Open, mobile and getting on with life

02/05/2008 by nicola.

This post is about links to some great stuff I’ve been looking at and now not got time to write about in more detail:

1. George Siemens has provided a fantastic overview of not just open education resources, open source and open content but also questioning motivation for promoting use of open content. He mentions about the need to be able to develop (and publish) their own content, then how to make this available - taking into account the ‘localness’ (apologies if that’s not a word) of their content. Curriki? but again, publishing to a wiki when you don’t have much access to a pc is challenging, there are a couple of mobile wiki projects around, one in SA looking at searchable audio wikis in a school, using phones - but phones are not the only part of an overall solution to improve access to education using technology (I think - we’ve tried downsizing laptops, how about upsizing phones which are already out there - to some degree).

2. More brilliance from Jan Chipchase about how people are using mobile phones to improve their circumstances in developing countries - Open Studios where people who would not normally have an opportunity, can pitch / show their design ideas, explaining the context and reasons for the design. Local context being so important, ok so it doesn’t do Nokia any harm either but its SO helpful in understanding how people want to innovate locally.

Also a great presentation of research in Uganda about shared phone practices

3. A report, found via Mobile Active on Wireless Trends for Social Change - a great read.

We are so lucky to be able to access all of this information and that these brilliant thinkers (George, Stephen, Jan, Katrin and many others) are willing to share their ideas and presentations with the world !

4. Also on open content, from Kairosnews, a guide to research writing available as open content.

5. Stop Wildlife poisoning campaign in Kenya, the photos and videos spell out clearly the appalling effect on wildlife. Baraza blog has been documenting the build up and outcome of a multi-agency meeting held in Kenya last week , they have now launched a separate blog on this issue about trying to ban a poison called Carbofuran. Its great that they can bring all parties involved (including manufacturers and government agencies) together to discuss and agree actions for moving forward in a positive way.

6. More on how to stop faffing and get on with stuff, from Afrigadget too - an interview with Simon Mwacharo who is talking about his renewable energy business creating affordable, sustainable energy solutions - talking with his customers about what they need locally and providing solutions - this is up there with any great lesson in business.

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