Category Archives: Tech Tools

Cell phones and handhelds in humanitarian, aid and development

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For the world’s poorest, cellphone technology provides access to information and resources few ever imagined possible.

Back in October 2001, I wrote an article for the United Nations (originally part of the UNITeS online knowledge base) on handheld computer technologies in community service/volunteering/advocacy. It was on both cell phones and stand-alone tech used for reference and recording in the field and then connected to a network later. It provided some of the earliest examples of volunteers/citizens/grass roots advocates using handheld computer/personal digital assistants (PDAs) or phone devices as part of community service/volunteering/advocacy, or examples that could be applied to volunteer settings.

Text messages and other mobile applications have created platforms for aid groups to reach the most remote farms and crowded urban slums of Africa, Asia and Latin America as well. This article back in September 2010 was the latest in profiling some of these activities.

I’ve continued to pay attention to this subject, though I haven’t been in a position to do any further in-depth research at all. Some web sites that keep me up-to-date on what’s going on:

A word of caution: cell phones and other hand held technologies also provide a way to instantly misinform. I touched on this back in 2001:

Hand held technology must be used with great caution, however. Musician and U.S.A. Green Party activist Jello Biafra noted in an article on Zdnet.Uk: “Be careful of the information gossip you get on the Internet, too. For example, late in 1997 I discovered out on the Internet that I was dead.”

More about how quickly misinformation can now be spread in this resource: Folklore, Rumors (or Rumours) and Urban Myths Interfering with Development and Aid/Relief Efforts, and Government Initiatives. Also lists tips on how to address widespread misinformation.

Incredibly sad news re: Gary Chapman, Internet pioneer

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Gary Chapman, a senior lecturer at the University of Texas’ Lyndon B. Johnson School of Public Affairs who was an expert in the field of Internet and technology policy, died Tuesday of an apparent heart attack while on a kayaking trip in Guatemala.

Gary was the director of the LBJ School’s 21st Century Project. He also was a prolific writer, authoring articles on technology and society for publications that include The New York Times and The Washington Post, and was a general editorial columnist for the Austin American-Statesman.

I am having such a hard time writing the word was about Gary. Gary was my friend. In my opinion, Gary never got his due regarding his pioneering contributions to the study of the Internet and the development of our understanding for the Internet’s potential to communicate and engage. All those hip things we say now about the benefits of online social networking and cloud computing and whatever else is in vogue to say now, Gary was saying many years ago about the potential of the Internet.

My former boss, Dr. Sarah Jane Rehnborg, broke the news to me just now, and among the many things she said was this: He was absolutely one of my favorite people here at LBJ. I so understand that sentiment. Gary was my immediate friend and colleague when I moved to Austin — he made me feel immediately welcomed. I could not count how many people I’ve referred to him in some way, and how many people and resources he has sent my way. He was a huge supporter of my work regarding online volunteering. I just reconnected with him a few months ago, and I remember thinking, Gary’s Facebook posts are always worth reading.

From what I understand, Gary was on a dream vacation. He had been taking kayaking lessons from a champion kayaker in preparation for this trip.

I am guessing that the LBJ School web site will have information on funeral arrangements and suggestions for expressions of sympathy in terms of donations. I can’t get on the web site right now.

Shocking, sad news…. many tears to shed…

 

Shout out to nonprofit efforts to refurbish computers

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FreeGeek Columbus in Ohio (USA ) provides computers and training for limited-resource populations in Central Ohio through redistribution of used equipment and the use of Free Software. FreeGeek Columbus:

  • builds refurbished computers from donated parts
  • grants computers to local non-profits who need them
  • responsibly recycles obsolete or non-functioning hardware to keep it out of landfills
  • educates people to use and manage Ubuntu Linux

If you are in or around Columbus, Ohio, you can volunteer with FreeGeek Columbus, or you can donate any computer hardware, cell phones, printers cables and uninterruptible power supplies.

FreeGeek Columbus was founded in 2004 and is patterend after FreeGeek from Portland, Oregon to Columbus, Ohio. Portland’s Free Geek organization also has a mission is to recycle technology and provide access to computers and the internet. In addition, they have two volunteering programs tied to skills-development: the Adoption Program is for people who want to volunteer for 24 hours in exchange for a computer, and volunteers in the Build Program learn how to build their own computer. They also have a thrift store. “We routinely have computers from $65-$250 and laptops ranging from $80-$350, depending on newness. All systems come preinstalled and tested with Ubuntu Linux.”

And then there’s the Computerworks store in Austin Texas, part of part of Central Texas Goodwill. Unlike other used computer stores and computer refurbishing programs, the Austin Computerworks store has a large selection of Apple products, in addition to the usual IBM clones.

And, finally, let’s spotlight Computer Recycling Center (CRC), founded in 1991 and which, if it still exists (I think it does…) is the oldest continuously operating full-service collection, reuse, and refurbishment program in the USA. It’s in Santa Rosa, California.

And why am I giving a shout out to these organizations? Because a volunteer from FreeGeek Columbus just helped me with my blog HTML — in addition to a small donation to FreeGeek Columbus, I thought this would be a nice way to say THANKS.