Multi Purpose Tele Center (MPTC) - Pilot Project: Bangladesh Experience


Abstract

The Bangladesh model for disseminating information & education materials, experiencing the pilot phase till now is a success with a series of challenges. BDHealthInfo, a program of ICTDP'B (Information Communication & Technology Development Program, Bangladesh) is applying the Alternate Approach Module in implementing MPTC (Multi Purpose Tele Center) project located at Sonagazi, Feni and using the approach to bridge the digital divide gap. Local health professional, youth groups, women community and different professional groups are sharing the benefits of ICT from the center.

Services available at the project :

a) Training & Education
b) Information
c) Awareness

ICTDP'B receives a good number of CD's with educational materials Development & (health related) and making the CD's available at the MPTC. Different groups of professional community use the CD's as they require and relevant to their profession.

The MPTC experience also found that the educational materials for the children have also a significant demand. Since establishing the center in 2002, the turnover of user & utilization of the CD's are exciting. Professionals & general users use the MPTC as education center as well as information hub.

Connectivity Issue : Alternate Connectivity has been introduced as the internet is not available or full time service is not reliable, the project use Dial Up Connectivity and Offline service. Alternate Connectivity is a combination of traditional and new technology, using existing telecom infrastructure & CD ROM technology. For example, the rural people, who don't have access to the net can be provided Personal Computers with renewable energy support systems, if even electricity is not available. The alternate connectivity module may be defined as the combination of the following phases :
i. Collecting the relevant & local / global information and educational material available in any format (Hardcopy, Soft copy, CD version) with professional aspect.
ii. Selecting the related & relevant content / materials for dissemination.
iii. Convert the materials into CD version (PDF/Word/Graphics)
iv. Releasing the CD's on periodical basis & disseminate to the target professional community.
v. Ensure minimum infrastructure (PC with CD Rom) at field level

The use of CD is an easy job. It does not require special training even for the new user. Instructions give on the label of CD will ensure easy use of the CD. The software, to read the CD will also be provided, if it requires installation.

Connectivity can be defined both On-line & Off line modules to reach the target people.

Alternate Language - Local Content
Most of the contents available in the Internet is in English and which hinders accessibility of the major portion of the target group. Relevant content / educational materials of the net may be made available in the form of CD / Floppy version with regular updatation can be provided. At present, ICTDPB disseminate learning modules in the form of CD since received from WHO (World Health Organization) and translated limited Contents are in local language.

The project also use local CDs both educational and entertainment materials are being used for the local community. Locally published educational materials, market & agriculture information and development issues are also collected and made available for the users.

Target Groups - Future leaders should get the focus
The young professional communities and the youth groups ( both young men & women ) have been involved in the designing and implementation process of the project. To ensure mass participation, awareness programs are organized frequently at the field level to involve the local youth communities.

Sustainability
The Development, Technical and Financial aspect of the Alternate Approach Module ensured that in long run it will become sustainable from own resources and demands after a grace period of 12-24 months. This project is being implemented through partnership with international, regional and local development partners.

Long way to go
As the connectivity and infrastructure is a long term issue and involved huge investment, govt. and development partners should come forward and support the Alternate Approach module as an uplifting solution for the developing countries like Bangladesh.

Conclusion
Knowledge and information are becoming key factors of development and a global technology revolution is turning out. Information and communication technology now exists to link even the most remote villages to the rest of the world. We should know from experience that the challenge is often not the technology itself, but the context within which technologies are applied and used. As was the case in the 1970s with the Green Revolution, the ICT revolution could increase inequalities in developing countries.

To bridge the inequalities of information & knowledge and digital divide, Multi Purpose Tele Center (MPTC) module can become powerful tools and solution for the developing countries like Bangladesh.

Biography

Md Shahid uddin Akbar
Coordinator
Room No. 107-108, Baitus Sharf Complex
149/A Airport Road, Tejgaon, Dhaka 1215, BANGLADESH
Tel : 880 2 9121308, 880 189 243935 (Cell)
Email : unisys@bdonline.com
www.ictdpb.org

© 2003-2006 CIMAP| Last modified: 08/28/2006