January 2011 - change - Mailing Lists

Communication Technologies & Development in Ghana (Exploration Seminar)
by Yaw Anokwa 14 Jan '11

14 Jan '11

araba sey (from ischool and tascha) is organizing a seminar in ghana this summer. looks like an amazing opportunity to see ghana while learning about ict and development. ---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Araba Sey <arabasey(a)uw.edu> Communication Technologies & Development: Experiencing Research in Low-Resource Environments (Exploration Seminar) Location: Accra, Ghana Department: iSchool Dates: August 22 - September 16, 2011 PROGRAM DESCRIPTION: Access to information and communication technologies (ICTs) in Ghana ranges from no access in many rural areas to access comparable to some major US cities. What strategies do people with low incomes use to connect to others and get the information they need? How does this impact their lives? We can get answers to these questions through research and direct experience. Whether you are interested in the uses and impacts of ICTs on the lives of people in developing countries or more generally in learning about how to do field research, this seminar is an opportunity to explore researched-based learning through immersion in the people and culture of Ghana. In this seminar students will examine how people in different types of communities (urban and rural) use ICTs in their daily activities and how they feel about the impacts on their wellbeing. In contrast to historical notions of development where outside agencies determine goals with little input from the target populations, we will focus on development from the perspective of low-income populations. Students can apply the experience to their individual areas of interest, whether they be information systems, health, education, or other fields. The program will provide instruction and practical experience on using field research methods to investigate the role of ICTs in the livelihoods of low and middle-income populations. Students will also experience local history and lifestyles through visits to sites of cultural interest such as colonial slave castles, local markets, and national parks. If you are interested in ICTs, development, or just want to learn more about conducting field research, we encourage you to apply! To find out more about this seminar visit the program website (http://studyabroad.washington.edu/index.cfm?FuseAction=Programs.ViewProgram…) If you have any questions about the program, feel free to email us: Dr. Araba Sey, Research Associate, Information School arabasey(a)uw.edu Chris Rothschild, Research Analyst, Information School chriskr(a)uw.edu

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David Sherwin on Designing the Design Problem
by Eleanor O'Rourke 13 Jan '11

13 Jan '11

This Thursday at Change, David Sherwin, a Senior Interaction Designer at frog design, will be discussing their work on developing design methodologies for social technology projects. How does a designer identify possible solutions for systematically impacting “wicked problems,” such as the spread of infectious disease? David Sherwin, a designer and researcher at frog design—a global innovation firm seeking to amplify the positive social impact of mobile technologies through the technological power of design—will share out proven research methods that frog has used as part of a major initiative to encourage HIV testing in South Africa. Please join us for sandwiches, and to learn more about frog design! What: David Sherwin on Designing the Design Problem When: Thursday, January 13th at noon Where: Paul Allen Center, Room 203

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PLAN internship applications - Deadline January 15
by Yaw Anokwa 13 Jan '11

13 Jan '11

here are a few internship opportunities for students interested in new media, technology and development. the deadline has been extended until 15 january. ---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Sawako Sonoyama <sawakos(a)gmail.com> Date: Tue, Dec 21, 2010 at 12:37 PM Subject: [New Media Task Force] 4 ICT related Internship positions with PLAN (Due early January) We are excited to share with you that Plan has 4 internship positions available for SIPA students for the spring and/or summer. The positions are listed below and TORs are attached to this email. I know this is the holidays, so PLAN will be accepting applications until the first week of January. Hopefully there’s plenty of time for you to apply! Plan is an international child centered development organizations that helps more than 1,500,000 children and families in 48 developing countries. Plan is dedicated to working directly with children, their families and communities in devising, implementing and evaluating development projects that provide long lasting improvements. Plan is an independent, not-for-profit organization without political agenda or religious orientation. Internship positions: 1) ICT Intern – Benin This position will assist in deploying Ushahidi/Frontline SMS platforms to Plan’s Program to End Violence against Children 2) ICT Intern - Cameroon – (2 spots) This position will assist in deploying Ushahidi/Frontline SMS platforms to Plan’s the Youth Empowerment through Tech, Arts and Media (YETAM) 3) Video Project Intern: The Web Video Internship is an opportunity for a student to work with the Internet marketing team to create videos that communicate our work with children and inspire people to take action to help children. 4) Social Media Marketing Intern: The Social Media Marketing Internship is an opportunity for a student to work with the Internet Marketing Team and Social Media Strategist to experiment with new and unique ways to leverage our existing and expand prospective social media initiatives and online communities. (Possible funding opportunity)

