This is a presentation that accompanied the workshop I just did in Tanzania at
- State University of Zanzibar
- University of Dar es Salaam
- International School of Tanganyika
All three went well and were well received, although there are certain changes I would make to this sequence before attempting this again. What I think remains valid is the focus on visualizing searches before interfacing with the databases themselves. When connectivity is in short supply, this remains critical to maximizing output and I think this poses the greatest disadvantage to developing nations in terms of meaningful use of online resources. The student or researcher in the developing world is not afforded the ability to search via serendipity or discovery. To meander through resources and follow trails based on a scent of relevance. Developing nations’ students need to visualize and refine their searches before even turning the computer on in order to maximize connectivity. Ostensibly, this could provide the advantage of rigid discipline, a certain precision in conducting online searching, but more likely it stunts possible discovery of new and relevant resources.