[GKD] Simple Computers and Software: For Complex Problems?
I would like to pick up on a theme linked to recent postings on Lindows, the Simputer, etc. One iron law of technology is that technology is only appropriate in context. The cost of a technology, and its easy of use are only two aspects of appropriateness. Two obvious additional aspects are (a) necessary complementary inputs, and (b) its output value in use. We are always impressed by machines that are both better and cheaper. We are sometimes impressed when they are a lot cheaper, even if a little less better. The Simputer is an example of such a machine. Lindows is an example of such a software. One iron law of markets is that success begets competitive imitation. The Simputer and Lindows are not revolutionary new technologies. They are efforts to reduce the cost of existing technology choices. With their arrival the technology choice set is expanded. But what is yet to be shown is whether or not they are appropriate (and used) for a revolutionary (radical or extended) array of new applications. There are lessons to learn from the rapid deployment of cell phones, at what appear to be high prices, in those self same settings where we hope that better and cheaper computers (Simputer or IBM) and software (Windows or Lindows) will proliferate. There are two ways at going at the question here. One is to paint pictures of where better and cheaper might be used. This is the tool looking for a use. Many of us were guilty of that in the early years of the computer. We knew it was just a machine, but what a machine!. We made shopping lists of possible uses. This approach frequently went bad because context was ignored. We have to get back to discussion within the context of existing complex realities and development goals. It is only from within that difficult perspective that we can safely return to examining whether and where the technology has been, or can be, usefully deployed. The machine and its software are not the lead change agents, we are, but only in context. Sam Lanfranco, Chair School of Analytic Studies and Information Technology York University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada ***GKD is solely supported by EDC, an NGO that is a GKP member*** To post a message, send it to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To subscribe or unsubscribe, send a message to: [EMAIL PROTECTED]. In the 1st line of the message type: subscribe gkd OR type: unsubscribe gkd Archives of previous GKD messages can be found at: http://www.edc.org/GLG/gkd/
[GKD] Digital Partners' Social Enterprise Laboratory
Digital Partners' Social Enterprise Laboratory (SEL) Call for Applications Please forward the following opportunity to anyone that you think may be interested in applying or any appropriate listserves you may be aware of. We have attached a copy of the announcement as well. Digital Partners, a United States-based non-profit organization, invites for-profit and non-profit social entrepreneurs and organizations serving disenfranchised communities in developing countries to submit a proposal for entry into this year's Social Enterprise Laboratory (SEL). Entries are due by midnight, September 1, 2002. SEL is a new model of collaborative social-problem solving. The entries selected as the ìMost Promising Social Enterprisesî will be matched with a team of Digital Partners Brain Trust members and graduate students to help the social entrepreneurs maximize the potential of the idea. The Brain Trust is composed of IT professionals, business leaders, venture capitalists, and other professionals in their fields. The students are selected from prestigious graduate schools in business, public policy, and IT. After an assessment of the projectís needs for success, the team works with the leadership to identify funding sources, make strategic introductions, effectively incorporate information and communication technologies and market mechanisms into the enterprise, develop implementation strategies, and transform proposals into sustainable business plans. The most promising projects are eligible for up to $100,000 in grants, loans, or equity investments from Digital Partners. SEL is a year-long collaboration to support the design, development, and deployment of projects or businesses that incorporate the use of information and communication technologies (ICT) to address the needs of disenfranchised communities. Supported projects can be undertaken by any combination of businesses, non-profits, governments, or individuals seeking to develop sustainable, ICT-enhanced mechanisms to serve markets at the bottom of the economic pyramid. Preference is given to projects that are grass-roots/bottom-up, market-based forsustainability, collaborative for community building, scalable, replicable, and catalytic in terms of systemic social and/or market change. If you intend to apply for SEL, please send an email message to [EMAIL PROTECTED] with Applying for SEL as the subject. You need not include anything in the body of the email. This will allow us to keep you updated on new developments. For more details please refer to http://www.digitalpartners.org/sel.html. Applications are available on the website. ***GKD is solely supported by EDC, an NGO that is a GKP member*** To post a message, send it to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To subscribe or unsubscribe, send a message to: [EMAIL PROTECTED]. In the 1st line of the message type: subscribe gkd OR type: unsubscribe gkd Archives of previous GKD messages can be found at: http://www.edc.org/GLG/gkd/
