Elective 2: Information and Communication Technologies for Development (ICTD)
Monday 9 – Thursday 19 July
Mr Ronald Wertlen
eKhaya ICT / Village Scribe Association
Overview
The content of the course will focus on the technology and the development aspects of the topic.
The following questions will be addressed through reading, discussion and thought-provoking classroom modules:
- What is (international) development? And how do we motivate people to change?
- Why are people all around the world so excited by the possibilities afforded by ICTs for development?
- Which technologies that we take for granted can make a big difference to poor people?
We focus in particular on project case studies of the many failures and the few sustainable cases.
- Is social networking a tool for development?
Hands-on activities will give participants an experience of development work on the ground in townships and magnificent remote rural areas. The experience involves workshops with disadvantaged youth, learning and exchanging information in very South African contexts.
About Us
The Village Scribe Association (VSA) is an independent international NPO that supports new innovative information and communication technologies for rural development. We started our organisation looking at ways to improve literacy, numeracy and practical skills in poor communities through ICTs to deliver improving and life-saving services and information, e.g. health information or jobs. Our current focus is on education – here we see the best return on investment. For more information visit: http://www.villagescribe.org/.
Seminar and Visits Programme (Week 1)
Seminar 1: What is ICT4D? Development as Freedom
Afternoon Visit 1: awareNet Project
Seminar 2: Innovation, Success and Failure in ICT4D projects. Social vs. Technical Perspectives
Afternoon Visit 2: Upstart Project
Seminar 3: A Positive Image for Development in South Africa and elsewhere
Afternoon Visit 3: RU Community Engagement and Centre for Social Development
Seminar 4: awareNet projects and Techniques
Afternoon Visit 4: Rhodes University Centre of Excellence
Seminar 5: Student Presentation and Discussion
Afternoon Visit 5: awareNet Project / Egazini Outreach Project
Field-Trip (Week 2)
Trip to the Eastern Cape Wild Coast
- Visit to Bulungula Incubator (BI) and other NGOs in the area and review of their projects in terms of ICTs and development impact.
- Visit and work on extended awareNet workshop at the first SA solar school computer lab, and work on a video of the week.
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