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Tech Needs Girls: World leaders draw up roadmap for female tech education and careers push
Saturday, April 28, 2012 - 05:36Global leaders from the US, Europe, Africa and Asia joined together today to debate and define a roadmap that will help break down barriers and overturn outmoded attitudes in a bid get more girls into technology-related studies and careers. A high-level dialogue held at New Yorks Institute of International Education and hosted by the International Telecommunication Union, the UN-specialized agency for information and communication technology, identified misguided school-age career counselling, the popular medias geek image of the technology field, a dearth of inspirational female role models, and a lack of supportive frameworks in the home and workplace as factors that, together, tend to dissuade talented girls from pursuing a tech career. Inspired by the tremendous dedication of NGOs, universities, government agencies, industry and others around the world in organizing Girls in ICT Day events today, participants sketched our a basic blueprint for more successful approaches to attracting school-age girls to the fast-evolving technology field, and agreed to work together to change attitudes and boost female tech enrolment rates. In his welcoming remarks to an invited audience of over 200 gender, education and technology experts, ITU Secretary-General Dr Hamadoun Touré said: Over the coming decade, there are expected to be two million more ICT jobs than there are professionals to fill them. This is an extraordinary opportunity for girls and young women in a world where there are over 70 million unemployed young people. ITUs Dr Touré closed the event with a call for partners to collaborate with ITU on a three-year Tech Needs Girls campaign focused around four Es: empowerment, equality, education and employment. This is a tremendous opportunity for us all, working together as partners, to make a real difference, he said. Girls in ICT Day is a new annual event on the UN calendar, and is celebrated every year on the fourth Thursday in April. It was established through a formal Resolution at ITUs four-yearly Plenipotentiary Conference in 2010. (Source: ITU Newsroom) Further detailsGirls from public schools receive workshops on ICT - Peru
Friday, April 27, 2012 - 04:52"We and Technology", It is the special event that the National Institute for Research and Training in Telecommunications of the National Engineering University, INICTEL-UNI, held this April 26 as part of the celebrations for the International Telecommunications Day. 60 girls in public educational institutions of San Martin de Porres and Independencia (districts of Lima) will participate in workshops on electronics, robotics and CANSat (Bases to build a small satellite). Also, they visited the UNI-INICTEL facilities, laboratories and attend videoconferences with professional women in the ICT field residing abroad. The attendees could talk to engineers in telecommunications and experience the site of women in this sector. Through this event they want to promote in Peru the use of Information and Communication Technologies - ICTs on women and girls, as a tool to integrate a gender equality perspective. This year's theme "Women and girls in ICT" has been chosen by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), United Nations agency, to celebrate the "World Day of Telecommunications and Information Society" . Moreover, in this way promotes the 2010 designation of the ITU, in which every fourth Thursday of April an event takes place before the central celebrations of May 17. (Source: INICTEL - Peru) Further detailsUNDP Report: Mobile Technologies and Empowerment-Enhancing human development through participation and innovation
Thursday, April 26, 2012 - 04:55Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-qformat:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0cm; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} This report was developed by the e-governance and Access to Information team in the Democratic Governance Group at UNDPs Bureau for Development Policy, New York. In this document various advantages of mobile technologies are mentioned, how they are creating new channels of communication between people and government and offering access to public information and basic services to people that previously had little to no access. Mobiles can reach remote areas more effectively than other ICTs such as the Internet or fixed phone lines and sometimes mobile devices are simply the only option available. "Mobile technologies are starting to have an indelible impact on human development, enhancing democratic governance and other development areas such as health, education, agriculture, employment, crisis prevention and the environment". For people in rural areas mobile technologies can help them reduce the information gaps and give them access to market information from remote locations increasing trade and reducing travel costs. "They are also being used to educate and keep citizens and vulnerable stakeholders abreast of environmental and energy-related issues, including weather patterns, climate change and responsible environmental stewardship". Full Report (Source: e-agriculture)UNDP Report: Mobile Technologies and Empowerment-Enhancing human development through participation and innovation
Wednesday, April 25, 2012 - 21:51This report was developed by the e-governance and Access to Information team in the Democratic Governance Group at UNDPs Bureau for Development Policy, New York. In this document various advantages of mobile technologies are mentioned, how they are creating new channels of communication between people and government and offering access to public information and basic services to people that previously had little to no access. Mobiles can reach remote areas more effectively than other ICTs such as the Internet or fixed phone lines and sometimes mobile devices are simply the only option available. "Mobile technologies are starting to have an indelible impact on human development, enhancing democratic governance and other development areas such as health, education, agriculture, employment, crisis prevention and the environment". For people in rural areas mobile technologies can help them reduce the information gaps and give them access to market information from remote locations increasing trade and reducing travel costs. "They are also being used to educate and keep citizens and vulnerable stakeholders abreast of environmental and energy-related issues, including weather patterns, climate change and responsible environmental stewardship". (Source: e-agriculture) Full ReportHealth eVillages brings the doctors office to medically scarce areas through mobile devices
