Capetown South Afrifca 2001 'Education In The Internet Age'

Capetown, South Africa - 2001

8th Annual iEARN International Conference
IEARN Sierra Leone youth Rashid Peters and coordinator Andrew Greene participated in the 8th Annual iEARN International Conference also known as the "Africa Connects Conference. Together they held a trio workshop with their long time partner and friend in iEARN Bill Belsey. The presentation was entitled ‘Using Tele-communications technology to illustrate the predicaments faced by child soldiers.

This conference marked the climax of online interactions of youth/ students and their teachers/coordinators or on-line facilitators over the last 12 months. It also attracted professionals in On-line education and E-learning from a broad spectrum of institutions and organizations all over the world connected under the theme ‘Education In The Internet Age’.

In the dynamic cityscape of Cape Town, South Africa, history intertwines with modernity, creating a mosaic of diversity, resilience, and vibrant culture. Nestled between the iconic Table Mountain and the azure waters of the Atlantic Ocean, Cape Town is a symbol of hope and progress in the African continent.

With a rich history shaped by centuries of struggle and triumph, Cape Town has emerged as a beacon of resilience and reconciliation. From its origins as a Dutch trading outpost in the 17th century to its pivotal role in the fight against apartheid, the city embodies the spirit of overcoming adversity.

At the turn of the 21st century, Cape Town hosted the 8th Annual iEARN International Conference, also known as the "Africa Connects Conference." This event brought together educators, activists, and innovators from around the world to explore the transformative potential of education in the internet age.

Against the backdrop of Cape Town's natural beauty and cultural heritage, the conference took on special significance. Attendees immersed themselves in the exchange of ideas and knowledge, fostering a sense of unity and solidarity in the city's vibrant atmosphere.

For Rashid Peters, Andrew Greene, and Bill Belsey, the conference held deep meaning. As representatives from Sierra Leone and Canada, Greene and Belsey has already collaborated in the past and met in Beijing China where they developed a stronger collaboration. Siera Leone, a nation scarred by civil war, the presence of the trio, underscored the power of education and technology in amplifying marginalized voices and fostering global understanding.

Their workshop, 'Using Telecommunications Technology to Illustrate the Predicaments Faced by Child Soldiers,' epitomized the conference's spirit—a celebration of innovation, empathy, and the potential of education to address global challenges.

As they addressed their audience, Rashid, Andrew, and Bill conveyed a powerful message of hope and resilience. Through multimedia presentations and interactive discussions, they bridged the gap between distant realities and global audiences, emphasizing the enduring power of education to drive positive change.

In the bustling streets of Cape Town, amidst echoes of history and aspirations for the future, the 8th Annual iEARN International Conference served as a catalyst for possibility—a testament to the boundless potential of collaboration and the universal quest for a brighter tomorrow.

In the early 2000s, Andrew Greene embarked on a mission to connect youth in Sierra Leone with the outside world, leveraging the power of the internet to provide them with opportunities for expression, therapy, and learning. Despite the challenges posed by limited internet infrastructure in Sierra Leone, Andrew steadfastly pursued his vision, working tirelessly to introduce children to the wonders of the online world.

Through innovative centers and outreach efforts in schools and communities, Andrew and his small team introduced children to the internet, igniting their curiosity and enthusiasm. Despite the constraints of setting up dial-up connections and relying on generators fueled by gas, Andrew's determination never wavered.

In Sierra Leone, MSN chat forums emerged as a popular platform among participants. It became one of the most popular instant messaging platforms in the early 2000s before eventually being replaced by Windows Live Messenger in 2005. The MSN platform used by Andrew's youth, students and teachers, helped in fostering connections and friendships across borders. Despite the socioeconomic disparities impacting access to the internet, Andrew's efforts paved the way for a growing acceptance and utilization of online resources within Sierra Leonean homes. He lobbied fiercely with local leaders, school principals and authorities in Government such as Ministers and shipped computers to Sierra Leone, through Computer Aid International in UK and set them up in such a way that children and youth can have access to the internet for global communication.

Andrew's journey culminated in his participation in the conference in South Africa, where he shared his groundbreaking work with children affected by war. He highlighted the transformative impact of the internet on their lives, from maintaining relationships to enhancing learning opportunities and improving life prospects.

The theme of education in the internet age resonated deeply in 2001, reflecting the profound changes sweeping through children's lives worldwide. Just as television revolutionized children's frames of reference in the past, the internet emerged as a pioneering innovation reshaping education and connectivity on a global scale.

The internet provided children with unprecedented time and space for exploration and play, joining a lineage of technological advancements that have shaped childhood experiences throughout history. From radio to television, film to electronic media, each new medium has left its mark on the lives of children, and the internet stands as the latest chapter in this ongoing narrative of innovation and transformation.

In the year 2001, the theme of education in the internet age carried immense significance and novelty. It was a time when the internet was rapidly evolving, transforming the way we access information, communicate, and collaborate. While social media platforms not yet introduced to the world, and maybe in their infancy, the internet was already poised to revolutionize the field of education in profound ways.

At the turn of the millennium, the internet was experiencing a surge in popularity and accessibility. Although it may seem primitive by today's standards, the technology available at the time was groundbreaking. Dial-up internet connections were common, allowing users to access the World Wide Web albeit at slower speeds compared to today's broadband connections. Websites were static and basic in design, lacking the dynamic content and interactivity we now take for granted. However, they provided a wealth of information and resources that were previously inaccessible to many.

In this burgeoning era of the internet, the concept of education in the internet age held immense promise and potential. The internet offered a vast repository of knowledge at our fingertips, allowing educators to transcend geographical barriers and connect with students from around the world. Online forums and discussion boards provided platforms for collaboration and exchange, fostering a sense of global community among learners.

Moreover, the internet facilitated innovative teaching methods and learning experiences. Multimedia resources such as videos, interactive simulations, and virtual tours enriched educational content, making it more engaging and accessible to students. E-learning platforms and online courses emerged, offering flexible and convenient alternatives to traditional classroom-based instruction.

Against this backdrop, the theme of education in the internet age was particularly apt for the 8th Annual iEARN International Conference. It reflected a growing recognition of the transformative potential of technology in shaping the future of education. The conference provided a platform for educators, activists, and innovators to explore how the internet could be harnessed to enhance learning outcomes, promote global collaboration, and address pressing social issues.

In this context, Rashid Peters, Andrew Greene, and Bill Belsey's workshop on using telecommunications technology to illustrate the predicaments faced by child soldiers was not only timely but also visionary. It demonstrated how technology could be leveraged to raise awareness, foster empathy, and drive positive change on a global scale. Their innovative approach underscored the conference's theme of education in the internet age, highlighting the transformative power of digital connectivity in addressing complex global challenges.