Jeffrey Sachs: The visionary economist and technology advocate

In this world, there are talkers, listeners, and doers. Jeffrey Sachs is a man of all three attributes- a rarity in a world of hypocrisy. Sachs, a world-renowned humanitarian and economist, spends his life working to reduce Global poverty. He travels the world in order to assess the specific economic and social needs of developing countries. I plan to discuss the issue of poverty and Jeffery Sachs’s economic remedies to this issue, specifically relating to his support of mobile technologies for banking and other economic ventures. I firmly believe that Jeffrey Sachs is an intelligent and mindful person that will assist in the dissemination of such technologies, further lessening the digital divide.

In the Vanity Fair Article entitled “Jeffery Sachs $200 Billion Dream,” Nina Munk elaborates on Jeffrey Sachs’s admirable endeavor to end world poverty. Above all, he is an intelligent and purposeful man. Jeffrey’s main platform: “Millions of people die each year for the stupid reason they are too poor to stay alive”. With this call to action, Sachs works to lobby for the unheard and poorly represented: and, urges all citizens to aid in the battle against world poverty. By holding people accountable to do something, Sachs ignites thought, discussion, and action. In his book, The End of Poverty, Sachs states, “Either you decide to leave people to die or you decide to do something about it”. Furthermore, