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@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@uw.edu Chris Rothschild, Research Analyst, Information School chriskr@uw.edu