards but want to buy something online; the use of videoconferencing to provide college educations to those who cannot get to a college and the use of computers in producing music, movies and television shows.

In addition to the positives of digital technology, some of the negatives area addressed as well, including competition for customers, communication problems and again the issue of poverty.

At the end of the video the question is again raised of the importance of technology in helping solve the infrastructure issues facing Africa. Those interviewed note that dealing with technology issues in Africa may encourage the development of new technologies that will help everyone. They also note that by participating in the global economy and the global computer culture Africa will be able to have a say in its own future and may be able to impact and teach the rest of the world.

Though the film was very interesting it tries to tackle too much and many subjects are given short shrift. For example during the segment on the Internet the important issues of privacy and pornography are touched on for barely a moment. Also technology and the Internet are presented in this video as ways to preserve the history and memory of the culture. As most websites last an average of 40 days, and no one is sure how long digital technology will last, this problem should have been discussed at greater length. Another issue barely mentioned is that the value in the technology provided is in how it is used and that it is not a value in itself.

There are also several interludes between segments that do not appear to fit into the presentation but do provide the opportunity for viewers to see a bit of African culture. In some cases these are quite distracting. In addition the subtitles often blend into the background making it hard to see them.

Libraries with collections on African studies and technology and its role in society will find this video of interest.