Remote island regions face many challenges when establishing reliable Internet connections and introducing technology into schools and communities. This talk draws from Professor Hosman’s in-the-field experiences with technology-for-development projects, focusing on the PISCES Project, a multi-partnered, education-focused technology project in Micronesia. Using solar powered long-distance wireless connections and an all-in-one Solar-Computer-Lab-in-a-Box, the PISCES Project aims to demonstrate a more affordable, sustainable means of providing ICT and connectivity to off-grid locations. The talk will highlight the importance of meaningful local skills-building and well-designed partnerships as promising methods for moving forward with technology-for-development projects.
A demo of the newest Solar-Computer-Lab-in-a-Box prototype will be displayed at the talk!
Biography:
Laura Hosman is Assistant Professor of Political Science at Illinois Institute of Technology. Prior to IIT, Professor Hosman held postdoctoral research fellow positions at the University of California, Berkeley and the University of Southern California (USC). She graduated with a PhD in Political Economy and Public Policy from USC. Her current research focuses on the role for information and communications technology (ICT) in developing countries, particularly in terms of its potential effects on socio-cultural factors, human development, and economic growth. Her work focuses on two main areas: Public-Private Partnerships and ICT-in-education, both with a focus on the developing world. Her blog, giving insights on her fieldwork experiences, is at http://ict4dviewsfromthefield.wordpress.com .
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