October 2016 - change - Mailing Lists

Location Change! Steve Song Roundtable Discussion Friday @ 1:30 in Gates Commons.
by Kurtis Heimerl 28 Oct '16

28 Oct '16

This has been moved to the Gates Commons at 1:30. See you all there! On Thu, Oct 27, 2016 at 3:13 PM, Kurtis Heimerl <kheimerl(a)cs.washington.edu> wrote: > Hi All, > > Brief update: Some members of the Botswana Government (including > regulators and the University of Botswana) and Vulcan's philanthropic team > will be attending as well. Please come and ask about working on > connectivity in the Sub-Saharan context. > > On Wed, Oct 26, 2016 at 11:58 AM, Kurtis Heimerl < > kheimerl(a)cs.washington.edu> wrote: > >> Hi All, >> >> Steve Song, founder of Village Telco, a social enterprise that builds >> low-cost WiFi mesh VoIP technologies to deliver affordable voice and >> Internet in underserviced areas, and passionate advocate for cheaper, more >> pervasive access to communication infrastructure in Africa, will be at UW >> this Friday for a round-table discussion on connectivity. >> >> Steve has been an amazing champion for changes in spectrum regulation, >> white spaces, and general connectivity throughout the world. Come say hi. >> >> Friday, 1:30PM CSE 128 >> >> >> > > _______________________________________________ > Researchers mailing list > Researchers(a)cs.washington.edu > https://mailman.cs.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/researchers > >

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News from TASCHA - October 2016
by Melody Clark 27 Oct '16

