Lifelong Learning : Telecentres in Semi-rural Areas as a Bridge between Formal, Non-formal, and Informal Learning
David Hallberg, Peter Mozelius, Niranjan Megammaana · KTH Publication Database DiVA (KTH Royal Institute of Technology) · 2011
The usage of telecentres has been the main initiative in many countries to provide information and communications technology in rural areas in a try to address the digital divide. In this paper, we analyse the situation in Sri Lankan semi-rural areas, discussing whether telecentres in the Nenasala network has a potential to act as local knowledge centres; bridging formal, non-formal, and informal learning. The visited telecentre is located about 50 kilometres east of Colombo. A qualitative design has been used where interviews with managers and users, and passive observations were conducted. Findings show that the visited telecentres play an important role in bridging formal, non-formal, and informal learning and education in the local community. Nevertheless, there are gender-based differences among pupils in the acquisition of provided content. Some children claim that they learn more by undergoing classes at the telecentres than in formal classes.