Tuesday, April 24, 2012 - 18:08Inspired by the Haiti earthquake disaster in 2010, the idea of Health eVillages came about when Donato Tramuto, Health eVillages co-founder and CEO of Physicians Interactive, and Kerry Kennedy, founder of the Washington D.C. based Robert F. Kennedy Center for Justice and Human Rights, were discussing ideas about what they could do to help the victims. Launched in Sep 26, 2011 as a partnership between Physicians Interactive Holdings, its subsidiary Skyscape.com, Inc. and the Robert F. Kennedy Center for Justice and Human Rights, Health eVillages seeks to provide healthcare professionals working in challenging clinical environments with medical decision making, clinical diagnosis and training tools in easy-to-use mobile devices. New and refurbished mobile phones and handheld devices (like iPads) are preloaded with clinical decision support reference tools like patient records, drug guides, textbooks and related medical data. These devices, which do not require web access, are given to clinical and healthcare workers to ensure that they always have medical information available. Besides medical alerts, the devices support access to references from over 50 medical publisher resources powered by Skyscape.com, Inc. Nurses and clinicians in Haiti, Kenya, Uganda and the Greater Gulf Coast area of the Southern United States have received these devices. Health eVillages arm clinicians with a gold standard medical reference tool-kit, so they are prepared for any situation and are able to properly treat even the most unique medical conditions. [In] most of the areas where these mobile devices have been given, people dont have access to basic electricity let alone the most advanced medical treatment, said Tramuto. He added: These devices enable them to identify the right dose, identify a condition or seek the latest research in a particular area. For each country we customize the software. In Haiti we have programs specific to nurses diagnosing a disease or condition particular to Haiti. The drug and dosage information is monitored accordingly. Patient details can be entered in as well. Now there is no need to run around looking for information either about a patient or a condition. Using donated and refurbished phones, the project works very closely with medical officers and leaders of target communities to ensure that information is completely customized and specific to their area. Health eVillages identifies clinics through partners and associates of the Robert F. Kennedy Center and Physicians Interactive Holdings. Staff members from the project are sent to locations with specific programs most often requested by the medical personnel in the area. They have seven pilot projects running and early data points shows that medical personnel rate their data finding methods very helpful. We hope to raise more funds after the competition of our pilot projects, said Tramuto. Health eVillages clearly has big plans for the future of mobile health technology. (Source: AudienceScapes) Further detailsNew Video Solutions for Children Facing Adversity
Saturday, April 21, 2012 - 19:19Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-qformat:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0cm; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} Polycom Foundation expands global humanitarian organization's outreach to children in more than 20 countries through donation of Polycom RealPresence video solutions to enable face to face training of regional coaches. Polycom, the global leader in open standards-based unified communications (UC), announced a philanthropic partnership with Right To Play, an international humanitarian organization that uses the transformative power of sport and play to give hope and teach essential skills to children living in communities affected by war, poverty, and disease. Polycom is donating Polycom RealPresence video collaboration solutions to Right To Play to expand the reach of their programs by improving global communications throughout the organization; connecting teachers, coaches, and community leaders with staff throughout the world; and directly linking donors to see the impact of their support. "More trained local coaches and community leaders means more children around the world will be able to participate in Right To Play programs," said Johann Olav Koss, Right To Play founder and a four-time Olympic gold medalist. "Polycom's support and video collaboration technology will further strengthen our programs and help us use the power of sport and play to transform the lives of so many more children. With the ability to use video for training and other initiatives, we can reach even more children and get them playing and succeeding in life". Founded in 2000, Right To Play has developed projects in more than 20 countries in Africa, Asia, South America and the Middle East. In 2012, the organization is expected to surpass more than 1 million children participating weekly in Right To Play programs. Koss, who serves as president and CEO, has inspired an international team of 350 athletes including Bonnie Blair, five-time Olympic gold medalist in speed skating to serve as Athlete Ambassadors and assist in fundraising for Right To Play projects. "Right To Play's mission is uplifting and their approach innovative and collaborative," said Geri Mitchell-Brown, director of Philanthropy and Community Relations, Polycom. "Our partnership with Right To Play reflects Polycom's commitment to bringing people together through the power of visual communication and aligns with our vision to make video collaboration ubiquitous in a more connected world. Right To Play is positively affecting the lives of children who need our help the most and we are honored to be able to contribute to this worthy cause". (Source: Polycom) Further detailsMore than 10.000 schools in India to adopt cloud
