- change - Mailing Lists

FW: Global Competition: Mobile4D Applications for Impact and Sustainability
by Melody Clark 14 Apr '12

14 Apr '12

From: ciresearchers-owner(a)vancouvercommunity.net [mailto:ciresearchers-owner@vancouvercommunity.net] On Behalf Of michael gurstein Sent: Saturday, April 14, 2012 12:40 PM To: ciresearchers(a)vancouvercommunity.net; cracin-canada(a)vancouvercommunity.net; ci-research-sa(a)vcn.bc.ca; ci-for-older-persons(a)vancouvercommunity.net Cc: Klaus Stoll Subject: [ciresearchers] FW: Global Competition: Mobile4D Applications for Impact and Sustainability --Original Message----- From: GKP Foundation [mailto:mail@gkpfoundation.org]<mailto:[mailto:mail@gkpfoundation.org]> Sent: Friday, April 13, 2012 5:20 PM To: GURSTEIN(a)GMAIL.COM<mailto:GURSTEIN@GMAIL.COM> Subject: Global Competition: Mobile4D Applications for Impact and Sustainability GKP Foundation<http://gkpfoundation.org/> GLOBAL KNOWLEDGE PARTNERSHIP FOUNDATION Global Competition: Mobile4D Applications for Impact and Sustainability A Mobile4D Application Generator and Implementation Initiative Organizer: Global Knowledge Partnership Foundation Partner Organizations and Sponsors, (so far): IICD, The Netherlands; Fundacion CTIC, Spain; e-COMLAC, Uruguay; Fundacion ChasquiNet, Ecuador Rationale: Mobile phones and smart applications have become an important if not the key factor in many current development initiatives. One of the main questions remaining is: Which are the key "killer" applications that make a real difference for personal and community development, provide real solutions and benefits, add value to the market place and are not just applications in search for a use? The main aim of the competition is to identify effective mobile phone applications for development and make them available globally whilst providing sustainability and growth for the application developers and network/service providers that offer the applications. Categories: The competition is seeking entries to three categories: 1. Applications that solve existing, real, every day development problems 2. Applications that solve existing, real, every day development problems through use and adaptation, modification of existing internet applications such as Google Apps. 3. Major Challenges and Dream apps. This category is seeking to identify real life development challenges and the possible key applications that should be developed to tackle them. These "killer" applications not only will make a real difference and have a huge impact to the users, but offer huge opportunities for network providers to expand and consolidate their businesses. This category is targeting the mobile phone user and development practitioner that have been thinking: If I had an app that can do this, it would make a real difference! Tell us what the development challenge is, what an application would have to deliver to tackle it and what impact the application would have for its users and service provider? The proposed solutions should not only solve an existing problem but they should also be sustainable, based on a business plan and concept, but also be able to offer added value that can open up new markets for mobile phone use or expand the use of existing mobile phone infrastructures. Who should submit competition entries? The competition is open to everybody. Entries are in particular welcomed by development practitioners, mobile phone application developers and regular phone users. Expected outcomes: Identification, development and market introduction of the key ICT4D mobile applications with the highest development impact and sustainability. Identification, development and market introduction of the key ICT4D mobile applications which offer added value that is able to open up new markets for mobile phone use or expand the use of existing mobile phone infrastructures. Creation of win/win multi sector partnerships in the ICT4D sector. The competition is planned to be a preparatory initiative for an GKPF co-sponsored international Mobile4D conference in 2013 How to get involved? Your organization can get involved in the competition is several ways: Become a sponsor: Different sponsorship levels are available: Platinum Sponsor: USD 25.000, Named during competition as main Sponsor with prominent logo on each competition document and promotion, Stand at prize giving. Guaranteed co-presentation role during completion duration and prize giving event. "First pick" for securing partnership with completion winner applications and their development/market introduction. Gold Sponsor: USD 10.000 Named during competition as Gold Sponsor with logo on each competition document and promotion, Stand at prize giving. Silver Sponsor: USD 5.000, Named during competition as Silver Sponsor with logo on each competition document and promotion, banner at prize giving. Become a Competition Partnership Organization: Partnership organizations will actively promote the competition throughout their networks and will make in-kind contributions to the running of the competition and prize giving. Partnership organizations can request a seat on the competition jury. Qualified partnership organizations will promote the development and market introduction of competition winner applications. Organizations named as competition partnership organizations will have their logo included in all competition documentations and promotions. For further information please contact klaus.stoll(a)gkpfoundation.org<mailto:klaus.stoll@gkpfoundation.org> Competition Prices: The main aim of the competition is to identify effective mobile phone applications for development and make them available globally whilst providing sustainability and growth for the application developers and network/service providers that offer the applications. For this reason the main price for the three best applications of each category will be the concrete support by the completion organizer, through experienced partnership organizations such as CTIC), to provide technical and business development support for the application . >From the 9 winner applications, three will be nominated as "TOP ICT4D Applications of the Year" and from them one will be named as "ICT Application of the Year". TOP ICT4D Applications of the Year will receive a Cash prize of USD 2500 each. The application chosen as "ICT Application of the Year" will receive an additional USD 5000 Cash prize. Evaluation Framework for competition winners: The entries in each category will be judged along these following main evaluation criteria: 25% Innovation 15% Business Plan of Sustainability strategy 15% added value of the application to existing mobile infrastructure 45% development impact Competition Jury: The competition Jury will consist of eminent personalities in the Mobile4D field and representatives of the Competition Partnership Organizations. Tentative Time Table: 1June 2012: Closing date for Competition Sponsors/Partnership Organizations 1 June-31rst July 2012: Promotion of Competition 15th - 30th August 2012: Jury deliberations >From 1rst September 2012: Prize giving event during one of the Competition Partnership Organizations/Sponsor conferences For further information please contact klaus.stoll(a)gkpfoundation.org<mailto:klaus.stoll@gkpfoundation.org> Visit GKP Foundation at: http://gkpfoundation.org/?xg_source=msg_mes_network To control which emails you receive on GKP Foundation, click here<http://gkpfoundation.org/profiles/profile/emailSettings?xg_source=msg_mes_n…>

