Glossary

D

Digital Divide: Refers to the gap between people with effective access to digital and information technology and those with very limited or no access at all. Its not only unequal access to computer hardware, but also inequalities between groups of people in their ability to fully use information technology.

E-democracy: This is a combination of the words "electronic" and "democracy." E-democracy represents the use of information and communication technologies and strategies by democratic actors within political and governance processes of local communities, nations and on the international stage.
Electronic Commerce (EC): Commonly known as (electronic marketing) e-commerce or eCommerce, consists of the buying and selling of products or services over electronic systems such as the Internet and other computer networks.
Electronic Learning (EL): Electronic learning (or E-Learning or eLearning) is a term for all types of technology-enhanced learning (TEL), where technology is used to support the learning process. Often the medium of instruction is through computer technology, particularly involving digital technologies.

Francs (XAF): This is the currency used in the Central African countries of Cameroon, Central African Republic, Congo, Chad, Equatorial Guinea, and Gabon.
Free and Open Source Software (FOSS): Free and Open Source Software is one which is freely licensed for use by anybody, including the source code for those who may want to make changes and/or improvements in its design.

Information and Communications Technologies (ICT): This is an umbrella term that covers all advanced technologies in manipulating and communicating information.
Information and Communications Technologies For Development: Refers to the application of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) within the field of socioeconomic development. ICT4D concerns itself directly with overcoming the barriers of the digital divide.
Information Technology (IT): This is the study, design, development, implementation, support or management of computer-based information systems, particularly software applications and computer hardware.

Millennium Development Goal (MDG): These are eight international development goals that 192 United Nations member states and at least 23 international organizations have agreed to achieve by the year 2015. They include reducing extreme poverty, reducing child mortality rates, fighting disease epidemics such as AIDS, and developing a global partnership for development.
Millennium Development Goals: Goal 1: Eradicate extreme poverty and hunger

Goal 2: Achieve universal primary education

Goal 3: Promote gender equality and empower women

Goal 4: Reduce child mortality

Goal 5: Improve maternal health

Goal 6: Combat HIV/AIDS, malaria, and other diseases

Goal 7: Ensure environmental sustainability

Goal 8: Develop a global partnership for development

Non-Governmental Organization (NGO): Refers to a legally constituted, non-governmental organization created by natural or legal persons with no participation or representation of any government.

TeleCentre: A public place where people can access computers, the Internet, and other digital technologies that enable them to gather information, create, learn, and communicate with others while they develop essential digital skills. The focus is on the use of digital technologies to support community, economic, educational, and social development.