25/06/2008 by nicola.

Kiwanja.net and Ken Banks - originator of Frontline SMS concept have launched the latest version of the highly innovative Frontline SMS today.

FrontlineSMS is a text messaging platform using a laptop and phone. This concept has already worked in grassroots NGOs in developing countries allowing people with different versions of mobile phones to be able to communicate and work together. It’s a free opensource solution that works locally using a local SIM card to connect on a local GSM network whether large or small groups. An important factor in developing countries being internet access, bandwidth - not required for Frontline SMS - communication that works and doesn’t have to be expensive !

Can it be used for mobile learning and education ? A comprehensive list can be found on the Kiwanja.net mobile database One of the really exciting things about this solution is the speed of development - with low resources, putting it in the hands of people now - so they can do things to improve their lives - now .

Huge thanks to Ignatia without whom I would never have found Kiwanja.net in the first place !

Posted in opensource, Africa, mobile learning | Print | No Comments »

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.

Posted in opensource, Africa, Technology | Print | No Comments »

10/04/2008 by nicola.

Incredible podcast and photos (you feel like you are standing a few metres away, how great it would be there to see that view in person !) from the Baraza blog hearing about the issues caused by the decline in tourism in the area.

More podcasts

I’m saving up for a trip now !

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09/04/2008 by nicola.

Its great to see they are an official honoree in the mobile web news category, with only 15% selected from over 8000 entries !

The Voices of Africa project where hundreds of news reports / interviews have been uploaded to the site by mobile reporters across Africa. You can view the complete series and get an insight into the reporters who are sending articles and images using a mobile phone and GPRS, without the need for a pc and internet connection.

Their February update reports on the range of topics covered including foreign investments, views on political, economic change in various parts of Africa and extensive coverage of the election in Kenya and the African Cup of Nations in Ghana.

Posted in Africa, mobile web design | Print | No Comments »

05/03/2008 by nicola.

Posted by Afrigadget. Lots of talk around about solar charging but G24i have made one available for $20. What’s interesting also is that comments on this post are from people working/living in rural parts of Africa and mention that there is huge need for additional charging solutions because multiple mobile phones and very few sockets. More thoughts on this and use of mobile phones in Africa, in general, on the Kiwanja blog

Posted in mobsessed, Africa, Mobile phones | Print | 2 Comments »

27/01/2008 by nicola.

Highlighted on Africa News and also by Paula on the Baraza blog

I’m watching a tv drama about a wildlife park in Africa and it seems a million miles away from the images appearing in the news from Kenya in recent weeks.

They are hoping to raise $160,000 in 5 months and explain how the impact of tourism has already affected the area with 90% less visitors and the knock on effects to local business.

Posted in Africa | Print | 2 Comments »