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Re: [change] Reminder: Invitation: TASCHA Talk -- April 12 -- From co-working to hackerspaces: An introduction to innovation spaces
by Melody Clark 13 Apr '12

13 Apr '12

If you were unable to attend yesterday's TASCHA Talk with Chris Coward, you can now access it online here: http://bit.ly/IvAPOK Thank you! Melody From: Melody Clark Sent: Wednesday, April 11, 2012 9:08 AM To: change(a)change.washington.edu; dub(a)dub.washington.edu Subject: Reminder: Invitation: TASCHA Talk -- April 12 -- From co-working to hackerspaces: An introduction to innovation spaces Just a quick, friendly reminder that Chris Coward, director of TASCHA<http://tascha.uw.edu/>, will be giving a TASCHA Talk tomorrow (Thursday, April 12 from 3:45-4:45pm) on innovation spaces. For those that can't make it in person or for those not in Seattle, you can also tune in via Adobe Connect<http://connect.washington.edu/ischool-tascha/>. More information below. From: Melody Clark Sent: Friday, April 06, 2012 8:29 AM To: change(a)change.washington.edu<mailto:change@change.washington.edu>; 'ichat(a)uw.edu'; 'imlis(a)uw.edu'; 'imajors(a)uw.edu'; 'iphds(a)uw.edu'; istaff(a)uw.edu<mailto:istaff@uw.edu>; ifac(a)uw.edu<mailto:ifac@uw.edu>; 'iworld(a)uw.edu'; dub(a)dub.washington.edu<mailto:dub@dub.washington.edu>; 'EvansWorld(a)u.washington.edu'; publiclife(a)u.washington.edu<mailto:publiclife@u.washington.edu> Subject: Invitation: TASCHA Talk -- April 12 -- From co-working to hackerspaces: An introduction to innovation spaces 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/>

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Backpack
by Nicola Dell 12 Apr '12

12 Apr '12

Hi everyone, Someone left a black backpack in CSE203 after the seminar today. It has been handed in to the CSE reception. Thanks Nicki

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Job: NDItech ICT Program Officer
by Yaw Anokwa 12 Apr '12

