April 2012 - change - Mailing Lists

Results of randomized control trial of OLPC in Peru
by Yaw Anokwa 07 Apr '12

07 Apr '12

>From http://www.iadb.org/en/research-and-data/publication-details,3169.html?pub_… "Although many countries are aggressively implementing the One Laptop per Child (OLPC) program, there is a lack of empirical evidence on its effects. This paper presents the impact of the first large-scale randomized evaluation of the OLPC program, using data collected after 15 months of implementation in 319 primary schools in rural Peru. The results indicate that the program increased the ratio of computers per student from 0.12 to 1.18 in treatment schools. This expansion in access translated into substantial increases in use both at school and at home. No evidence is found of effects on enrollment and test scores in Math and Language. Some positive effects are found, however, in general cognitive skills as measured by Raven's Progressive Matrices, a verbal fluency test and a Coding test."" The Economist also has a short story up at http://www.economist.com/node/21552202

1 0

Stanford ICTD course/collaborations
by Gaetano Borriello 06 Apr '12

06 Apr '12

What do you think about this approach to ICTD courses? Harnessing Mobile Tech and Students to Promote Development in Kenya Stanford University (03/19/12) Stanford University professors Joshua Cohen and Terry Winograd teach a course that brings interdisciplinary teams of Stanford students together with students from the University of Nairobi and local nongovernmental organizations to design new uses for mobile platforms that promote human development in Nairobi's informal settlements. Cohen says the course, called Designing Liberation Technologies, is premised on the idea that mobile tech is a promising means for providing jumpstarts in human welfare. He says the reason the class focuses on using mobile applications in areas of health, education, and economic development is because mobile is the most rapidly growing technology, especially in the developing world. The students use a problem-solving process that involves starting with the potential users themselves, and then developing insights about how their needs can be solved with mobile applications, Cohen notes. The projects have involved locating malaria drugs and checking them for counterfeiting, helping health workers collect patient information and control patient workflow, and helping pregnant women save money for prenatal care. The group is readying the launch of a six-month pilot for the M-Maji project in five villages in Kibera, which is designed to help people find clean water, especially during water shortages. http://www.gsb.stanford.edu/news/headlines/cohen-mobile-kenya.html

4 4

Invitation: TASCHA Talk -- April 12 -- From co-working to hackerspaces: An introduction to innovation spaces
by Melody Clark 06 Apr '12

06 Apr '12

TASCHA TALK >From co-working to hackerspaces: An introduction to innovation spaces <http://tascha.uw.edu/2011/11/december-1-developing-a-framework-for-digitall…> Chris Coward Thursday -- April 12, from 3:45 to 4:45 pm Roosevelt Commons Building, Multi-Purpose Room Remote or outside of Seattle: Via Adobe Connect <http://connect.washington.edu/ischool-tascha/> We all know what the typical telecenter or library computer space looks like - people sitting behind monitors along rows of desks, working away on whatever it is they are doing. This model serves a purpose, and as our research indicates, people can benefit greatly from the sort of access and services that one finds in these places. But at the same time this standard configuration is limiting in the types of activities that people can engage in around computers. In this talk I introduce other models of communal computer usage, places described as co-working spaces, hacker or maker spaces, and innovation hubs. We will first take a tour, exploring what people do in these places, who they are designed for, and what makes them work. As we will see, the physical design, management, rules, and services of these spaces foster a wide range activities. Next, we will look at the ways people across disciplines are conducting research on innovation spaces. What are the driving questions? How are people trying to understand the phenomenon and introduce technological, design, or other interventions to improve the impacts of these places? Finally, we will discuss potential research opportunities for TASCHA and others to contribute to advancing this space. About the presenter Chris Coward<http://tascha.uw.edu/author/chriscoward/> is the co-founder, Principal Research Scientist, and Director of the Technology & Social Change Group (TASCHA) at the University of Washington Information School. Under his leadership, TASCHA has grown in size and scope over the last decade, encompassing research in 50 countries. Chris specializes in designing research programs that improve policy and practice. His work focuses on examining the social and economic impacts of information and communication technologies (ICT), with particular attention to the role of libraries and nonprofit organizations in developing countries. Chris holds a Master of Public Administration degree and a Master of Arts in International Studies degree, both from the University of Washington. TASCHA Talks are bi-weekly sessions to share, discuss, and advance new ideas around topics related to technology and social change. Learn more at tascha.uw.edu/taschatalks<http://tascha.uw.edu/taschatalks/> -- Melody Clark Research Coordinator | Global Impact Study Technology & Social Change (TASCHA) http://about.me/melodyclark melclark(a)uw.edu<mailto:melclark@uw.edu> | 206.685.7819 Twitter: @ictimpact<http://twitter.com/#!/ICTimpact> | @melodyrclark<https://twitter.com/#!/melodyrclark> www.globalimpactstudy.org<http://www.globalimpactstudy.org/>

1 0

Interactive tool about media habits of consumers in Sub-Saharan Africa
by Yaw Anokwa 05 Apr '12

05 Apr '12

http://www.insightsafrica.com/ InsightsAfrica is an interactive tool by Google and Basis Research Ltd providing critical data about the online behavior of urban consumers in five key African markets: Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Senegal, South Africa and Uganda.

