aware Net: The system design of a social networking software for disadvantaged South African schools

摘要

This paper introduces the technical design concepts behind a free open source software package called awareNet, which implements an online social network of the same name. The paper describes the context in which the system originated and the technology that was developed to address the specific needs of rural and peri-urban learners. It highlights the use of an ad-hoc overlay network to provide commonly used online social networking functionality to schools with poor Internet access. The paper also describes the novel Kapenta PHP framework, on which the system is based, and in particular, the principles that inform design decisions underlying the system. Finally a lightweight analysis of the system is offered and the way forward for the software package is also described. awareNet is a South African product implemented by eKhaya ICT, which is currently in use at seven schools in the Eastern Cape.