27 Oct '16

[http://gallery.mailchimp.com/15ba4d68a5574069ed7bf2cc1/images/spacer_top.jp…] Having trouble reading this email? View online<http://us2.campaign-archive2.com/?u=15ba4d68a5574069ed7bf2cc1&id=72fbf7bce4…> OCTOBER 2016 [http://gallery.mailchimp.com/15ba4d68a5574069ed7bf2cc1/images/w.gif] [http://gallery.mailchimp.com/15ba4d68a5574069ed7bf2cc1/images/spacer_top.jpg] TASCHA in brief From the Director What is the contribution of information access to the Sustainable Development Goals<http://tascha.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=15ba4d68a5574069ed7bf2cc1&i…>? In answering this challenging question, TASCHA has been working with IFLA, UNESCO, ITU, and others to come up with a model and set of indicators that will provide countries with insights into how they fare. TASCHA’s interest also stems from its work on public access ICTs (libraries, cybercafes…) where we have assessed the impact of this form of access on individual well-being. Clearly, information (or ICT) access is important across most of the SDGs, but how to capture this in a meaningful and reliable way is a steep climb. Read on to find out more about our work in this area and others. - Chris Coward, Director of TASCHA Myanmar's information transformation Myanmar information symposium paves the way for change Myanmar is undergoing unprecedented changes — politically, culturally, digitally — all while moving from a highly-censored information environment to embracing openness and freedom of information. The country’s digital revolution includes leaping over numerous “digital divides” propelled by the widespread use of smartphones and growing pervasiveness of the internet. TASCHA co-sponsored a Myanmar information symposium just days before the country inaugurated its first elected parliament. The event, From Scarcity to Overload: Finding “Good Enough” Public Information in Myanmar’s Transition, sparked lively discussions about complex topics such as information scarcity and the public’s trust in their government, freedom of expression vs. personal privacy, transparent information solutions for democratic practices, and more. Read the key takeaways >><http://tascha.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=15ba4d68a5574069ed7bf2cc1&i…> Development and Access to Information TASCHA project will highlight the role of libraries and access to information in achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals Access to information is a critical tenet of successful community and international development, and in many places around the world, public libraries play a vital role in providing access that is universally and freely available. With this in mind, TASCHA and the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA) have launched the Development and Access to Information (DA2I)<http://tascha.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=15ba4d68a5574069ed7bf2cc1&i…> project. The project focuses on access to information (A2I) as it pertains to the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the contributions libraries make to the achievement of development goals. Continue reading about the DA2I project here >><http://tascha.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=15ba4d68a5574069ed7bf2cc1&i…> New research report TASCHA finds major successes and challenges in first evaluation of Namibian libraries Three regional libraries – officially called Regional Study and Resource Centers (RSRCs) – designed to promote a “learning culture” through services and activities, opened two years ago in regions across Namibia as an outcome of the Compact between the Government of Namibia and the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC). TASCHA has designed and implemented an evaluation to investigate the performance of the libraries as part of the Regional Study and Resources Center Evaluation project<http://tascha.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=15ba4d68a5574069ed7bf2cc1&i…>. The newly released report, Namibia RSRC Activity Performance Evaluation: Component 1<http://tascha.us2.list-manage2.com/track/click?u=15ba4d68a5574069ed7bf2cc1&…>, covers the planning and implementing of activities prior to the libraries’ doors opening. Download the full report to learn more >><http://tascha.us2.list-manage1.com/track/click?u=15ba4d68a5574069ed7bf2cc1&…> Future of Libraries The future of libraries in the US & around the world TASCHA’s work with public libraries is well-known among the global library community, ranging from the Public Access Landscape Study<http://tascha.us2.list-manage2.com/track/click?u=15ba4d68a5574069ed7bf2cc1&…>, which was the first attempt to identify and describe public libraries and other internet public access centers and their services in 25 countries, to the Global Impact Study<http://tascha.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=15ba4d68a5574069ed7bf2cc1&i…>, which looked at the effect of libraries and other public access centers and their services on the users and non-users in eight countries. But with the selection of TASCHA as one of the three Legacy Partners by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation’s Global Libraries Program, along with the United States Public Library Association (PLA<http://tascha.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=15ba4d68a5574069ed7bf2cc1&i…>) and the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA<http://tascha.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=15ba4d68a5574069ed7bf2cc1&i…>), more work by TASCHA in the United States will be seen in the coming years. Continue reading the update here >><http://tascha.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=15ba4d68a5574069ed7bf2cc1&i…> Quick updates · Attending Look for TASCHA folks at MozFest October 28-30, 2016 in London. · Teaching TASCHA is holding a Research Seminar during Winter Quarter 2017 for University of Washington students to get involved in our research. · Participating Dr. Maria Garrido has been busy participating in numerous forums about the role of access to information in the SDGs, as well as presenting findings from the MOOCs research at various conferences. · Joining MSIM student Erin McAweeney joined TASCHA in Fall 2016 as a Research Assistant supporting our communications activities. · Adapting TASCHA's Melody Clark and Chris Rothschild will be in Kenya in November to learn how we can best adapt our Mobile Information Literacy curriculum for Kenya public libraries. · Evaluating Dr. Araba Sey is currently in Namibia kicking off survey data collection for the evaluation of Namibia's regional libraries, also called Regional Study and Resource Centers. [http://gallery.mailchimp.com/15ba4d68a5574069ed7bf2cc1/images/mail.gif] Forward to a friend Know someone who might be interested in this email? 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Steve Song Roundtable Discussion Friday @ 1:30
by Kurtis Heimerl 27 Oct '16

27 Oct '16

Hi All, Steve Song, founder of Village Telco, a social enterprise that builds low-cost WiFi mesh VoIP technologies to deliver affordable voice and Internet in underserviced areas, and passionate advocate for cheaper, more pervasive access to communication infrastructure in Africa, will be at UW this Friday for a round-table discussion on connectivity. Steve has been an amazing champion for changes in spectrum regulation, white spaces, and general connectivity throughout the world. Come say hi. Friday, 1:30PM CSE 128

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Technical Program Manager Opportunity at PATH
by Melody Clark 27 Oct '16