12 Apr '12

I've got some friends at NDITech so if you are interested in finding out more about the organization, let me know off-list. Glad to make a connection! ------------------------------------------------------ >From http://blogs.ndi.org/blog/2012/03/now-hiring-program-officer-0 NDItech is hiring an Information and Communication Technologies Program Officer. Are you an experienced veteran of technology in politics or development? Join us! This is a senior position on our team tasked with juggling the strategy and implementation of appropriate technology on multiple NDI democracy programs. In one day you may be advising DC's regional experts on how to add language for IVR systems in a grant proposal, joining a Skype call with developers in Lagos building an elections app, and playing with the newest release of FrontlineSMS to see how it can help partners achieve their communications goals. We also get time to think, write and discuss this exciting and evolving field with colleagues in DC and around the world. For the right candidate, the position also includes travel to the field for assessments on appropriate tech strategy or helping with boots-on-the-ground implementation. Our team sits at the intersection of three worlds: international development, political organizing and technology. Few people are rock stars at all of them, but you need to find them all compelling. For this job we're looking for someone with significant experience (say, five years) in some combination of these sectors. We're not (necessarily) looking for hardcore software developers or UNIX geeks, but it is important that you love tech (and politics) generally and playing with new tools and ideas. Hot topics for the upcoming year include improving engagement between citizens and their elected officials, Internet freedom in closing authoritarian regimes, opening legislative data to the public, and researching the impact of tech in democratic development

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Job: Information and Technology Advisor for USAID
by Yaw Anokwa 11 Apr '12

11 Apr '12

USAID's Office of Transition Initiatives (OTI) is seeking highly motivated, highly qualified individuals who want the opportunity to help support rapid international transition programs for priority conflict-prone countries. Created in 1994 as a distinct operating unit within USAID, OTI helps local, indigenous partners advance peace and democracy in priority conflict-prone countries by providing fast, flexible, short-term assistance targeted at key transition needs. The IT Advisor will perform the following duties: • Monitor and understand agency IT and Information Security systems, requirements and policies, especially as they affect OTI and implementing partner staff in the field. Analyze OTI business processes and work products in order to seamlessly integrate OTI's systems into agency systems, while also reducing redundancies in OTI systems whenever additions and/or changes occur in agency systems. • Assist the IT Team in providing scheduled and ad hoc training for Washington and field-based staff on use of standard OTI information technology equipment and systems with a special focus on OTI-established web-based applications. More about duties and requirements at https://www.fbo.gov/index?s=opportunity&mode=form&id=14444e474336a8532407b1…

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Reminder: Invitation: TASCHA Talk -- April 12 -- From co-working to hackerspaces: An introduction to innovation spaces
by Melody Clark 11 Apr '12

11 Apr '12

Just a quick, friendly reminder that Chris Coward, director of TASCHA<http://tascha.uw.edu/>, will be giving a TASCHA Talk tomorrow (Thursday, April 12 from 3:45-4:45pm) on innovation spaces. For those that can't make it in person or for those not in Seattle, you can also tune in via Adobe Connect<http://connect.washington.edu/ischool-tascha/>. More information below. From: Melody Clark Sent: Friday, April 06, 2012 8:29 AM To: change(a)change.washington.edu; 'ichat(a)uw.edu'; 'imlis(a)uw.edu'; 'imajors(a)uw.edu'; 'iphds(a)uw.edu'; istaff(a)uw.edu; ifac(a)uw.edu; 'iworld(a)uw.edu'; dub(a)dub.washington.edu; 'EvansWorld(a)u.washington.edu'; publiclife(a)u.washington.edu Subject: Invitation: TASCHA Talk -- April 12 -- From co-working to hackerspaces: An introduction to innovation spaces 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/>

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Job: Mobile Applications Lab Manager in Pretoria, South Africa
by Yaw Anokwa 10 Apr '12

10 Apr '12

The Mobile Applications Laboratory (mLab) Southern Africa, managed by a consortium consisting of the CSIR Meraka Institute, The Innovation Hub and Ungana-Afrika, with support from the World Bank and South African Department of Science and Technology, is seeking to appoint an mLab Manager The main objective of the position is to lead and manage the establishment and growth of the regional mLab, as a self sustaining organisation, and to manage the implementation and operations of the mLab, including the technical and administrative activities. The Manager will represent the mLab within the industry, liaise with stakeholders and industry partners, and carry out the strategy approved by the Steering Committee. The incumbent will be responsible for the operation of all aspects of the mLab development including training and accreditation, certification, competition for ideas, business mentoring, access to finance and markets, development and revision of technical standards, testing procedures and laboratory policies; providing technical support to mLab operations and consulting with stakeholders on mobile technology related matters. http://www.csir.co.za/vacancies/pdf/2012/Final%20version%20of%20the%20long%…

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Nicolás di Tada from InSTEDD
by Nicola Dell 10 Apr '12

