Synergy in Development 2005

Information and Communications Technology (ICT) represents a broad area of technological applications for development ranging from technology transfer to a communications medium to a mode of educational delivery.

In the discussion session a the ALO Synergy Conference 2005 the participants concentrated their remarks on the constraints encountered in technology, infrastructure reliability of electricity and telephone connections, local costs, political or regulatory restrictions to fears of technology. The discussion focused on methods and recommendations for developing a project that fosters computer technology transfer or uses information communication technology as the delivery mode.

The session opened with the question, what is ICT? Participants responded that ICT has become a very broad term that encompasses specific technology but also impacts areas of engineering, business, education, government, etc. It also includes technological convergence of various types of information communication technology. Lastly, it was re-emphasized that ICT can be a delivery tool or a tool in itself.

Participants identified several challenges to ICT applications in development, including, finding the appropriate and most cost-effective technology available, the availability of reliable electricity and telephone systems, and security issues involving lack of data privacy and protection.

Several cultural and political issues were also identified as challenges. Cultural challenges include targeting the appropriate populations, adjusting materials for local consumption, linguistic issues, and encouraging local populations to embrace new technologies. Government issues include regulatory policies that hinder technology implementation and customs duties on hardware. Finally, an overall challenge to ICT development projects is the retention of trained technical faculty at universities.

Recommendations

Reemphasizing previous points, participants recommended that partners do a needs-assessment and technology assessment on local capabilities and constraints before a partnership begins. What is the technology level? Are there capable computer support workers? What are the costs associated with this technology? For example, phone calls are cheaper from India to the United States than the United States to India. High technology costs can be avoided with adequate research before project activities begin.

Participants articulated that ICT is not just a tool, but also a source of information, a resource on a wide-range of subjects that can be extremely useful for the local population. It should not just be used to maintain email contacts. Search engine training for research purposes can be helpful for education and business development. Several innovative ICT projects that are helping Indian farmers were used as an example. Farmers use computer centers to monitor weather, crop prices, and to do soil analysis.

Distance learning opportunities are growing. Participants discussed E-learning as a powerful tool to deliver materials to students in developing countries. Some participants emphasized that this material should be used as an aid, not as a replacement for lectures. Other participants argued that technology with a good design could actually foster more interactive experience. A participant shared his experience with virtual labs or simulators that give students hands-on experience by working through problem-solving scenarios in teams. Participants concluded that a combination of virtual and physical learning would be the most beneficial to students.

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This publication was made possible through support provided by USAID. The opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect the views of USAID.

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