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Innovators In Health is hiring in India
by Bill Thies 12 Jan '11

12 Jan '11

Innovators In Health is seeking a software engineer to be based in Delhi. Please see below for details. -Bill --- PRINCIPAL SOFTWARE ENGINEER (.NET / C# / MS Access) New Delhi Two internationally-recognized NGOs are are seeking a skilled, experienced, and dedicated software engineer for a full-time position in developing .NET software that will positively impact the lives of thousands of low-income individuals who suffer from tuberculosis. As Principal Software Engineer for Innovators In Health and Operation ASHA, you will be responsible for overseeing the overall evolution of our organizations' code base. Your work will encompass two major systems: a biometric attendance terminal and an electronic medical record (EMR) system. The biometric terminal uses a fingerprint reader to track patient attendance at health clinics, while the EMR provides visualizations and reports of patient data as well as our stock of medications. The systems (developed jointly with Microsoft Research India and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology) have already been published in international conferences and have received global attention, including a personal demonstration to Bill Gates. Our software utilizes .NET technologies, including C#, WPF, Microsoft Access and general Windows programming. The code will be open source, enabling your contributions to be recognized by the broader community. This position reports to the Chief Information Officer (CIO) of Operation ASHA, and will receive further guidance from the CEO of Innovators In Health. It is based in New Delhi, at the headquarters of Operation ASHA (in Sarita Vihar) and is available starting immediately. Salary is competitive and commensurate with experience. Responsibilities include: - Design and implementation of new features, bug fixes, and general maintenance of our software architecture, as guided by the CIO. - Occasional visits to health clinics to observe and troubleshoot usage of the biometric terminal in the field. - Personal interaction with the CIO and community health workers to train them to use the latest versions of the software. - Documentation and release of the system to other tuberculosis treatment programs around the world. Qualifications: - 5+ years experience as a software engineer - B.Tech/B.E. in computer science or a related field (Master's a plus) - Deep knowledge of .NET, C#, MS Access and general Windows programming - Deep understanding of object oriented design principles - Passion for extending quality healthcare to underserved communities - Available to work full-time in New Delhi (Sarita Vihar area) About Innovators In Health: Innovators In Health is a non-government organization (NGO) founded by alumni of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology with the mission of developing technology to reduce the burden of medication adherence, for both patients and treatment programs. Innovators In Health has been the recipient of numerous prizes for social entrepreneurship, including the RGK Center Winner's Cup for the premier social enterprise in the United States. Learn more about Innovators In Health at http://www.innovatorsinhealth.org/ About Operation ASHA: Operation ASHA is a non-government organization (NGO) based out of Delhi, India and Chicago, USA that aims to eradicate tuberculosis worldwide. We treat tuberculosis (TB) amongst more than two million individuals, most of which live in the slum areas of India. Learn more about Operation ASHA at http://s01.opasha.org/ TO APPLY: Please send your resume and brief cover letter to our search committee at careers(a)innovatorsinhealth.org.

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MS Degree in ICTD at UC-Boulder
by Yaw Anokwa 11 Jan '11

11 Jan '11

Master of Science in Information and Communication Technology for Development (MS-ICTD) at University of Colorado at Boulder. The MS-ICTD degree prepares students for careers in the use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) to advance people and communities in developing nations and underserved or impoverished regions. Students are trained to address issues of access, social equity, sustainability, appropriate design and distribution. The two-year program includes three semesters in residence and a one-semester practicum, that is, an internship or service project with a company engaged in ICTD efforts. Organizations participating in the practicum may be public or private sector, international development agencies, foundations and/or non-governmental organizations. http://www.colorado.edu/atlas/newatlas/masters For further information, download the program description or email Dr. Revi Sterling, program director, at revi.sterling(a)colorado.edu. If you need more info, there are also former UW folks in the program that Revi can connect you with.

