November 2010 - change - Mailing Lists

Can Technology End Poverty?
by Yaw Anokwa 10 Nov '10

10 Nov '10

"Many development experts promote information and communication technology (ICT) as a way to relieve global poverty. They should pay more attention to the human beings who use it." -- Kentaro Toyama kentaro has a great piece on technology and poverty at http://www.bostonreview.net/BR35.6/ndf_technology.php. make sure to read the responses from nicholas negroponte, nathan eagle, dean karlan, jenny aker, archon fung, christine zhenwei qiang, evgeny morozov and ignacio mas.

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Fwd: CfP: The Politics of ICT for Development
by Sam Kaufman 10 Nov '10

10 Nov '10

---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Yosem Companys <companys(a)stanford.edu> Date: Wed, Nov 10, 2010 at 9:30 AM To: Liberation Technologies <liberationtech(a)lists.stanford.edu> *SPECIAL ISSUE ON:* The Politics of ICT for Development for the International Journal of e-Politics (IJEP) *SUBMISSION DUE DATE:* February 1st, 2011 ** *OBJECTIVE OF THE SPECIAL ISSUE:* When discussing information and communication technology for development (ICT4D), information systems researchers often focus on positive narratives of ICT4D, or alternatively discuss failures of such projects. What is less often discussed is the political dimension—the influence exerted on the decision-making process—of ICT4D. The idea of development is inherently political as it juxtaposes privileged and deprived societies and ties them together in a relationship. Amartya Sen, the Economics Nobel Prize laureate, conceptualizes development as the set of capabilities that give the individual the opportunity to be autonomous and realize the desired condition of ultimate happiness. Among these capabilities, which constitute an inherent attribute of freedom and become the means to achieve development, political liberties are typically neglected, especially in the ICT4D literature. We suggest that ICT4D may be limited in its ability to confer political liberties, but is an inherently political activity. Thus, in this call, we are interested both in the political potential of ICT4D, and the need to take a more politically informed view of the process of ICT4D at the macro and micro level. In the main, ICT4D initiatives aim at improving people’s living conditions by providing access to ICT tools. Avgerou (2008) talks of three discourses that can be identified in the current literature on ICT4D: 1) the transference of information systems knowledge from developed economies to developing economies, 2) the social embeddedness of information systems innovation in the context of developing countries and 3) the information systems innovation as a transformative socio-economic process. What is invariably intrinsic in all three of these discourses is the political dimension. This special issue welcomes papers that take an overtly political stance toward ICT4D. Topics to be discussed in this special issue include (but are not limited to) the following: · Activism in ICT4D projects · Communal engagement and ICT4D · Critical and emancipatory perspectives on ICT4D · Ethical dimensions of ICT4D · ICT4D and the public sphere · Implications of existing social conditions in ICT4D projects · New theoretical perspectives on the politics of ICT4D · Pluralism in ICT4D initiatives · Political debates on ICT4D · Political properties of ICT4D projects · Politics of social inclusion and ICT4D · Politics of the ICT4D language · Stakeholders’ political agendas in ICT4D Researchers and practitioners are invited to submit papers for this special theme issue on *The Politics of ICT4D* *on or before** **February 1st, 2011*. All submissions must be original and may not be under review by another publication. INTERESTED AUTHORS SHOULD CONSULT THE JOURNAL’S GUIDELINES FOR MANUSCRIPT SUBMISSIONS at http://www.igi-global.com/development/author_info/guidelines submission.pdf<http://www.igi-global.com/development/author_info/guidelines+submission.pdf>. All submitted papers will be reviewed on a double-blind, peer review basis. Papers must follow APA style for reference citations. The *International Journal of e-Politics (IJEP)* establishes the foundations of e-politics as an emerging interdisciplinary area of research and practice, as well as offers a venue for publications that focus on theories and empirical research on the manifestations of e-politics in various contexts and environments. This journal encompasses diverse aspects of e-politics, including: strategy, e-commerce, decision sciences, marketing, economics, psychology, sociology, anthropology, media studies, communication studies, women studies, black studies, political science, philosophy, law, criminology, and ethics. This journal is an official publication of the Information Resources Management Association www.igi-global.com/ijep. Editor-in-Chief:* *Celia Romm Livermore, Wayne State University, USA** Published:* *Quarterly (both in Print and Electronic form)** All submissions should be should be directed to the attention of: Antonio Díaz Andrade (antonio.diaz(a)aut.ac.nz) Cathy Urquhart (c.urquhart(a)mmu.ac.uk) Guest Editors** *International Journal of e-Politics*