[GKD] ANN: Global Information Village Plaza
Frustrated by the Dot Force, Dot Opportunity, Dot Future, Dot For-All, Dot You-Name-It? Join the Global Information Village Plaza Celebrating ASIST SIG/III 20th Anniversary @@@ Apologies for duplication. Please forward to all relevant lists and colleagues.@@@ A major feature in the so-called information society or else digital economy is its global nature. This aspect is analyzed, described and commented upon by many specialists. The same specialists and other happy few are involved in the preparation of policies and programs supposed to support the transition into this new era. Yet the lay professional public has little opportunity to express and confront its views in a truly open and participative fashion, unbiased by corporate, political or career stakes. While general economic and social challenges or current practices are often debated, what do this new society mean and imply for people is more often than not overlooked. This event will provide a unique opportunity for all ASIST members and information professionals at large to express and share their personal views. In keeping with the spirit of the Plaza -e.g., the 'public place' or shared community space reminiscent of the public sphere- the social interaction between the various participants and contributors is an important part of the process of reflecting about these issues. HOW TO PARTICIPATE? Step #1: Send to the SIG/III discussion list [EMAIL PROTECTED] a short (300 words maximum) position statement on the following questions: 1. What in your opinion will be radically changed in your professional life as a result of the globalization of the information society? - Why? - What should you do in order to cope with the change? - What should the information science technology community do to help you cope with the change? - What should the information science technology community do to help itself cope with the change? 2. What in your opinion will be radically changed in your personal life as a result of the globalization of the information society? - Why? - What should you do in order to cope with the change? - What should the information science technology community do to help you cope with the change? Messages should clearly indicate Plaza in the subject line. Anyone can post messages to the sigiii-l list but if you wish to see what others have posted and participate in further discussion, we recommend that you subscribe to the list (see http://mail.asis.org/mailman/listinfo/sigiii-l for details on how to subscribe). Note that the list will be moderated to avoid spamming and unrelated announcements. Step #2: Send your comments about the statements posted on the list Step #3: Attend the Global Information Plaza session on Tuesday November 19 from 12-1pm, at the ASIST Annual Meeting in Philadelphia, PA (http://www.asis.org/Conferences/AM02/index.html) and participate in the debates. WHAT WILL HAPPEN AT THE ASIST ANNUAL MEETING? A few weeks before the session, the moderators will summarize the major themes that arose from the statements and discussions into poster form. A poster with an overview of the main topics identified will be placed in the Registration area. Attendees are encouraged to contribute their ideas by putting stickers with their comments and suggestions throughout the conference. At the special session on Global Information Plaza: a) Posters on the various topics identified will be placed on the walls around the room. Participants will be able to move around the room and contribute to the topics by placing stickers with their ideas, or discussing these with other participants b) Volunteers will be asked to moderate each poster discussion. c) Halfway through the session, individual discussions will stop. The volunteers and moderators will then gather the various ideas (and stickers) and produce a short position statement summarizing the main concepts and proposals. d) The volunteers and moderators will briefly introduce the position statements and highlight the contentious issues. This will be followed by a general discussion (recorded). A summary of the session will be subsequently posted on the Sigiii-l discussion list along with edited position statement(s). It is our hope to then revise and expand these for publication in a professional journal, along with reflections on the process and outcomes of the experience. Don't miss the opportunity to say your word (politically correct language NOT required). It might not change the course of history but it may make you feel better. The moderators: Michel J. Menou, Department of Information Science, City University London ([EMAIL PROTECTED]) and Nadia Caidi, Faculty of Information Studies, University of Toronto ([EMAIL PROTECTED]) for the Special Interest Group on International Information Issues SIG/III of the American Society for Information Science Technology ***GKD is solely supported by EDC, an NGO that is a GKP member*** To post a
