Time Schedule:
Ricardo J Gomez
INSC 598
Seattle Campus
Class description
This course on Information Technologies in International Development will explore theoretical, methodological and practical implications of conducting research on information uses in community development contexts around the world. Drawing mainly from literature in information, sociology, anthropology, communication, development and evaluation, and from current practice and research at the iSchool’s Information and Society Center, students will have an opportunity to deepen their understanding of current practice, relevant theories, methods and findings in the field of Information and Development.
• What information, what development? A critical review of the ICT4D field of inquiry • Technology and people: new insight on creative uses of technology by unintended users • Methods and approaches: measuring success from output to impact and beyond • Public access computing around the world: new challenges and opportunities after 10 years of hype • Telling the story: effective communication or profound superficiality?
Student learning goals
Explore theoretical, methodological and practical implications of conducting research on information uses in community development contexts around the world.
Deepen students’ understanding of current practice, relevant theories, methods and findings in the field of Information and Communication Technologies for Development (ICTD).
Understand linkages and differences in the approaches to ICTD in the realms of international development, information science, computer science and engineering.
Offer students an opportunity to study in depth one particular aspect of their interest in relation to ICTD.
General method of instruction
Students will participate in weekly lectures/seminar discussions, and prepare one short and one long paper as part of course requirements.
Recommended preparation
Class assignments and grading
Assignment 1: presentation and discussion of one topic on the syllabus Prepare, present and discuss a topic on the syllabus (facilitators: sign up soon). 45 min including discussion
Assignment 2: Book review or review of 3 journal papers 1000 words
Assignment 3: Final Paper & Presentation Write an original paper on one of the 5 key topics in the class, applied to your experience or area of interest. 4,500 – 5,000 words. Use criteria or template from one of the journals or conferences (and consider submitting your work too!)
20 min class presentation (including discussion) to be scheduled during last two weeks of class. Sign up soon.
