Author Archive:

Teaching algorithms through kente cloth: a case for Culturally-Situated Educational Software

Teaching algorithms through kente cloth: a case for Culturally-Situated Educational Software

Published on: May 21 2012 by Lindsay Poirier - 1 Comment
For the past year, I have been participating in research on how software, cultural design, and creative production can be used to teach kids mathematics. There’s...
Language as a Cultural Barrier in ICT4E Deployments

Language as a Cultural Barrier in ICT4E Deployments

Published on: Apr 06 2012 by Lindsay Poirier - 1 Comment
When I started working on my ICT4E project a few months back, I thought I had all of my bases covered. It’s easy to fall into that groove. I learned quickly, however,...
The Social Side of ICT4D

The Social Side of ICT4D

Published on: Mar 16 2012 by Lindsay Poirier - 2 Comments
We all know that technology helps shape the way we work, learn, interact, and behave. We have also seen countless social issues come out of our own technology –online...
An ICT4E Lesson Learned: Offline Content is Key

An ICT4E Lesson Learned: Offline Content is Key

Published on: Feb 24 2012 by Lindsay Poirier - 6 Comments
I recently made one of the biggest ICT4D mistakes in the book. Pay close attention, and see if you can pick it out. When I was in Arusha, Tanzania last month, I...
ICT in Primary Schools are Learning Tools, Not Tools to be Learned

ICT in Primary Schools are Learning Tools, Not Tools to be Learned

Published on: Feb 03 2012 by Lindsay Poirier - 8 Comments
As teachers at a primary school in the Kisongo district of Arusha, Tanzania huddled into their computer lab, they quietly scoffed at me. What can a twenty-something...
Avoiding the Digital Divide Hype in Using Mobile Phones for Development

Avoiding the Digital Divide Hype in Using Mobile Phones for Development

Published on: Dec 23 2011 by Lindsay Poirier - 3 Comments
var addthis_config = {"data_track_clickback":true}; To all of you digital divide warriors out there – nice work. With over 483 million mobile phone subscriptions...
School Curriculum Should Drive Computer Use in Tanzanian Education Systems

School Curriculum Should Drive Computer Use in Tanzanian Education Systems

Published on: Dec 16 2011 by Lindsay Poirier - 1 Comment
Over the course of the past semester, I teamed up with fellow RPI IT student, Lorena Nicotra, to develop a project that would promote curriculum-driven technology...
10 Guidelines for Starting Your Independent ICT4D Project

10 Guidelines for Starting Your Independent ICT4D Project

Published on: Dec 07 2011 by Lindsay Poirier - Comments Off on 10 Guidelines for Starting Your Independent ICT4D Project
There is an infamous Catch-22 in starting a career in information and communications for technology. In order to earn a job in ICT4D, I need to have experience....
Ethnomathematics: an Anthropological Approach to Software in ICT4E

Ethnomathematics: an Anthropological Approach to Software in ICT4E

Published on: Nov 04 2011 by Lindsay Poirier - 1 Comment
var addthis_config = {"data_track_clickback":true}; When I was in elementary school, there was one computer game that trumped all of the others: Math Blaster....
Do Not Commit the 3 Fatal Sins in Disregarding End Users in ICT4D

Do Not Commit the 3 Fatal Sins in Disregarding End Users in ICT4D

Published on: Oct 28 2011 by Lindsay Poirier - Comments Off on Do Not Commit the 3 Fatal Sins in Disregarding End Users in ICT4D
In witnessing and celebrating the acknowledgement of failure for several ICT4D organizations at Fail Faire DC 2011, attendees were able to reflect on several...