Thursday, April 12, 2012 - 23:29All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) is deploying a suite of cloud-based applications to more than 7 million students and nearly 500.000 faculty members in more than 10.000 technical colleges and institutes throughout the country. Part of the Ministry of Human Resource Development AICTE is the governing body for technical education in India, certifying and managing technical colleges and institutes. While the demand for technical school graduates are rapidly picking up, AICTE has faced the challenge of how to ensure consistent and timely communications with its colleges in order to evaluate the curriculum and quality of education. With more than 10.000 colleges and institutes, some of which located in the most remote part of the country, AICTE needed a solution that was scalable and not too costly. The Microsoft Live@edu suite of web-based applications includes email, web-based productivity applications and instant messaging. Each user will get 10GB of online space for email and additional 25 GB for online storage. AICTE expects this cloud deployment to expand students" access to high-quality technical education and collaboration. AICTE also plans to deploy Microsoft Office 365, a more comprehensive suite of cloud-based productivity tools, when it becomes available later this year. Dr S. S. Mantha, chairman of AICTE says that cloud implementation will "make for a truly progressive ecosystem and contribute to the countrys technical education by providing a better communication and collaboration platform for institutes and students. Deployment is underway and is expected to complete over the next three months. (Source: FutureGov) Further detailsLessons learned in the use of ICT for rural economic development
Saturday, April 7, 2012 - 17:48Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-qformat:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; mso-para-margin-top:0cm; mso-para-margin-right:0cm; mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt; mso-para-margin-left:0cm; line-height:115%; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;} The International Institute for Communication and Development (IICD) has developed 35 projects over the past five years as part of their programme to promote socio-economic development through the use of ICT in countries like Bolivia, Burkina Faso, Ecuador, Ghana, Mali, Uganda and Zambia. Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-qformat:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; mso-para-margin-top:0cm; mso-para-margin-right:0cm; mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt; mso-para-margin-left:0cm; line-height:115%; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;} Most of their projects focus on promoting food security and agricultural economic development. ICTs can help farmers, workers and entrepreneurs access market information, improve quality and productivity and strengthen business skills and employment opportunities. IICD recently published a document that summarizes the main lessons they have learned about the use of ICTs to boost (rural) economic development between 2006 and 2010. Some of the lessons that stand out are the importance of empowering and connecting individuals, strengthening and connecting with local organizations and linking sectors by improving knowledge flows and the policy environment. "With the right tools, people in developing countries can considerably improve their livelihoods and quality of life. Better access to information and communication technology (ICT) is particularly vital in enabling them to achieve their goals". Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-qformat:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; mso-para-margin-top:0cm; mso-para-margin-right:0cm; mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt; mso-para-margin-left:0cm; line-height:115%; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;} (Source: IICD) Full ReportThai University Opens Mobile Development Centre - Thailand
Monday, April 2, 2012 - 19:55Kasetsart University, one of Thailands leading universities opened Mobile Development Centre last month to empower its students in innovating mobile software skill. Mobile applications are the future for developers and we want to be a part to help encourage more numbers of Thai mobile developers, said Assistant Professor Dr Putchong Uthayopas, Kasetsart Universitys head of the Department of Computer Engineering. The huge growth of mobile devices, especially smart phones and tablet devices, are expected to create a lot of room for mobile applications and software and that means great opportunity for Thai software developers and the software industry, he added. The centre is expected to be a role model for other universities to set up facilities for their students to develop mobile application and software, according to him. We invested THB 1 million (US$ 32,460 ) to build the centre, equipped with facilities like hi-speed internet connection, computer, and mobile devices both smart phones and tablet across platforms, said Uthayopas. Project head Anan Phonphoem said the centre focuses on three mobile platforms IOS, Android, and Windows Phone. The centres main service is to provide facilities, including space, computers and mobile devices like smart phones and tablets, to Kasetsart Universitys computer engineering students. We set up this as a value-added service for our students. We are not including it as a part of the main curriculum. Almost five hundred of our engineering students who are interested in mobile development can come to the centre to use our facilities to develop their ideas into real applications, he added. Students skilled in mobile application can use the centre to be their workshop to develop mobile apps and then commercialize the app. According to him, the project aims to encourage about 70 to 80 per cent of the five hundred students to be empowered with mobile development skills and be ready to enter the industry as entrepreneurs. Apart from providing facilities and tools, the centre will also offer training courses in technology and business matters. We will also work with the industry sector to collaborate in bringing knowledge of technology and business knowhow to our students, concluded Phonphoem. (Source: FutureGov) Further details
