RWGNYC's Blog
Tuesday, February 14, 2006
Josh Levy on Social Software
Social software is becoming an integral part of developing future societies. The distinction of the have and the have nots (the individuals who have access to technology and those who have not), will be the indicator if we succeed or not. Technologies like the $100 laptop need are a great introductory tool of technology to individuals less fortunate and in areas inaccessible to technologies or even electricity. To create technology savvy individuals, the tools used need to be easily understandable. The ethnocentric approach of technological savvy societies neglects a fundamental barrier within societies that do not have the technological advantages. Computers for everyone sound great, but if there is no electricity (the $100 laptop took care of that) or no way to connect the computer to the global net, the resources are limited. Not every country has internet access or WiFi; this may come as a surprise, but it is true.
However, any approach to change the digital divide, is a step into a more compatible future. Humans are naturally drawn to new things; a curiosity to discover something unfamiliar and trying to understand it. I remember when I went into the Sahara dessert with a laptop, satellite phone and a group of Berbers. This technology was as foreign to the Berbers as their style of living was to me. I showed the interested individuals how GPS and other technology can work even in the remotes spots of the world and in return I learned a lot from the Berbers. Interestingly enough, the technology I used was far too expensive for many individuals in the technological world, but the information I gained from the Berbers, did not cost anything, but is invaluable to me.
Years later, Morocco started a program of broadband internet access and the outlook of a whole society has changed. Interestingly enough, the Sahara still does not have a Starbucks Hot Spot, but who knows, for how long this will be the case.
However, any approach to change the digital divide, is a step into a more compatible future. Humans are naturally drawn to new things; a curiosity to discover something unfamiliar and trying to understand it. I remember when I went into the Sahara dessert with a laptop, satellite phone and a group of Berbers. This technology was as foreign to the Berbers as their style of living was to me. I showed the interested individuals how GPS and other technology can work even in the remotes spots of the world and in return I learned a lot from the Berbers. Interestingly enough, the technology I used was far too expensive for many individuals in the technological world, but the information I gained from the Berbers, did not cost anything, but is invaluable to me.
Years later, Morocco started a program of broadband internet access and the outlook of a whole society has changed. Interestingly enough, the Sahara still does not have a Starbucks Hot Spot, but who knows, for how long this will be the case.
:: posted by R. W. Graf, 9:01 AM
2 Comments:
Katie, I used the satelite phone case to cover my front, the laptop for the back and the berbers so I do not loose either one.
Lorraine, actually I seen communities that started technology projects that also developed their own content and creations to support their culture.
Yes Lina, when are we going to shop?
Lorraine, actually I seen communities that started technology projects that also developed their own content and creations to support their culture.
Yes Lina, when are we going to shop?
yes Diana, the main issue with the $100 laptop is to get the connection since there is no storage for information. The computer must be connected in order to access the info available... I wonder if the UDB thumb drives will go further down in price with a bigger capacity and will be integrated in the computers.
