SIDSNET/CPACC
INTERNET TRAINING WORKSHOP
Dominica
Ian
King
Information Systems Coordinator/GIS Specialist
6
- 8 October, 1999
Introduction
The SIDSnet/CPACC Internet Training
Workshop was conducted in Roseau, Dominica at the CIS Business Training
Centre. Mr. Alan Duncan of Trinidad and Tobago and myself were the trainers
for the workshop. I also provided the workshop supervision on behalf
of SIDSnet and CPACC. Mr. Gerard Hill, Environmental Officer and Ms.
Paula Emmanuel, Secretary, both in the Environmental Coordinating Unit
(ECU) of the Ministry of Agriculture and the Environment provided the
logistical support prior to
and during the workshop.
Attendance
Seventeen persons, fifteen from government agencies and two NGO representatives
attended the workshop. As was the case in other workshops, a few of
the participants only attended for one or two days out of the three
due mainly to work commitments and to a lesser extent, due to the areas
of specific interest. The full list of attendance is attached to this
report.
Agenda
The final agenda was amended through discussion between the trainers
and also based on the needs and desires of the participants. This agenda
is attached and reflects the emphasis on Web Page development, which
was a priority for the participants.
Costs
The agreed costs of the workshop were US $2000 for the venue, of which
SIDSnet will meet US $1600. The venue costs also included the supply
of a photocopier, paper and liquid refreshments. Additional equipment
and refreshments were sourced by Mr. Hill and the ECU.
Workshop Review
The verbal comments and written responses of the participants on the
questionnaires indicated that the workshop was successful in providing
the skills and confidence to use the Internet in an effective and efficient
manner for communication and finding information. Additionally, the
participants appeared got some basic HTML skills and the ability and
information to build on these. As in the case of the other workshops
I have been involved with, the enthusiasm of the participants made the
difference regarding
its success. The individuals very keen on browsing the Internet and
searching for information; learning about and using email; and developing
web pages. The presentations on a background to the Internet, SIDSnet
and Internet and national development were well received and generated
discussion. These aspects were not as interesting as the other activities
however.
The presentation by the ISP
representative, Mr. Derek Abraham of Marpin Telecoms supported the other
elements of the workshop. The participants were better able to grasp
the services on offer. Additionally, they were able to determine how
they could utilise the services at the institutional and personal levels.
Conclusions
Beyond requesting more emphasis on HTML, some participants saw the need
for more advanced follow-up classes and welcomed support from SIDSnet
or any other agency in this regard. I believe that if one of the main
goals of the workshops is to encourage the development of local content
on the Web from SIDS, then assisting in the development of skills and
undertaking pilot activities may merit some consideration. The other
main restriction to the development of local content, telecommunications
costs, may be eroded very soon. Dominica recently saw a court decision
removing the monopoly held by Cable and Wireless for
telecommunicaions services, with the effect that at least one other
company is about to deliver the same. The reduction in telecommunications
costs across the english-speaking Caribbean appears to be as a result
of the view that the monopoly is coming to an end.
Workshop Participants:
Kyle Ross Fargey, ECU - Ministry of Agriculture and the Environment;
Tassie Thomas, Environmental Health Department; Nathaniel Isaac, Airport
Services Meteorological; Donna Thomas, Division of Agriculture; Lloyd
Gabriel Pascal, Forestry Division; John Christian, Kon Lonbi Production;
Annie Edwards, Physical Planning Division; Livingston Cassell, Lands
& Surveys Dept.; Sandra Stoute, Ministry of Communications &
Works; Eloise Thomas, Ministry of Agriculture & the Environment;
Sen. Osbourne Reviere, NANGO; Alvin Barnard, Ministry of Finance; Paula
Emanuel, Ministry of Agriculture & the Environment; Jiselle Allport,
Fisheries Division; Martin Mullan, ECU - Ministry of Agriculture &
the Environment; John Toussaint, Ministry of Agriculture and the Environment;
Alan Duncan, trainer; and Ian King, CPACC.
Agenda
|
Day
1
|
| 9.00am
– 10.30am |
Introductions
- Welcome:
Mr. Gerard Hill, Environmental Officer, ECU, Ministry of Agriculture
& Environment
-
Workshop Structure:
Mr.
Ian King
-
Participants Introduction and Objectives
-
Workshop Introduction, Objectives and Background
-
SIDSnet and CPACC Overview
|
| 10.30am
– 10.50am |
Break |
| 10.50am
– 12.45pm |
Internet
Discussion
-
Internet History and Overview (revised CEPNET presentation)
- Internet
and Small Islands |
| 12.45pm
– 2.15pm |
Lunch |
| 2.15pm
– 3.15pm |
Web
Browsing
- SIDSnet Site and CD ROM Overview
- Browser Introduction |
| 3.15pm
– 3.30pm |
Break |
3.30
pm – 4.15pm
Back to top |
Web Browsing continued
- CD ROM
Practical Exercises
- Browsing
WWW
|
|
Day
2
|
| 9.00am
– 10.15am |
E-mail
- E-mail Introduction
- Web-based Email
- Practical Exercise |
| 10.15am
– 10.35am |
Break |
| 10.35am
– 12.30pm |
HTML
-HTML Introduction
-HTML Tools - Netscape Composer
- Practical Exercise
|
| 12.30pm
– 2.00pm |
Lunch |
| 2.00pm
– 3.15pm |
HTML
Continued
- Practical Exercise |
| 3.15pm
– 3.30pm |
Break |
3.30pm
– 5.00pm
Back to top |
Web site Design
Website Office Integration
|
|
Day
3
|
| 9.00am
– 10.15am |
Internet
Based Applications
HTML Continued
Search Demo and Exercise
List servers, News groups
|
| 10.15am
– 10.35am |
Break |
| 10.35am
– 12.30 pm |
Advanced Internet Facilities
E-commerce/Telemedicine/Security
Practical Exercise
|
| 12.30pm
– 2.00 pm |
Lunch |
| 2.00
pm – 3.15 pm |
Wrap-up
- Internet
Service Provider Presentation:
Mr. Derek Abrahams,
Manager of Information Systems, Marpin Telecoms
- General Discussion
- Questionnaires
- Conclusion
|
www.sidsnet.org
