Technologists often see technology as a panacea to development problems. But what is the role of technology in a world where more 2 billion people do not have access to safe drinking water, adequate shelter or reliable power, and 4 billion do not have basic sanitation or adequate access to the information or communication facilities that might alleviate many of the problems of underdevelopment?
What are the opportunities and pitfalls for working in ICTD, and why aren't the billions spent every year on ICTD moving the needle? The blame and challenge fall on those who lead with a technical solution instead of a human issues. This talk will address the how-to's of appropriate, sustainable and equitable ICTD in the context of the larger International Development field.
Biography
Dr. Revi Sterling focuses on the role and impact of Information and Communication Technology in community development and poverty alleviation. She is the Director of the ICTD master's program at the ATLAS Institute. Her doctoral work, here at ATLAS, centered on developing interactive community radio initiatives in sub-Saharan Africa. Prior to coming to the University of Colorado, she spent a decade at the Microsoft Corporation, in a variety of research and development positions, most recently in Microsoft Research's External Research Program where she championed Microsoft's gender equity efforts in higher education, including testifying on gendered pipeline issues before Congress. She serves on several gender, technology and development boards.