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Berkman Research Opportunity with the Broadband Project
by Melody Clark 09 Nov '10

09 Nov '10

---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Rebecca Tabasky <rtabasky(a)cyber.law.harvard.edu> Date: Tue, Nov 9, 2010 at 11:45 AM Subject: Berkman Research Opportunity with the Broadband Project To: jobs-list(a)eon.law.harvard.edu Hi all, The Berkman Center is looking for a researcher to join our broadband team, led by Professor Yochai Benkler, and help to carry out various aspects of the broadband project research agenda. Areas of research may include issues relating to fiber to the home rollout in the United States; an inquiry into the influence ongoing broadband research has had on policymaking; and a survey of existing available U.S. broadband options. The position will begin as soon as we identify the right candidate. We seek to hire one person to support the broadband project and will consider either a fellow or a staff researcher to fill this role. We welcome applications from researchers at different stages in their careers; we look to hire the person with the right mix of subject knowledge and research, writing, and project management skills to help us undertake these ambitious efforts. A position description for the fellowship opportunity can be found below and on the Harvard Human Resources website at: https://sjobs.brassring.com/1033/asp/tg/cim_jobdetail.asp?jobId=759364&Part… In the coming weeks a staff position listing will become available as well (when it is up, we will share it). Please note that applications for the broadband research positions - both for the fellowship and the staff position - must be submitted through the Harvard Human Resources website. Finally, as an additional reminder, we are also accepting fellowship applications for another specific fellowship, our academic fellowship<http://cyber.law.harvard.edu/node/6389>(application deadline is 11:59p.m. E.T. this coming Monday November 15, 2010), and through our annual open call for applications<http://cyber.law.harvard.edu/getinvolved/fellowships/opencall20112012>(application deadline is 11:59p.m. E.T. Wednesday December 15, 2010). More information about these opportunities and the fellowship program can be found at: http://cyber.law.harvard.edu/getinvolved/fellowships. As always, as you see fit please share this call along to your networks, and be in touch if you have any questions. All best, Becca --- *Employee Fellow, Broadband Project, Berkman Center for Internet & Society* <https://sjobs.brassring.com/1033/asp/tg/cim_jobdetail.asp?jobId=759364&Part…> *Duties & Responsibilities * Reporting to Berkman’s Research Director, the broadband fellow is responsible for performing various research and coordination activities associated with the Berkman Center broadband research project. Working closely with the project leadership and others in the Berkman community, the broadband fellow will be responsible for conducting research for the broadband project, including: reviewing extant literature, supervising research assistants, developing and fielding surveys, performing data analysis, writing case studies, coordinating with outside researchers and soliciting input, monitoring new activity in the space, and relationship-building. The project is a collaborative effort including Harvard faculty, Berkman Center researchers, and student researchers. The fellow will be tasked with integrating the efforts of diverse team members and doing research and writing. Scholarship will consist of research, writing and editing projects including grant proposals and reports, research papers, blog posts, press releases, and articles. Other project coordination tasks, including supervising the work of interns and research assistants, interfacing with the administrative and communications teams on relevant aspects of the projects, managing events, and managing projects’ web presences; will be required. This fellowship is also positioned for dynamic participation in the broader Berkman Center Fellowship Program<http://cyber.law.harvard.edu/getinvolved/fellowships>, including interacting with, supporting, and learning from and with the fellows and the larger Berkman community. As with all Berkman appointments, this is a term position ending June 30, 2011. Continuation is contingent on program needs and resource considerations. The Berkman Center seeks to hire one person to support the broadband project and will consider either a fellow or a staff researcher to fill this role. Both iterations will be posted; please apply only for the posted position that best suits your qualifications/interests. *Basic Qualifications * Requires advanced degree in relevant subject area (telecommunications policy, law, business, technology, quantitative methods). *Additional Qualifications* Demonstrated ability/experience leading a significant research project through all stages including conception, design, writing, and publishing. Progressive research skills required, including proficient knowledge of research tools, both internet- and non-internet based. Solid writing, editing and proofreading skills required, as are strong written and oral communication skills. Desire to work for dynamic, mission-driven organization is a must. Experience doing substantive and organizational work for non-governmental or academic organizations strongly preferred. Ability to work under tight deadlines a must. Candidate would thrive in dynamic, entrepreneurial, self-motivated environment. Must be a team player, able to work alone and in teams. Knowledge of internet issues is essential. This role is designed for an individual with academic/research experience who seeks to advance his/her scholarship in these areas. We seek to fill this position ASAP, so qualified applicants must be available to start without delay, and be equipped to hit the ground running with regard to knowledge of related ongoing research, literature, and sources. *Additional Information * The Berkman Center for Internet & Society at Harvard University is a research program founded to explore cyberspace, share in its study, and help pioneer its development. Founded in 1997, through a generous gift from Jack N. and Lillian R. Berkman, the Center is home to an ever-growing community of faculty, fellows, staff, and affiliates working on projects that span the broad range of intersections between cyberspace, technology, and society. More information can be found at http://cyber.law.harvard.edu. The broadband project explores various economic, regulatory, and cultural factors in high-speed internet access. The outputs include in-depth case studies, quantitative analysis of broadband data, qualitative investigation of policy, and reviews of existing work. The Berkman Center is at a uniquely central position in U.S. broadband policy as a respected convener of stakeholders and synthesizer of positions. *Commitment to Diversity* The work and well-being of the Berkman Center for Internet & Society at Harvard University are strengthened profoundly by the diversity of our network and our differences in background, culture, experience, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, and much more. We actively seek and welcome applications from people of color, women, the LGBT community, and persons with disabilities, as well as applications from researchers and practitioners from across the spectrum of disciplines and methods. The roots of this deep commitment are many and, appropriately, diverse. We are not nearly far enough along in this regard, and we may never be. It is a constant process in which there remains much to learn. We welcome your inquiries, comments and ideas on how we may continue to improve.