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FW: [report-release-list] Peacebuilding in the Information Age: Sifting Hype from Reality
by Karine Nahon 11 Jan '11

11 Jan '11

I thought that this booklet from the Berkman Center would interest this list Best Karine ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Dr. Karine Nahon - http://eKarine.org Associate Professor The Information School, The retroV (Virality of Information) Group - http://retroV.org University of Washington Twitter - http://twitter.com/karineb Office tel. - (206) 685-6668 From: Rebecca Tabasky [mailto:rtabasky@cyber.law.harvard.edu] Sent: יום ג 11 ינואר 2011 06:05 To: report-release-and-press-list(a)eon.law.harvard.edu Subject: [report-release-list] Peacebuilding in the Information Age: Sifting Hype from Reality Good morning, The Berkman Center for Internet & Society at Harvard University is pleased to join the ICT4Peace Foundation and Georgia Tech in announcing a new collection of essays, "Peacebuilding in the Information Age: Sifting Hype from Reality," the first in a series of publications examining information and communication technologies (ICTs) in conflict prevention, peacebuilding, peacekeeping and crisis response. The full announcement from the ICT4Peace Foundation follows. "Peacebuilding in the Information Age: Sifting Hype from Reality" can be downloaded via http://ict4peace.org/updates/peacebuilding-in-the-information-age-sifting-h… The Berkman Center is enthusiastic about our collaboration with ICT4Peace and Georgia Tech on this series of papers. There is tremendous excitement over the promise of ICTs in grave and pivotal situations, but the practical and actual characteristics of ICTs in peacebuilding contexts are often unclear. The constellation of contributing authors and organizations -- encompassing policymakers, scholars, innovators and practitioners -- offers a rich, sober and skeptical investigation of the issues. Through this shared exploration, we hope to develop understandings that help ICTs to reach their potential for positive impact. As always, we welcome your feedback. Becca Tabasky Berkman Center for Internet & Society Harvard University ***************************************************************************************************************************************************** Peacebuilding in the Information Age: Sifting Hype from Reality 10 January 2011, Switzerland: The ICT4Peace Foundation, in collaboration with the Berkman Center for Internet and Society at Harvard University and GeorgiaTech, is pleased to release, on the occasion of the anniversary of the devastating earthquake in Haiti, the first in a series of papers looking at the increasingly important role of information and communication technology (ICT) in conflict prevention, peacebuilding, peacekeeping and crisis response. Unlike other papers on innovative technologies (crowdsourcing, social networking etc) dealing with crisis response, reconstruction and humanitarian aid, this collection of thought provoking pieces by esteemed writers, including former Finnish President and Nobel Peace Prize Winner Martti Athisaari and a younger generation of cutting edge practitioners and scholars in this fast moving space, aims to encourage meaningful debate and action on how to solve the serious challenges that still exist in the effective use of ICTs. “There has been solid progress in improving the international community’s response to crises through the effective use of innovative ICTs in crisis information management. However, there is still a long road ahead. In particular, we need to focus on how to extract and use verified information from crowdsourced data. The right mechanisms and tools for effective and coordinated crisis information management still need to be developed and refined.” Daniel Stauffacher, Co-Founder and Chairman, ICT4Peace Foundation. Going beyond the current debate and positive hype about ICTs, this paper probes difficult questions and provides concrete recommendations concerning: * the effectiveness of current systems of crisis information management; * the need for a comprehensive assessment of the effectiveness of the use of ICTs in crisis response by the academic community; * the need for better coordinative mechanisms amongst the key players, including the UN and its various agencies; * the humanitarian responsibility of various actors, in particular new players such as crowdsourcing providers and social media; * the serious challenges that still need to be overcome in terms of underlying political, hierarchical and traditional resistance to information-sharing amongst diverse organizations; * the negative potential of ICTs in compromising the security of persons at risk in conflict situations; * the lessons learned from the earthquake in Haiti on the use of new ICTs in disaster response situations and, * the big picture of what this shift to an ICT-focused approach really means for existing humanitarian response systems. Download the report here - http://ict4peace.org/updates/peacebuilding-in-the-information-age-sifting-h… For more details contact Daniel Stauffacher, Chairman, ICT4Peace Foundation via danielstauffacher(a)ict4peace.org<mailto:danielstauffacher@ict4peace.org> ### ICT4Peace took root with pioneering research on the role of ICTs in preventing, responding to and recovering from conflict in 2003 and lead to the adoption of Paragraph 36 by the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) in Tunis in 2005 which recognises “...the potential of ICTs to promote peace and to prevent conflict which, inter alia, negatively affects achieving development goals. ICTs can be used for identifying conflict situations through early-warning systems preventing conflicts, promoting their peaceful resolution, supporting humanitarian action, including protection of civilians in armed conflicts, facilitating peacekeeping missions, and assisting post conflict peace-building and reconstruction". Download a report on the use of Information and Communications Technologies for peacebuilding (ICT4Peace), with a Preface by Kofi A. Annan, former Secretary General of the United Nations here - http://old.ict4peace.org/articles/ict4peace_ebook1.pdf The ICT4Peace Foundation (www.ict4peace.org<http://www.ict4peace.org>) works to promote the practical realisation of Paragraph 36 and looks at the role of ICT in crisis management, covering aspects of early warning and conflict prevention, peace mediation, peacekeeping, peace-building as well as natural disaster management and humanitarian operations. Follow ICT4Peace on Twitter here - http://www.twitter.com/ict4peace Follow ICT4Peace on Facebook here - http://facebook.com/ict4peace ***************************************************************************************************************************************************** About the Berkman Center for Internet & Society 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. To change your Berkman Center mailing list subscriptions, please visit http://cyber.law.harvard.edu/getinvolved