27 Oct '16

---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Taliesin, Brian <btaliesin(a)path.org<mailto:btaliesin@path.org>> Date: Mon, Oct 24, 2016 at 10:43 AM Subject: [TIER] Technical Program Manager Opportunity at PATH To: "tier(a)tier.cs.berkeley.edu<mailto:tier@tier.cs.berkeley.edu>" <tier(a)tier.cs.berkeley.edu<mailto:tier@tier.cs.berkeley.edu>> Accelerate innovation at PATH! PATH is seeking a Technical Program Manager to join our Digital Health Solutions team in Seattle, WA. The Technical Program Manager is a blend of hands-on systems analyst, methodology developer, and teacher/mentor requiring applied skills in systems thinking, learning systems, systems analysis, and multicultural group facilitation. To learn more or apply, click here: http://bit.ly/2e88nqM. _______________________________________________ TIER mailing list Website: http://tier.cs.berkeley.edu TIER(a)tier.cs.berkeley.edu<mailto:TIER@tier.cs.berkeley.edu> https://www.millennium.berkeley.edu/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/tier

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Technology & Social Change Group (TASCHA) Research Seminar for Winter Quarter 2017
by Melody Clark 26 Oct '16

26 Oct '16

We are often asked how students can get involved with the work that we do at TASCHA. During Winter Quarter 2017, TASCHA is leading a Research Seminar in the Information School (INFX 571), offering students a chance to get real world ICTD and research experience. INFX 571: TASCHA Research Seminar How can information and communication technologies (ICTs) improve the lives of people living in resource constrained environments? The Technology & Social Change Group (TASCHA) is an applied research center at the Information School dedicated to generating insights and innovations around this question. With experience in over 50 countries, TASCHA's research programs have driven change in several sectors, especially public libraries, and influenced global policy discourses. The TASCHA Research Seminar offers students the opportunity to gain experience working on the center's current research. The type of activity varies quarter by quarter. Typically, there are multiple research opportunities and students will split into teams to match student interests with center priorities. Options for Winter Quarter 2017 Mobile Information Literacy For billions of people coming online around the world, the mobile phone (and increasingly a smartphone) is their point of entry to the internet. This has potentially profound implications for how people interact with information, including one's conceptualization of the internet itself. The different affordances and limitations of the PC and the mobile phone influence how people search, how much and what types of information people produce, uses of social media, safety and security considerations, and other information behaviors. TASCHA's work in this area aims to (1) identify and better understand the information behavior differences between PC and mobile phone uses, (2) create a digital and information literacy framework outlining the different competencies and skills needed for mobile-first and mobile-centric populations, (3) develop digital and information literacy curricula targeting the specific needs of mobile-first and mobile-centric users, and (4) work with other organizations and public libraries to adapt these curricula for different contexts. TASCHA's work in Myanmar produced an initial set of learning modules, and the priority for Winter 2017 is to adapt and extend this curriculum for Kenya. There are several planned activities for Winter 2017. The type of work students will engage in will depend on their skill sets and interests, but could include: * Conducting literature reviews and reports on topics related to: information and digital literacy (with a focus on device differences between PCs and mobiles), country comparisons of mobile phone environments), and others. * Creating curriculum content and training materials for a project in Kenya * Contributing to the development of a mobile information literacy framework * Building tools (e.g. instructional videos, applications, webinars, web platforms) to effectively deliver Mobile Information Literacy curriculum and training * Developing monitoring and evaluation protocols and carrying out activities to measure the efficacy and impact of the Mobile Information Literacy curriculum, trainings, and other activities Future of Libraries: What are the big questions? Advances in communication technologies have expanded possibilities for economic and social development around the globe. One critical, yet often overlooked, community-based asset is the world's 300,000 public libraries. While many libraries have developed innovative programs and services to help individuals and communities thrive in the knowledge society, much work remains to be done. TASCHA, in collaboration with the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions and the Public Library Association, is embarking on a long-term effort in support of a vision where every public library is a driver of community development. In achieving this vision, what advances, breakthroughs, innovations, or other changes need to occur? To guide our work in this area, TASCHA will be developing a collection of priority questions in cooperation with leading thinkers inside and outside the library field (one model is the World Bank's 2005 ICTs in education challenges and research questions<http://www.infodev.org/articles/quick-guide-icts-education-challenges-and-r…>). For Winter 2017, students will work with TASCHA researchers to develop a public report that synthesizes current knowledge and emergent ideas about the future of libraries. This report will form the basis of a dialogue to surface and prioritize the big questions facing the field. Seminar activities will include: * Conducting reviews of academic and grey literatures * Monitoring conversations on listservs, social media, and other media * Analyzing collected materials for trends and gaps * Writing report sections Details * Time & location: To be arranged * Open to all graduate students * Students with any level or type of technology and research ability are welcome in this course. * The course will be 3-credits and graded CR/NC. * Go here to register<http://www.washington.edu/students/timeschd/WIN2017/95infx.html>. For more information, please email tascha (at) uw (dot) edu<mailto:tascha@uw.edu>. -- Melody Clark Communications Manager Technology & Social Change Group (TASCHA) University of Washington Information School melclark(a)uw.edu<mailto:melclark@uw.edu> | 206.303.7910 Twitter: @taschagroup<https://twitter.com/taschagroup> | @melodyrclark<https://twitter.com/#!/melodyrclark> tascha.uw.edu<http://tascha.uw.edu/>

