University of California School of Information i190 Spring 2014 Information and Communications Technology for Development (ICTD) in Practice Graduate Level, 3 Credits Course OverviewTime and Venue: Mon & Wed: 11am-12:30pm, UC Berkeley iSchool (School of Information) South Hall Room 202 Class Website: i190Spring2014.sanng.com Email List: see Announcements page to sign up for announcements Facebook: Internal Class Discussion Group Lecturer: San Ng (San's website and San's iSchool page ) Teaching Assistant: Ishita Ghosh Contact: san at sanng dot com or see other ways to connect Office: Room 6, UC Berkeley iSchool Student Hours: By Appointment Course DescriptionThis course aims to provide students with an overview of the many dynamic and inter-disciplinary skills that are required for successful practice in the field of ICTD.Information and Communications Technology for Development (ICTD or ICTD) is the broad study of information technology to alleviate poverty and stimulate development (economic, social and human) in developing and transitional countries. In the last 15 years, there has been a exponential expansion in the number of ICTD projects, but not sufficient human skills to design and manage them, leading to a 'forever-pilot' culture and a rather dismal failure rate. Successful oversight of these projects requires a combination of interdisciplinary and dynamic skills. This course serves to introduce students to these skills under three areas of competencies: A. Contextual: Broader conceptual, policy-level frameworks of understanding the landscape of ICTD. B. Technical: The different ways in which ICTs, through E-applications, can contribute to socio-economic development. While specific computer skills are important, this course given its broad reach will focus on applications. C. Management: Methods and techniques of project/program planning and management including assessment, design, funding, implementation and evaluation. Along with these areas, we will explore cross cutting themes such as politics, gender, culture and the reality of development work. Students will be introduced to these skills through lectures, discussions (face-to face and web/blog), as well as application to cases (possibly live consulting cases). Expect to have a lot of fun while working hard, not unlike development work in real life!  Course ObjectivesThis course is intended for students pursuing an advanced degree in Development, Political Science, Economics or related fields. At the end of the course, participants will have been provided with an overview of:
Teaching StrategiesFrom the lectures and discussions (both face-to-face and online), you will glean an overview of the importance of the three areas of competencies. Case studies will allow you to apply these skills to real world practice. Specifics include:
Course Outline and ReadingsPlease note that the course schedule and readings will be under AGILE development during the semester to be responsive. PLEASE REFER TO THIS CLASS WEBSITE EACH WEEK FOR WEEKLY CLASS PREPARATIONS. Typically, materials for use in class discussion will be made available at least one week prior to class. Readings will be posted to the course schedule. Other useful books, readings, videos and other resources will be periodically updated here.WEEK 1: (Conceptual) Introduction to Course WEEK 2: (Conceptual) What is Development? WEEK 3: (Conceptual) What is Information and Communications Technology for Development (ICTD)? WEEK 4: (Conceptual) Who Does What in Practice? Mapping the ICTD Landscape WEEK 5: (Technical Application) Overarching Issues of Technical Applications WEEK 6: (Technical Application) Infrastructure, Telecenters, Agriculture, WEEK 7: (Technical Application) Health, Education, Microfinance WEEK 8: (Technical Application) Governance and Law WEEK 9: (Project Management) Introduction to Project Management WEEK 10: (SPRING BREAK) WEEK 11: (Project Management) Planning and Assessment WEEK 12: (Project Management) Budgeting, Scheduling and Fundraising WEEK 13: (Project Management) Implementation WEEK 14: (Project Management) Monitoring and Evaluation WEEK 15: Course Wrap Up WEEK 16: Final Presentations and Reports Please see the course schedule for details, readings by week and assignments due. Grading and EvaluationGrades will be determined primarily by a student’s performance on group projects, individual blog posts and class participation. Blog postings and discussions form half of the grading, while the project will be the other major deliverable of the class. The class will not be graded on a curve. General policies regarding the grading system as established by the University of Berkeley will be followed. Individual weights for the various components of the course are as follows:
The instructor reserves the right to adjust the final grade based on individual effort (or lack thereof). Course PoliciesThis course will be conducted in a manner consistent with official policies of UC Berkeley. |