In 1997, IDRC launched its Acacia initiative in an effort to empower African communities with the ability to apply new information and communication technologies, or ICTs, to their own social and economic development. Now, 7 years later, the Acacia initiative presents this unique and groundbreaking three-volume collection of original research on this important and timely issue.

Volume 3: Networking Institutions of Learning - SchoolNet documents the process used, and institutions created, to bring computers and connectivity into schools, as a means of enhancing the use and integration of ICTs in teaching and learning. A range of project, administrative, and cultural settings are explored as are a wide variety of technical solutions. The results, observations, and conclusions presented in this book will be useful for policy- and decision-makers in education and ICTs. The book will also be useful for teachers, researchers, and development practitioners and professionals with interests or active programs in the area of 'ICT for development'. Information technology professionals looking to service the potential education market will also find this book valuable.

Tina James is an independent consultant with 18 years experience in various aspects of ICTs in Southern Africa. She has led several large, multidisplinary projects for the South African IT Industry Strategy and preparatory papers on The African Learning Network. Ms. James served on the ICT working group for South Africa's Foresight Initiative, which developed a technology strategy for ICTs. She was also recently appointed to serve on United Nations Economic Commission for Africa's African Technical Advisory Committee for the African Information Society Initiative(AISI).