CSCW DC Presentation
- 1. HC x ICT =A Formula for Alternative Development? Sharon J. McLennan, PhD candidate Institute of Development Studies, Massey University, New Zealand www.sharonmclennan.info s.mclennan@massey.ac.nz
- 2. Embedded YouTube videos made by development organisations and non-profits in Honduras. HAM= Honduras Aid Map. A google map with links to organisations by geographic location The website is available in Network Spanish and Description of network tools English, available and links to Yahoo although the groups, Facebook and Twitter forums and profiles. groups remain largely English Volunteers/ Missions based. Links to websites of organisations working in Honduras (specifically to volunteer and missions pages).
- 3. HC: Human Capital Definitionas 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, imag ination, and contacts -- things that are difficult to quantify, but that have very real value.” (Marco)
- 4. projecthonduras.com is… •A placefor conscious networking •Politically neutral and positive •Constructive and focused on the “do-able” •Health •Education •Community Development
- 5. Research Question: Projecthonduras.com claimsto 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?
- 7. Online activity islow: •Website largely static •Forum posts decreasing •New Twitter & Facebook groups not well- subscribed or integrated •Many research participants stated they rarely use the online tools
- 8. Projecthonduras.com Projecthonduras.com Yahoo healthcare forum Yahoo education forum Number of posts 2000-2009 Number of posts 2000-2009 1200 600 1000 500 800 400 600 300 400 200 200 100 0 0 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009
- 9. Why the lowactivity? 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 •Organisations and individuals up skill •Interaction online limited by philosophy and structure of network
- 10. Projecthonduras.com provides space for: •Introductions oforganisations 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
- 11. projecthonduras.com website Online Static Visible Public projecthonduras.com network On & Offline Dynamic Visible Public Forums, conference Introductions, Encouragement, So Interactions often me Teaching & Learning mediated projecthonduras.com community On & Offline Dynamic Invisible Private Coordination, Sharing, Teac hing & Learning Unmediated
- 12. Themes for ongoinganalysis •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.