CSCW poster

projecthonduras.com website
Static
Online
Visible
Public
HC x ICT = A Formula for Alternative Development?
projecthonduras.com network
DynamicIntroductions, Encouragement, Some Teaching & Learning
Visible
PublicInteractions often mediated
On & OfflineForums, conference
Exploring the projecthonduras.com network
projecthonduras.com community
projecthonduras.com is…
A place for conscious networking
Politically neutral and positive
Constructive and focused on the “do-able”
Research Question:
Projecthonduras.com claims to be an alternative model of development based on using ICT to locate, coordinate and mobilize ‘human capital’ (HC) . Does this represent an alternative model for development, and how is it impacting development and development organizations in Honduras?
Invisible
On & Offline
PrivateUnmediated
DynamicCoordination, Sharing, Teaching & Learning
Sharon J. McLennan, PhD candidate
Institute of Development Studies: Massey University, New Zealand
www.sharonmclennan.info s.mclennan@massey.ac.nz
p r o j e c t h o n d u r a s . c o m = I C T x H C*
(formula devised by founder Marco Cáceres)
4
So how and where does the networking happen?
Spaces and Layers:
Networking happens in the network and community layers of projecthonduras.com.
The website is the visible home of projecthonduras.com but is relatively static, directing visitors to the networking tools.
The networking tools are public spaces, most useful for introductions and making contact.
Due to the factors listed in #3, most active networking happens “off-list” in private spaces following introduction.
*HC: Human Capital
Definition as used by projecthonduras.com:
“Human capital (HC) is essentially anything that is not "financial capital". It includes a wide range of resources, including time, energy, talents, experience, expertise, imagination, and contacts -- things that are difficult to quantify, but that have very real value. “ (Marco)
Embedded YouTube videos made by development organisations and non-profits in Honduras.
Methodology:
This research takes an ethnographic approach to exploring the claims made by projecthonduras.com.The aim of using ethnography in this context is to explore the experiences and world-views of network participants, and the context in which they work, in order to understand the underlying philosophy. Exploring the wider of context of Honduran communities will also help develop an understanding of the impacts the network is having on development in Honduras, and the way in which ICT can be used to further development aims.
HAM= Honduras Aid Map.
A google map with links to organisations by geographic location
Network
Description of network tools available and links to Yahoo groups, Facebook and Twitter profiles.
The website is available in Spanish and English, although the forums and groups remain largely English based.
Volunteers/ Missions
Links to websites of organisations working in Honduras (specifically to volunteer and missions pages).
Projecthonduras.com uses a ‘toolbox’ of free and easily available online networking tools.
Why the low activity?
Some themes from early data analysis:
Lack of access to good Internet services
Lack of knowledge, interest and/or time
Attempted move to Facebook in 2008
Yahoo groups temporarily suspended
Interaction online limited by philosophy and structure of network
Organisations and individuals up skill (therefore don’t need so much help - more experienced organisations are less active in public forums therefore less visible)
It is also clear that
Online activity is low:
Website largely static
Forum posts decreasing (see example graphs below)
New Twitter & Facebook groups not well-subscribed or integrated
Many research participants stated they rarely use the online tools
2
3
1
Early analysis shows
Projecthonduras.com provides space for:
Introductions
of organisations and individuals to others working in the same area
Encouragement
support and guidance, awareness of others
Coordination
of shipping, individual aid, project assistance
Sharing
of advice & experiences; physical, human and financial resources
Teaching and learning
about Honduras & development, up skilling of small volunteer organisations
Projecthonduras.com
Yahoo education forum
Number of posts 2000-2009
Projecthonduras.com
Yahoo healthcare forum
Number of posts 2000-2009
Themes for ongoing analysis
What human capital?: The role of a network of expatriates and volunteers in development in Honduras, issues of power, priorities and relationships.
Political or apolitical?: Tension between the inherent political nature of development and the apolitical philosophy of the network.
Space for an unconventional movement? Potential beyond simple networking.

CSCW poster

by kiwicatracha on Feb 21, 2010

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