University of Washington (USA) researchers are testing the idea that computer games can be a way to get Uzbekistanians - especially youth - interested in exploring computers. "If games get people interested in using technology, they may also motivate them to eventually become involved in other ways", according to the research team leader. "Suddenly, they go from being consumers of information to producers of information. They become programmers, developers, designers, not just passive players." The idea here is that games are not just entertaining - they serve an educational function by motivating young people to build skills through engaging more innovatively with technology.

In the context of statistics presented in this article, the research team's argument is a difficult one to make. Advocating gaming may seem an odd strategy in a country where technology is such a scarce resource. Use of telecentres is expensive; this reflects larger infrastructure problems, regulatory and policy roadblocks, as well as cultural and social issues. Not surprisingly, ability to use technology is, according to Digital Access Index rankings, very low here. In this context, researchers hold, technology has great potential to improve people's lives - and helping them recognise that potential by getting them excited about using technology for recreation (at first) is one strategy to consider.

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