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You're invited: Come meet the Technology & Social Change Group (TASCHA)
by Melody Clark 25 Oct '16

25 Oct '16

Are you interested in the effects of technology on economic and social development? Do you wonder if smartphones will replace PCs? Interested in the role libraries play in community development? Curious about questions that can be addressed through big data? Passionate about digital inclusion & literacy, access to technology, communication, and information resources? Well, we have a great event for you. Come learn about the Technology & Social Change Group (TASCHA)<http://tascha.uw.edu/> and various ways that you, as students, can get involved with our work. At this event, we'll provide a brief overview of TASCHA's work and share how students can get involved. You'll meet some of the folks who work at TASCHA and get a chance to talk with us about our work and your interests. There'll be plenty of time for mingling, discussion, questions, and of course, lunch! * What: Meet the Technology & Social Change Group (TASCHA) - lunch provided * Where: University of Washington, Bloedel Hall Common Area (outside of the classroom), in the lower level of Bloedel (follow signs for the Information School) * When: Thursday, November 3, 2016, 12:30-1:20pm About TASCHA<http://tascha.uw.edu/> The Technology & Social Change Group (TASCHA) at the University of Washington Information School explores the design, use, and effects of information and communication technologies in communities facing social and economic challenges. With experience in over 50 countries, TASCHA brings together a multidisciplinary network of researchers, practitioners, and policy experts to advance knowledge, create public resources, and improve policy and program design. Our purpose? To spark innovation and opportunities for those who need it most. Get our newsletter<http://tascha.us2.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=15ba4d68a5574069ed7bf2cc1&id=…> | Like us on Facebook<https://www.facebook.com/tascharesearch> | Follow us on Twitter<https://twitter.com/taschagroup> -- Melody Clark Communications Manager Technology & Social Change Group (TASCHA) University of Washington Information School melclark(a)uw.edu<mailto:melclark@uw.edu> | 206.303.7910 Twitter: @taschagroup<https://twitter.com/taschagroup> | @melodyrclark<https://twitter.com/#!/melodyrclark> tascha.uw.edu<http://tascha.uw.edu/>

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Tomorrow at Change: Mustafa Naseem - Make-i-stan: Makerspaces for collaboration
by Trevor Perrier 24 Oct '16

