As a leader, in educational technology, I think joining or giving donations to an existing nonprofits organization with connection to third-world countries is one of the best ways to help make emerging technologies valuable to other. Heimbuch (2008) article on closing the Global Digital Divide: Technology for Developing Countries, discusses already existing organizations and projects.
There are many groups and organizations hard at work at closing the global digital divide and providing developing countries with the technology that they do not have. Two groups I found interesting were Green Wi-Fi, a nonprofit that seeks to provide “last mile Internet access with nothing more than a single broadband Internet connection, rooftops and the sun. Another group is Geekcorps that sends people with technical skills to developing countries to assist in computer infrastructure development ((Heimbuch, 2008 p. 1).
Differences in technological access exist across cultures, gender, and socioeconomic groups, can be resolved through making sure that (1) when interfacing or working with groups like Wi-Fi and Geekcorps they have a well structure a program that includes man and female, (2) they focus on understanding the culture of the people they are reaching out to (3) not getting involved in the politics of these countries and (4) a policy within Green Wi-Fi and Geekcorps that gear their services to the socially disadvantages members of this society.
As an education technology person, I think I will do research on these organizations to see if they are groups that I would like to support. At present, the only real support I can render is donating funds to assist them in their endeavors.
References:
Heimbuch, J. (2008). Closing the global digital divide: Technology for developing countries, Science & Technology, San Fran, California. Retrieved February 20, 2011, from http://www.treehugger.com
Audio Podcast
Dr. Elliot Soloway “The Digital Divide: Leveling the Playing Field” (approx. 13 minutes)
Vodcast
Dr. Thornburg, “Diversity and Globalism” (approx. 6 minutes)
I think donating to a nonprofit organization is an amazing idea. I, too, will research more into this topic. You mention the importance of not getting involved in politics with other countries. Doesn't it seem like whenever we try to help other countries, a political battle arises? Maybe with the web, we will see a more global approach that joins us all as people versus specific nations.
ReplyDeleteMarci
It will be a real challenge to close the digital divide in developing countries. Most of these countries have instability in their government and are not allowed to have access to the internet without the approval of their government leaders.
ReplyDeleteTechnology is really among the largest divisions of most countries - both developing and already developed and continually developing countries globally.
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