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Husk power brings electricity to the dark villages of Bihar, India
by ashish makani 11 Jan '11

11 Jan '11

Cross-posted from the TIER mailing list ---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: ashish makani <ashish.makani(a)gmail.com> Date: Tue, Jan 11, 2011 at 2:36 PM Subject: Husk power brings electricity to the dark villages of Bihar, India To: TIER <tier(a)tier.cs.berkeley.edu> Hi TIER folks Serendipitously came across this really neat article from nytimes, on an innovative company, using "frugal innovation" to bring electricity to the dark villages of Bihar, India http://opinionator.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/01/10/a-light-in-india/ IMHO, this could have huge potential for (partial ?) electrification of villages in Africa too. Very inspiring Best, ashish *"We act as though comfort and luxury were the chief requirements of life, when all that we need to make us happy is something to be enthusiastic about." -- Albert Einstein*

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medic mobile is hiring
by Yaw Anokwa 11 Jan '11

11 Jan '11

medic mobile (formerly frontlinesms:medic) is hiring a campaign manager and a few software developers. apply at http://medicmobile.org/jobs

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Welcome to Change and Eduardo Jezierski on InSTEDD
by Eleanor O'Rourke 07 Jan '11

07 Jan '11

Welcome back! This Thursday will be the first Change meeting of the winter quarter. We will be introducing new members to the Change group, discussing plans for the upcoming weeks, and hearing a talk from the chief technology officer at InSTEDD, Eduardo Jezierski. InSTEDD is a non-profit that harnesses the power of technology for effective collaboration against global health threats, natural disasters, and emergencies. Below is an overview of the organization’s mission: The Problem: It’s a familiar scene. Following the onset of a major disease outbreak or natural disaster, government agencies, non-governmental organizations and the local community must join forces and act quickly to alleviate suffering. People need to communicate, assemble teams, share information, make plans and coordinate a response. Yet despite every one’s best intentions, a wealth of resources, deep expertise and tremendous effort, there are still challenges in trying to work together. The response once again proves confused, inefficient, and far less effective than it should have been. As a population waits for help, delays mount, resources are wasted, and too little arrives too late. The Collaboration Gap: Effective collaboration requires people to establish a reliable flow of timely, accurate and complete information. Yet the information technologies required often fail in the difficult environments where humanitarian organizations work. Today’s public health and disaster response workers need to have access to the best possible information whenever they need it, including satellite imagery, sensor data, media reports and all of the rich resources of the web. Responders to a crisis need to have powerful tools and services to help them make the right decisions. They need to be able to communicate reliably with headquarters, with community leaders, and with one another at any moment. At InSTEDD we help to ensure collaboration between those who want it, just as soon as they need it. InSTEDD’s Strategy: We work with governments, universities, corporations, international health organizations, humanitarian NGOs and local communities around the world. We go to the field – in rural Asia, urban Africa, the rain forests of Indonesia, and the slums of Haiti – to learn about the challenges that professionals face in those places. Where solutions