10 Apr '12

This Thursday at Change Nicolás di Tada will be speaking about the work he has been doing at InSTEDD. * * *About InSTEDD:* InSTEDD has a unique offering — we design and use open source technology tools to help partners enhance collaboration and improve information flow and knowledge sharing to better deliver critical services to vulnerable populations. With long term sustainability in mind, our interdisciplinary team of public health experts, scientists, and software engineers helps build local capacity to solve critical health, safety and development problems. We are committed to evaluating the impact of our programs, documenting best practices, and sharing the results of our work. InSTEDD’s innovative approach, which facilitates collective action by local partners, is being successfully applied around the world — from pioneering efforts to integrate disease surveillance and response systems in Southeast Asia to implementation of a nationwide communications system to aid victims of the Haiti earthquake in 2010. We are a non-profit; our partners include community groups, government agencies, leading universities, private sector companies, and humanitarian organizations. *About Nicolás: * Nicolás spends most of his time as a software designer, developer and project manager, crafting software with a strong technical and scientific background. Prior to starting his company, Manas Technology Solutions, Nicolás spent 10 years as a software architect and project leader for a diverse range of organizations, including startups and large corporations, acquiring a varied background in information retrieval, machine learning, information visualization and web application development. During the last 7 years, he founded two other companies in the fields of e-Learning and consumer-end social applications and guided several development teams through a wide variety of projects, ranging from digital photogrammetry and biomedical signal processing to internet research tools and enterprise applications. Working both for small startups and Fortune 500 companies in various countries and cultures, his teams have always proudly delivered usable and effective software on time. Passionate about the possibilities of the convergence between technology, science and art, Nicolas currently leads the design and development of InSTEDD’s software platform, coordinating the distributed development team, open source contributors, interns and volunteers. *What:* Nicolás di Tada from InSTEDD. *When:* Thursday, April 12th at Noon *Where:* Paul Allen Center, Room 203

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Discussion on lessons to be Learned from Failure
by Lassana Magassa 10 Apr '12

10 Apr '12

Greetings All! Thank you for participating in the Lessons to be Learned from Failure during the last Change session. Both Alexis<http://www.alexishope.com/> and I felt like there were a lot of important points articulated. To make sure they do not get lost and to encourage the dialogue to continue we have created a blog post on both of our website's. The "golden nuggets" from the discussion can be found below (For the full post visit http://bit.ly/Hz0Fyk or www.lassanamagassa.com/about/blog<http://www.lassanamagassa.com/about/blog>). The five key points by attendees were: 1. There is no fool-proof way to prevent failure 2. The intention and all possible shortcomings of an ICT4D intervention needs to be stated up front 3. Local ownership is important because it will help carry projects beyond the piloting phase 4. It is naïve to believe that "your" ICT4D project by itself will have a life-changing impact 5. Technology must NOT be the main focus of ICT4D-related research or discussions The five key points by local stakeholders in the video were: 1. ICT4D projects need to enhance activities that are already going on 2. Outsiders DON'T know what local stakeholders need, so include them in the development of ICT4D projects 3. Make sure the infrastructure to support your ICT4D project is in place 4. There must be funds to help take projects beyond the pilot stage 5. There are so many things (e.g. weather, trained staff) that make the maintenance of technology complicated If there is something we missed, let us know. If there is something that needs to be expanded feel free to do so. Respectfully submitted, Lassana Magassa http://www.lassanamagassa.com

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Number of Android phones in Kenya
by Yaw Anokwa 10 Apr '12

10 Apr '12

Last year, there was a bit of buzz about the number of Huawei IDEO Android phones in Kenya. Much of this buzz came from a June 2011 Technology Review article which reported, "In Kenya, the price, approximately $80, was low enough to win more than 350,000 buyers to date." http://www.technologyreview.com/communications/37877 I've heard that 350k number repeated lots of times (I've used it myself) and it's never felt quite right. A few days ago, I went digging for an answer and turns out the 350k figure is probably wrong. In May 2011, Huawei, the device manufacturer, said they had sold 60k IDEOS devices in May 2011 and were on track to hit 100k. http://www.huawei.com/africa/en/catalog.do?id=761. In February 2012, Bob Collymore, CEO of Safaricom (the cell operator), said they had sold 170k. https://twitter.com/#!/bobcollymore/status/172736353132494848 http://www.ihub.co.ke/blog/2012/01/fireside-chat-bob-collymore-safaricom-ce… I don't know where the 350k number comes from (maybe an internal Google number?), but if you are using it, it's probably wrong. If anyone has evidence to the contrary, I'd love to know. Yaw PS. Thanks to iHub Research for their help! http://www.research.ihub.co.ke/pages/home.php

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