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Ultrasound System from UW wins Gates Grant
by Yaw Anokwa 09 Nov '10

09 Nov '10

congrats to the portable ultrasound group! this project started as a hcde/cse class concept and has grown into a great demonstration of what university wide collaborations can accomplish. the press release and project descriptions at the bottom have a ton more information. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- A team of University of Washington undergraduate students were among 65 research groups that today learned they had won one of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation’s $100,000 Grand Challenges Explorations grants. This is the fifth round of Grand Challenges Explorations, an initiative to help scientists around the world explore bold and largely unproven ways to improve health in developing countries. To receive funding, applicants show in a two-page application how their idea falls outside current scientific paradigms and might lead to significant advances in global health. Grantees, chosen from more than 2,400 proposals, represent 16 countries on five continents. “I am a huge believer in the creativity of undergraduates,”said faculty adviser Beth Kolko, a UW professor of human centered design and engineering. “This grant really validates that belief.” The UW students and faculty are testing a low-cost ultrasound system this month on pregnant women at the UW Medical Center and Harborview. They will use the grant to travel to Africa to test their system in its ultimate capacity as a tool to increase access to ultrasound and lower childbirth-related mortality, which kills an estimated 1,000 women each day, almost entirely in the developing world... Press Release: http://uwnews.org/article.asp?articleID=61198 Project Description: http://change.washington.edu/projects/mobile-midwives-ultrasound

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Fwd: Distance Learning MSc with Scholarship from Manchester University
by Yaw Anokwa 09 Nov '10

09 Nov '10

---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Richard Heeks <richard.heeks(a)manchester.ac.uk> Date: Tue, Nov 9, 2010 at 04:16 Subject: Distance Learning MSc with Scholarship from Manchester University To: "richard.heeks(a)manchester.ac.uk" <richard.heeks(a)manchester.ac.uk> Starting each year in January, the MSc in Management & Information Systems: Change and Development aims to develop the "hybrid" mix of management and information systems skills that we know from experience is essential to the successful and strategic application of ICTs. The programme specifically focuses on the planning, development, impact and management of information systems and organisational change in developing and transitional countries, and is co-ordinated by the University of Manchester's Centre for Development Informatics. Being taught by distance learning, it allows study fellows to remain at home and in work, and to study at their own pace as other commitments allow. Applications are now being accepted, and links to this and other details of MSc M&IS DL can be found at: http://www.sed.manchester.ac.uk/postgraduate/taught/courses/08003/?code=080… One fully-funded scholarship is available for a candidate from a developing country, covering all costs. Details are available at: http://www.sed.manchester.ac.uk/idpm/postgraduate/taught/funding/ If you have any questions, please email the Programme Director, Prof. Richard Heeks: richard.heeks(a)manchester.ac.uk Do please forward to any relevant colleagues.

