The name Khanya is derived from a Xhosa language word meaning "to let the light shine", "to brighten", or "to illuminate". The Khanya project was established in 2001 by the Western Cape Education Department in South Africa to provide computer technology to schools. The objective was to use the technology as an illumination tool during the curriculum delivery process.

I had the privilege of being involved in this project from the start. Over the years I had many illuminations regarding the potential benefits of ICT in education. In e-culture terms, I received many e-luminations. The purpose of this blog is to present my personal e-luminations to all who have an interest in education, technology, or both. You are invited to add your comments and insights.

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      • Belt and braces
        09/27/06
        A belt is usually sufficient to prevent one's pants falling down. But to make sure that it will definitely stay up, an investment in a set of good braces may be considered.

        In view of the alarmingly high level of crime, many schools have decided to apply the belt and braces principl

      • White elephants
        09/25/06
        In times past white elephants were regarded as sacred in Thailand. They could not be used for work purposes but owners had to feed them special food and provide access to those who wanted to come and worship the animals. Understandably, the expression "white elephant" is used today to in

      • Overstated and underdelivered
        09/22/06
        During the planning phase of a school's ICT project the importance of technology is often overstated, while the rest of the project is neglected. In the flurry of excitement to get the hardware specifications just right, and to sort out the connectivity issues, and to settle the proprietary ve

      • Wrong premise
        09/18/06
        A prominent educator became increasingly frustrated with the slow rate at which illiterate adults were taught how to read and write, owing to a shortage of qualified trainers. She subsequently wrote a book containing guidelines for illiterates on how to fast track the process of becoming literate.

      • A gift horse
        09/16/06
        As a horse grows older its teeth protrude increasing towards the front. It is easy to determine the age of the animal by opening its mouth and observing the splay of the teeth. A prospective buyer will perform this inspection to ensure that the horse is still young enough to be productively used.

      • One size does not fit all
        09/13/06
        If one has to install a complex product at a great number of institutions it makes sense to first develop a workable model and then apply it uniformly at all the sites. There are great economic and resource benefits in applying the "one size fits all" principle.

        Does this princ

      • CAT and mice
        09/11/06
        CAT (Computer Application Technology) has recently been introduced in secondary schools. This subject prepares learners to use the computer as an application tool.

        There is no doubt that CAT is a necessary subject and that secondary schools should be encouraged to offer it.

        Th

      • The tail must not wag the dog
        09/08/06
        ICT projects in schools have a high rate of failure. Why? Is it because the technology is inadequate? This hardly ever is the case.

        Often too much emphasis is placed on how the technical solution is to manifest itself, rather than what it is to be used for. There is no point in havin