already exist, we integrate them. If another technology can be adapted to meet the needs we find, we re-purpose it. If a genuine gap is found where no solution exists and no market pressures are driving the necessary innovation, we build it ourselves. Then we give it away, free and open source. We then test, train, and deploy it within the areas of the world we find are most in need. We support humanitarian organizations, local communities, and government ministries by filling the collaboration gaps we find through sustainable innovation – a unique and effective combination of user-centered design, software development, and on-the-job training. Join us for lunch this Thursday to learn more about InSTEDD! What: Welcome to Change and Eduardo Jezierski on InSTEDD When: Thursday, January 6 at noon Where: Paul Allen Center, Room 203

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Hiring developers for OpenXData
by Yaw Anokwa 05 Jan '11

05 Jan '11

---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Jørn Ivar Klungsøyr <Jorn.Klungsoyr(a)cih.uib.no> Date: Wed, Jan 5, 2011 at 02:27 Subject: [javarosa-developers] Announcement for 3 vacant positions: 2x50% and 1x100% as software developers To: "javarosa-developers(a)googlegroups.com" < javarosa-developers(a)googlegroups.com> Hi, Happy New Year! *At Centre for International Health, University of Bergen, Norway we have one 100% and two 50% positions available for experienced/talented software engineers/developers.* The positions will be affiliated to the projects Open Mobile Electronic Vaccine Trials (OMEVAC) and Mobile vaccination Registry (MVAC). These projects contribute actively to the development of openXdata, an open source solution for mobile and web-based data collection and reporting of data, with special focus on use in low-income countries (see www.openxdata.org<http://www.openxdata.org%20>). The positions are 2 year temporary positions, with likely option of extension depending on funding. Location and time of work is flexible and can be agreed upon. Applicants must have engineering from college/university or equivalent degree (e.g. bachelor), or equivalent qualifications obtained from versatile relevant experience and sufficient continuing education. Developer experience with openXdata.org and relevant technologies will be emphasized. Relevant technologies are: Java (J2EE/J2SE/J2ME), Spring, Hibernate, JUnit, Selenium, Maven, Hudson, Eclipse, Ant, GWT, XML, XForms, HTML, Web services, REST, RDBMS, Subversion, Trac, Nexus, OpenMRS and JavaROSA. It will be emphasized positive if the applicant has/is doing/or will start on a master's degree with a theme related to openXdata. International experience and good English skills are emphasized. The public advert is at the following URLs (in Norwegian... use google translate :-) 2x50% --> http://www.jobbnorge.no/job.aspx?jobid=71089 1x100% --> http://www.jobbnorge.no/job.aspx?jobid=71090 *Deadline for online application is 15th January 2011 23:59 GMT+1* *If you are interested or want to know more, then please send a private message directly to jorn.klungsoyr(a)cih.uib.no AND jorn.klungsoyr@gmail.com.* *NOTE! PLEASE DO NOT REPLY TO AN EMAIL LIST IF YOU GOT THIS EMAIL THERE (:* Please circulate widely! Best regards, Jørn ____________________________________________________________________________ Jorn Klungsoyr openXdata - Centre for International Health, University of Bergen, Norway www.openxdata.org / www.cih.uib.no / www.openrosa.org / www.open-mobile.org Mobile: +4791365731, Office: +4755588574, Skype/GoogleTalk: jornklung Alternative email: jorn.klungsoyr(a)gmail.com Post: Postboks 7800, 5020 Bergen, Visit: Årstadveien 21, 5th Floor, Bergen ------¤¤¤¤------

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