ICT for Development Conclusions ICT4D Lecture 20 Tim Unwin

Outline Return to original aims The role of ICT for Development? Have they been fulfilled? Learning environments The role of ICT for Development? ‘Development’ agendas Information and communication The technologies The contexts Final questions and discussion Feedback Lecture 20

Original formal course aims Understanding of ICT4D Interface information, communication, technology and ‘development’ Acquisition of relevant skills Knowledge of practical aspects of ICT4D delivery Encouragement to think critically Combination of theory and practice Skills and understanding relevant to careers Lecture 20

Informal aims To be relevant Hopefully enjoyable Challenging Links with other courses ‘Being’ in the world Hopefully enjoyable Shared learning experience Challenging Stretching you intellectually Fulfilling To be one of the best course in College! Lecture 20

Your learning objectives You agreed six main objectives Increased employment prospects Understanding ICT Confidence building (presentations) Improved communication skills Practical experience of ICT4D Understanding development Were your individual objectives fulfilled? Lecture 20

Learning methods The importance of a diversity of learning methods: Lectures Reading Visiting speaker presentations Tutorials Practicals on web-design Revision presentation seminars (still to come) On-line learning Group work Each contributing different opportunities and developing specific skills All relevant to technology enhanced blended learning Learning as a collaborative venture Lecture 20

The role of ICT for Development “ICT for development”, not “development for ICT”! ‘Development’’ agendas Information and communication The technologies The contexts Lecture 20

‘Development’ Agendas The course intersects two broad literatures Globalisation and theories of space-time Development policy and practice Globalisation and space-time The Digital Age and a Network Society Influence of technology on space-time Habermas and the role of technology in society ‘Development’ Challenges to the hegemony of economics Critiques of donor policy (budget support) The moral agenda to make the world a better place Lecture 20

Information and Communication ICT4D initiatives must be demand led Needs for information and communication Too many initiatives are technology and private sector led Information People need information to be able to make decisions about their lives Communication People need to communicate to fulfil their social existence Lecture 20

Information and Communication How does technology change the ways in which we gain information and communicate? Can we really use ICT to enhance the lives of the poor Or will capitalist profit-seeking always prevail? Enormous potential of technology to enable those with disabilities Lecture 20

The technologies Books and printing were once new technologies ICT usually thought about as computers and the Internet But radio, mobile telephony, video Need to identify Appropriate technology in respond to demand Sustainable solutions The importance of integrated solutions and partnerships Lecture 20

The technologies Key role of infrastructures Be they telephone networks Or fast Internet connectivity Importance of basic electricity To reach the poor and marginalised they must Be sustainable At low cost Fulfilling a real demand Lecture 20

The contexts Areas where ICT can make a difference Education Especially in teacher training Lifelong learning Health Information and diagnosis at a distance Rural development Market prices and sustainable livelihoods Governance Transparency and elections Importance of knowing some detailed case studies Lecture 20

Greenberg (2005): trends in successful ICT4D projects Focus on poverty alleviation not ICT use ICT components kept as simple as practical ICT practitioners involved in design of ICT components Significant community involvement Focus on training to ensure sustainability and success Consideration of a plan for success; how to replicate and scale it if it is successful Lecture 20

Questions and discussion The ICT4D Collective http://www.ict4d.org.uk Helping people make a difference to their lives