1 0

Fwd: New funding opportunity: innovation to strengthen immunization system
by Yaw Anokwa 04 Apr '12

04 Apr '12

---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Little, Joseph <jlittle(a)path.org> Date: Wed, Apr 4, 2012 at 20:32 Subject: New funding opportunity: innovation to strengthen immunization system To: Dear colleague, Apologies if you have already received this message. The last round of the Grand Challenge Explorations grant program for immunization supply systems received nearly 300 applications from over 50 countries. Unfortunately not all of them could be funded. The winners will be announced in early May. We have great news that the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation has launched a new call for proposals which will run until May 15. Launched by the Gates Foundation, this call builds on work facilitated by Project Optimize—a joint World Health Organization and PATH project—to develop a common vision for the future of immunization supply systems and logistics. I am seeking your help to share the attached announcement with your networks and colleagues. In order to help ensure all applications are as successful as possible, I have also attached a brief “tips and tricks” document that we encourage you to share. This initiative seeks new ideas to ensure that immunization systems trusted with delivering life-saving vaccines are up to the task. Grants of US$100,000 grants will be given to demonstrate new approaches and ideas that have never been tried in immunization. All applicants need to do is submit a two-page proposal outlining why their idea is innovative, how they will prove it, and the impact it will have. Priority areas for funding include: · Vaccine product characteristics. · Supply system design. · Environmental impact. · Information systems. · Human resources. · Vaccination acceptance. Ideal proposals should be responsive to the topic area, daring in premise, and clearly different from the approaches currently under investigation or employed. Solutions should focus on the operational aspects of immunization systems and must have the potential to be scaled up or reproduced in multiple low resource settings. The deadline for submissions is May 15, 2012. For further information about the immunization topic area and application guidelines, please visit the Grand Challenges Explorations website (http://tinyurl.com/immunizationsystems) You may also email GCEhelp(a)gatesfoundation.org. Thank you again for your support! Best regards, Joe Little Program Assistant

1 0

Calling All Young Researchers in ICTD!
by Yaw Anokwa 04 Apr '12

04 Apr '12

After the incredible success of Young Researcher's Night at ICTD/DEV in Atlanta this year, we've decided to reboot the "Young Researchers in ICTD" mailing list. The list is a place where young academic researchers can ask questions, get feedback on their work, find research opportunities, and avoid the mistakes the older generation has made. We want to build an open, friendly, and active research community, and we'd love for all young researchers in ICTD to be a part of it. Sign up at https://groups.google.com/group/yrictd, introduce yourself, and let's get the conversation going! Yaw, Nicki and Shaddi

1 0

Fwd: Mobile Technologies and Empowerment: Enhancing human development through participation and innovation
by Yaw Anokwa 04 Apr '12

04 Apr '12

Good report to read if you care about the what the UN is thinking about how mobile, development, participation and policy. ---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Kathleen Diga <digakathleen(a)gmail.com> Date: Tue, Apr 3, 2012 at 23:50 Another new resource coming from UNDP... Mobile Technologies and Empowerment: Enhancing human development through participation and innovation UNDP's Bureau for Development Policy, New York United Nations Development Programme UNDP 2012 Available online PDF [58p.] at: http://bit.ly/Hh2Q6E

1 0

Job: Technologist for Internews in DC
by Yaw Anokwa 04 Apr '12

04 Apr '12

>From https://sj.tbe.taleo.net/SJ11/ats/careers/requisition.jsp?org=INTERNEWS&cws… The Technologist provides the Internet Initiatives Program Team (IIPT) and technology partners with technical support and guidance to expand the use and improve the quality of software products and platforms in development: s/he will focus efforts primarily on digital security platforms and programs, working closely with a technical and program team in the field of international development and global human rights. The Technologist will also develop and provide face to face, peer-based and distance training assistance as needed S/he may also become involved in managing related grants to local organizations in target countries.

1 0

Jobs: Google Africa Is Hiring TPMs, BizDev, and more
by Yaw Anokwa 03 Apr '12

03 Apr '12

According to http://www.google.com/jobs/africa/index.html Google Africa is hiring in a variety of positions. Examples include... Technical Program Manager -- Lagos, Nigeria http://www.google.com/jobs/africa/nigeria/engops/technical-program-manager-… Regional Lead of Program Management for Emerging Markets -- Nairobi, Kenya http://www.google.com/jobs/africa/eastafrica/busops/regional-lead-of-progra… Strategic Partner Manager -- Johannesburg, South Africa http://www.google.com/jobs/africa/southafrica/busops/strategic-partner-mana…

1 0

Discussion on lessons to be Learned from Failure
by Nicola Dell 03 Apr '12

03 Apr '12

This Thursday at Change Alexis Hope and Lassana Magassa will lead a discussion around failure in ICT4D work. The fact that no one wants to claim, discuss or own up to their project failures would lead one to believe that failure is NOT a natural part of life. But this is not the case. Though it is difficult, failing is natural and even though you are not often told, failing is not always a bad thing. Failed projects can provide benefits and provide unique insights absent in "successful" projects. In this session Alexis Hope and Lassana Magassa will lead a discussion around failure in ICT4D work. What: Discussion on lessons to be Learned from Failure When: Thursday, April 5th at noon Where: The Allen Center, CSE 203

1 0