Antonio Díaz Andrade

Information Literacy in Kenya

There are a growing number of information and communications technologies (ICT) initiatives in developing countries. These initiatives are usually undertaken on the basis that they are important for social and economic development. However, one barrier to the efficient utilisation of ICT in developing countries is the relatively low level of information literacy. Without the ability to manipulate and use information effectively, investments in ICT‐for‐development projects may be unsuccessful. In this research project, three ICT initiatives in Kenya are analysed in the light of the dimensions of information literacy. Implications for other developing countries are discussed.

Information and communication technology and the social inclusion of refugees

The social inclusion of newly resettled refugees is a significant issue confronting both refugees and their host societies. Information and communication technologies (ICTs) are increasingly viewed as a useful resource in programs that provide settlement services or promote participation in society. This paper moves beyond the conventional discussion on the digital divide to explore what people are actually able to do and achieve with ICTs. We draw on an analysis of the use of ICTs for particular purposes by more than 50 resettled refugees to develop an explanation of the process by which ICT use contributes to their social inclusion. We propose that ICT constitutes a resource from which a set of five valuable capabilities is derived: to participate in an information society, to communicate effectively, to understand a new society, to be socially connected, and to express a cultural identity. In realizing these capabilities through ICT use, refugees exercise their agency and enhance their well-being in ways that assist them to function effectively in a new society and regain control over their disrupted lives.

Unveiling the modernity bias: a critical examination of the politics of ICT4D

The issue of politics in information and communication technology for development (ICT4D) research is rarely debated, yet one of the key instrumental freedoms proposed by Sen [(1999). Development as freedom. New York: First Anchor Books] in his seminal book on development is political liberty for individuals. We argue that ICT4D initiatives are predominantly informed by a modernist philosophy, which in their effort to bring some material progress risk granting technological tools a major role. This view assumes that ICT4D users are merely passive recipients of the benefits of technology. Moreover, it implies that development can only be brought by those in a more developed, powerful position. This in itself is a political viewpoint, and thus politics is embedded in the design of ICT4D projects. Building on Sens (1999) capability framework, we discuss how far ICT4D projects are able to assist political liberty of the alleged beneficiaries, given that political liberties are constrained by wider institutional factors. We conclude by making a call for researchers to more critically examine the structure and intention of ICT4D projects.

ICTs as a Tool for Cultural Dominance: Prospects for a Two-Way Street

While the case for information and communication technologies (ICTs) for development is largely accepted, it should be remembered that ICTs carry embedded in them sets of cultural assumptions. Efforts to close the digital divide are insufficient if those efforts remain oblivious to the cultural dominance of English language content available on the Internet. This paper discusses how the proliferation of the Internet has resulted in a cultural homogenisation via the lingua franca of the Internet, English. It then discusses the case of Latin American Internet portals to illustrate how local content provision on the Internet can be successful in attracting a local audience.

Interview with Prof. Subhash Bhatnagar, Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad, India

I do not see ICT tools contributing to empowerment of poor people in the immediate future. The main reason why poor are disempowered is their lack of literacy. They neither understand their own entitlement nor have the ability to seek help. ICTs cannot be the primary tools to create literacy. However, in disseminating the rights and entitlement of the people, electronic media can play a significant role. Now, or in the foreseeable future, poor people will need the support of external agencies that can understand their needs and guide the poor communities to use ICTs in a manner that can help solve some of the community’s problems. I am talking about grassroots organizations that live and breathe in the same space as the poor communities and help them articulate their concerns. At a point, when the poor can stand on their own feet, perhaps either the nongovernmental organization (NGO) withdraws or the community pushes out the NGOs. Because these grassroots organizations are half part of the community, I feel that they are much better placed than agencies that are completely external and are trying to provide solutions for the problems of poor communities. Often grass root organizations first grapple with a problem and then may look for solutions which are ICT based or otherwise. On the other hand donors tend to push technology and seek problems that can be solved by ICTs even though such ICTs may not be the most cost effective way to deal with the problems. Interview with Prof. Subhash Bhatnagar, Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad, India

The practice of ICT-enabled development

ABSTRACT While information and communication technology for development (ICT4D) research examines the diverse range of topics, settings, and technologies, there has been a lack of attention on theorizing the process of information and communication technology (ICT)-enabled development. This paper draws on Bourdieu’s practice theory to provide a framework for doing so. This framework captures the multi-level, generative, and processual nature of ICT-enabled development, and illustrates that ICT-enabled development is an ongoing activity that is recreated, reinforced, and restricted by the interaction between the dispositions of the stakeholders involved and changes in the various forms of capital that are valued in a community. The utility of the framework is illustrated by using practice theory to re-analyze three ICT4D initiatives from the literature.

From Longhand Writing to Word Processing: A Phenomenological Study of the Technophobe Turned Novelist

Firmly grounded on the assumption that using digital technology is an intentional, conscious and subjective experience, this study adopts a transcendental phenomenological approach to reveal the meaning of the individual experience of using digital technology. This study reports the experience of a self-described technophobe, creative woman, who, after learning how to type on a computer keyboard, used word processor software on a donated computer to write and eventually publish a novel. As result of a reflective analysis, according to the tenets of transcendental phenomenology, the essence of the lifeworld phenomenon of using digital technology revealed three interdependent experiences: imaginative, epiphanic and symbiotic. This study explains how an individual uses digital technology to fulfil her needs and achieve her goals as well as demonstrates the potential of transcendental phenomenology in information systems research.Firmly grounded on the assumption that using digital technology is an intentional, conscious and subjective experience, this study adopts a transcendental phenomenological approach to reveal the meaning of the individual experience of using digital technology. This study reports the experience of a self-described technophobe, creative woman, who, after learning how to type on a computer keyboard, used word processor software on a donated computer to write and eventually publish a novel. As result of a reflective analysis, according to the tenets of transcendental phenomenology, the essence of the lifeworld phenomenon of using digital technology revealed three interdependent experiences: imaginative, epiphanic and symbiotic. This study explains how an individual uses digital technology to fulfil her needs and achieve her goals as well as demonstrates the potential of transcendental phenomenology in information systems research.

Information and Marginality: Ethical Issues

The purpose of this session on the topic of “Interaction and Engagement” is community building and an exploration of the ethical dimensions of information and marginality. We will examine challenges, methodologies and theoretical frameworks related to work with immigrants, and other underrepresented communities. We will use Performative Social Science (PSS) (combining oral history and auto ethnography) (Guiney Yallop, Vallejo de Lopez, & Wright, 2008) to tackle some potential limitations that stem from our privileged positions and ability to border cross in both the physical and metaphorical sense. Our goal is to foster the creation and dissemination of new knowledge in order to investigate deeper information issues and challenges with underrepresented groups. The session will appeal to scholars, researchers and practitioners interested in development work, digital divides, digital inclusion, underrepresented communities, marginality and immigration studies.

Where are the indigenous ICT for development researchers: marginalised or uninvited?

There is an interesting peculiarity in this area – most scholars researching ICT4D in developing countries are neither native to developing countries nor live in developing countries – at least, not any more. The fact is that the bulk of the body of knowledge relating to ICT4D in developing countries is produced by both developed countries natives, and developing countries native academics, who are now living in developed countries. These facts deserve some in-depth reflection. Without detracting from the unquestionable academic merit and research contribution of these thought-provoking scholars – whether from developing countries or not – working in universities based in developed countries, a question needs to be raised: Why has most research about ICT4D in developing countries not been developed by indigenous scholars who live and work in developing countries?