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Change website going down for routine maintenance
by Clint Tseng 08 Nov '10

08 Nov '10

Hi all, We have to upgrade the server that the Change website lives on. This will take place at around 330p pst today, and should take around an hour. Thanks, —Clint Tseng

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iSchool Research Conversation, Monday, November 8th: 'THATCamp PNW: When Technologies and the Humanities Converge on the Fly' (Speaker: Jentery Sayers)
by Rosalyn Mahashin 05 Nov '10

05 Nov '10

Change-agents -- thought you'd be interested in an event this upcoming Monday on an unconference where technology and humanities disciplines converged. ---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Madeline Sanabria <mms2(a)uw.edu> Date: Fri, Nov 5, 2010 at 12:12 PM Subject: [dub] iSchool Research Conversation, Monday, November 8th: 'THATCamp PNW: When Technologies and the Humanities Converge on the Fly' (Speaker: Jentery Sayers) To: faculty <ifac(a)u.washington.edu>, staff <istaff(a)u.washington.edu>, PhD <iphds(a)u.washington.edu>, INFO <imajors(a)u.washington.edu>, MSIM <imsim(a)u.washington.edu>, MLIS <imlis(a)u.washington.edu> WHO: Jentery Sayers is a Ph.D. Candidate completing his dissertation in English at the University of Washington. Together with Paige Morgan (English), he organized THATCamp PNW at the UW in 2010. His research falls broadly under the umbrella of digital humanities, with an emphasis on cultural histories of technologies, new media theory and practice, and computers and composition. In July and August 2010, with support from the National Endowment for the Humanities and the journal Vectors, he participated in the "Broadening the Digital Humanities" Institute at the University of Southern California, where he developed a proof of concept for his hybrid (i.e., part print, part digital) dissertation, "How Text Lost Its Source: Magnetic Recording Cultures." WHAT: THATCamp PNW: When Technologies and the Humanities Converge on the Fly WHERE: Mary Gates Hall 420 WHEN: Monday, November 8, 2010, 12:00-1:20pm WHY: THATCamp PNW, or The Humanities And Technology Camp Pacific Northwest, is a regional, user-generated unconference premised on the original THATCamp concept, which was founded in 2008 at the Center for History and New Media at George Mason University. In 2009, the first THATCamp PNW occurred at Washington State University in Pullman, and on October 23 and 24, 2010 the event took place at the University of Washington, with support from the Simpson Center for the Humanities, Microsoft Research, UW Libraries, and the Henry Art Gallery. More at: http://www.thatcamppnw.org/. This conversation will begin with a brief reflection on THATCamp PNW 2010 from the perspective of one of its organizers. Jentery will begin by asking why an unconference in the first place. What does it afford that typical conferences in the humanities do not? He will then transition into what, on paper and in practice, THATCamp PNW 2010 looked like: who participated, from what institutions and organizations, and to what effects on a learning climate stressing humanities approaches to new technologies and media. Jentery will conclude with a few lessons learned from the event, namely the topics humanities researchers seemed to stress and what research trajectories are apparently emerging in the region. Collaboration across the fields of humanities and information studies will be of particular interest. **Food provided. Please bring your own beverage.** _______________________________________________ dub mailing list dub(a)dub.washington.edu http://dub.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/dub

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Jackie Logan and Richard Anderson on TB surveillance in Tanzania
by Eleanor O'Rourke 02 Nov '10

02 Nov '10

This Thursday at Change, Jackie Logan and Richard Anderson will be discussing their recent work with PATH in Tanzania to derive the requirements for an electronically supported national Tuberculosis (TB) surveillance system. The goal of TB surveillance programs is to detect new cases of the disease and enroll patients in treatment programs. Jackie and Richard will describe the process of bringing together stakeholders to discuss current methods of TB surveillance and defining the necessary characteristics of an electronic surveillance system. What: Jackie Logan and Richard Anderson on TB surveillance in Tanzania When: Thursday, November 4 at noon Where: Paul Allen Center, Room 203

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