Hey fellow online posters!
I find the subject of technology and development a tricky one. My Masters is in Communication for Social Change, and one of my courses was all about Information Communication Technologies (ICTs) in Development. It seems to me that whilst the technology is cool:
(seriously, check it:
http://www.tacticaltech.org/10tactics ), thousands of projects have literally bombed out because their starting place was with the technology and not the community.
It's important to respond to community needs and concerns and capacities. Ie. internet kiosks are not the solution to extreme poverty when the community is illiterate, and has no physical infrastructure such as electricity, and isn't involved in the cash economy (yes, this was a project!). But at the same time, ICTs enable global campaigns, ie 350.org -- which is pretty stellar, and it's could promote more everyday activism as people connect with likeminded people across the globe (or even within their own big cities).
Thanks for starting the thread Karen...was a nice distraction from my Rural Community Development assignment.
-Cat
Hey Karen,
It is interesting that you are talking about using technology and collective action. I am doing my dissertation and i am also considering the use of technology in building and maintaining community. I have found that usually we consider the people we can see and touch as our immediate community but there are people out there who have built networks online using social networks, internet dating sites and the like. Some of these relationships have grown into marriages, strong friendships, business and proffessional relationships and have had a really positive impact on people's lives. I do consider as well that there have been some negatives to the use of technology to build relationships however i think that it is an important tool and if it is used well the result can be phenomenal. Thanks for this and all the best.
Sylvia
Hi Karen,
Thanks for your post! I am really keen on seeing that film about the depletion of fish stocks - a deeply scary issue that our generation is facing. I just wanted to reflect and expand on your comment about the use of technology for engaging people in collective action.
Through this course, we have been exposed to the use of blogs, wikis, social networking websites (such as facebook), and even this very discussion board as a way to connect with people around the world with shared interests and concerns. While many of us have been challenged by the task of engaging with these new mediums, I believe that being exposed to these tools is a great investment for our future paths and careers in bringing people together and strengthening communities. Utilising technology for community development purposes is an approach that is also being adopted by government departments. For example, the Victorian Department of Planning and Community Development has recently established a program aimed at using online technology to promote new opportunities to people in disadvantaged communities. The $1.8 million Digital Inclusion Fund will help community members make better use of information and communication technology, while simultaneously supporting community sector organisations in improving the delivery of their services.
It is expected that the implementation of this program will improve access to community services and activities, open new pathways to training and employment, and improve social participation through volunteering and involvement in community groups and networks. For more information on this, see:
http://www.dpcd.vic.gov.au/Web14/dvc/dvcmain.nsf/allDocs/RWP85AA84B683C63C32CA25761F00433D26?OpenDocument
I believe that the creation of this Digital Inclusion Fund is a clear example of a trend towards embracing technology as a tool for strengthening communities. This means that people who intend to work in the community sector (such as us undergrads!) will benefit greatly from having some familiarity with technology, particularly if we can also help other people of all ages to engage with these devices. It is for these reasons that I feel glad to have been encouraged in this course to embrace technology as a medium for connecting with others and presenting our ideas to the world.
Shashi
