1. ICT for Development Conclusions
ICT4D Lecture 20
Tim Unwin

2. 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
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3. 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
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4. 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!
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5. 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?
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6. 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
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7. The role of ICT for Development
“ICT for development”, not “development for ICT”!
‘Development’’ agendas
Information and communication
The technologies
The contexts
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8. ‘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
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9. 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
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10. 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
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11. 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
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12. 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
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13. 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
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14. 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
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15. Questions and discussion
The ICT4D Collective
Helping people make a difference to their lives