Computer-based Knowledge Delivery System for Rural Communities, A

"Knowledge can be delivered in many ways. The main issue is how to make knowledge available to those who really need it. It means that a knowledge delivery system should present information materials in such a way that effective internalization is possible. The use of multimedia - text, voice, video - to present properly structured information materials is one of methods of facilitating knowledge transfer."

This 7-page paper explores strategies for fostering access to knowledge and knowledge sharing among remote and economically poor communities of the Hindu Kush-Himalayan (HKH) region in Nepal. It is motivated by the conviction that - while over the years a wealth of knowledge resources has been developed and collected in this region - often the people who need these resources either do not realise that they exist or cannot access or understand them. Part of the problem, according to author Zbigniew Mikolajuk, is that traditional methods of knowledge delivery are often not integrated with electronic sources of knowledge and means of transmission in rural areas, such as computer-based dissemination of educational materials and application of online learning.

The beekeeping project described here addresses this issue through preparation of multimedia information materials by domain experts and automatic generation of a browser to be used by people who have no training in computing. Specifically, at the time of this writing, Mikolajuk was affiliated with the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD), a Nepal-based organisation working to build awareness of knowledge sharing benefits, to investigate and promote new technologies and methods supporting knowledge sharing, and to assist its partners in capacity building around knowledge sharing. ICIMOD's Information and Knowledge Management (IKM) programme undertook a small research project to explore tools and methods for knowledge delivery going beyond the distribution of printed materials and traditional training courses.

Admittedly, one of the main obstacles hampering the strategy of using computers in rural areas to cultivate and share traditional knowledge is the necessity to train users in computing, and to provide technical assistance. However, as the project detailed here illustrates, this obstacle can be removed by use of advanced software technologies that allow for working with a computer (information retrieval and browsing through pre-loaded information) without any prior training or knowledge. Specifically, a data structure composed of multimedia objects (texts, images, video and audio clips) in a local language provides the input to a system that generates the browser; local specialists with a basic knowledge of computing can then modify and customise the system by adding new materials relevant to the local environment.

Mikolajuk explores this process in depth. In short, domain specialists, researchers and beekeepers compiled a collection of multimedia materials and designed a tree-like data structure (computer directory) in English, Urdu, and Nepali. The data structure was used to generate an XML code that allows for the presentation of information materials in Internet Explorer (customised for users who do not have computer training). The system also includes an Editor of the data structure, which allows for modification of information materials. (The system is based on the concept developed by a Canadian company called Solanta Technologies Inc.)

Mikolajuk stresses that delivery of an effective knowledge transfer system in a computer environment requires:

• deep expertise in a knowledge domain (e.g., beekeeping, ecoturism, soil erosion); the expertise is needed for structuring and presenting the domain knowledge at the level of cognitive capabilities of intended users - this goes beyond the expertise that computer specialists bring to the table.
• participation and cooperation of all stakeholders (domain experts, computer experts, training specialists and users) in system conceptualisation, design, implementation, deployment and operation. The author stresses that "[p]articipation of all stakeholders ensures that the knowledge delivery system will meet the needs of intended users and allows for corrective actions at each stage of system development."
• top-level expertise in computing technologies and information system design. This process is detailed here, and involves: domain experts preparing a collection of questions (if possible, together with intended users) that can be asked of potential users; analysis and clustering of questions; creation of "knowledge objects" (text documents, images, graphics, maps, animations, video and audio recordings, and combinations of these formats); and, finally, location of these knowledge objects in the input data structure (the computer directory).

Mikolajuk concludes that closer collaboration between domain experts and computer specialists is needed to improve the Solanta technology and production of educational materials. This cooperation - and the involvement of local experts in knowledge arenas such as natural resource management and many other issues of interest to residents of remote, economically deprived communities - is key, In short, even those who have little formal education and no training in operating a computer may be able to comfortably use a computer-based knowledge delivery system.

To request a copy of the paper, please contact the author at the address listed below.