Hi, Next summer, Dr. Araba Sey and I will be directing an Exploration Seminar in Ghana. We directed one there last year and are excited to bring a new group of students in 2012! The seminar is about research, development, communication, and technology. Students can receive graduate or undergraduate credits. We will be holding information sessions on this early next year. Until then, I wanted to pass along information about the program (see below). I’m happy to answer any questions you have so feel free to contact me. Thanks! Chris Chris Rothschild Research Analyst Technology & Social Change Group (TASCHA) University of Washington Information School chriskr@uw.edu<mailto:chriskr@uw.edu> _________________________________________________________________ http://studyabroad.washington.edu/index.cfm?FuseAction=Programs.ViewProgram&... 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 well-being. 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. If you are interested in ICTs, development, or just want to learn more about conducting field research, we encourage you to apply! If you have any questions about the program, feel free to email us. The course satisfies the research methods requirement for MLIS students (LIS 570) and Informatics Students (INFO 470).