24 Oct '16

Please join us tomorrow at Change for a talk by Mustafa Naseem from CU Boulder's ATLAS Institute <http://atlas.colorado.edu/>. Mustafa will be talking about makerspaces in Pakistan. *What: *Make-i-stan: Makerspaces as a tool to spur cross-disciplinary collaboration. *When: *Tuesday, October 24 *Where: *The Allen Center, CSE 203 *Abstract:* Pakistan has an education emergency – 6.7 million Pakistanis aged 5-9 are not enrolled in primary school. At the secondary level, the number of out-of-school children jumps to 25 million, with only 39 percent of boys and 29 percent of girls enrolled. The system of education discourages critical thinking and lacks opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration. This talk presents findings from Make-i-stan, a makerspace that welcomes interdisciplinary collaboration and critical thinking through learning by doing in an informal setting. *Bio:* Mustafa Naseem is a Pakistani educator, social entrepreneur and ICTD Expert in Residence at the University of Colorado Boulder's ATLAS Institute. Prior to joining CU Boulder, Naseem was the founding director of the Innovations for Poverty Alleviation Lab (IPAL) in Lahore, Pakistan. Mustafa has worked with the MIT Global Startup Labs (formerly MIT AITI) South Africa Program, the Deming Center Venture Fund (DCVF) and the International Development Design Summit (IDDS). Mustafa's interests lie at the intersection of technology, policy and entrepreneurship geared towards solving global development challenges. Mustafa was a Fulbright Scholar at the University of Colorado at Boulder where his work focused on Information and Communication Technology for Development (ICTD).

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Technical Program Manager Opportunity at PATH
by Taliesin, Brian 24 Oct '16

24 Oct '16

Accelerate innovation at PATH! PATH is seeking a Technical Program Manager to join our Digital Health Solutions team in Seattle, WA. The Technical Program Manager is a blend of hands-on systems analyst, methodology developer, and teacher/mentor requiring applied skills in systems thinking, learning systems, systems analysis, and multicultural group facilitation. To learn more or apply, click here: http://bit.ly/2e88nqM.

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No Change Today - Affiliates
by Trevor Perrier 18 Oct '16

18 Oct '16

Just a reminder that the Change Seminar will not meet today due to the career fair.

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Fwd: getting the word out
by Sunil Garg 16 Oct '16

16 Oct '16

Passing this on for a friend! ------------------------------------------------------------- Hi there, LensShift is looking to fill a few remote social impact internship opportunities that are ideal for university students or entry-level professionals. Here's some information on either of the roles: *Research Position* Are you an entry-level professional or university student wanting to get into the development/social impact space? Here's a compelling opportunity to get involved remotely. LensShift is looking to fill three 6-month part-time research internship positions. A little bit of background on LensShift is copied below and attached you'll find more details about the position (deadline: October 17). *Web Development Position* Are you a web developer who's trying to figure out how to help the development and social impact space? Here's a compelling opportunity to lend a hand remotely by helping build up parts of the LensShift platform. A little bit of background on LensShift is copied below and attached you'll find more details about the position (deadline: October 17). Please pass this information onto anybody you think might be interested! Many thanks, Aparna ----------------------------------------------- *Why We Exist* The social impact space has many shortcomings, but conversations about this are spread across too many outlets. As of now, there's no cohesive narrative on the do's, don'ts, and missed opportunities on how to do better when trying to do good. Considering the endless difficulties bombarding the world's poor, misguided development work makes life more challenging for those already in the most difficult circumstances. We are committed to harnessing the power of wanting to do good--responsibly. *What We Do* Our platform stitches together a comprehensive library of existing resources that otherwise are scattered across the web. The library is organized such that if somebody is interested in a specific topic and/or region or country, they can easily filter through what exists to know what to refer to who to possibly collaborate with. Additionally, structured Resource Streams we’ve developed unpack critical topics fundamental to global development such as, ‘The History of Foreign Aid’ and ‘Representation of Africa in Mainstream Media’. LensShift guides individuals and organizations committed to making social impact to do so most effectively and responsibly from the start. This will minimize lessons learned at the expense of communities.

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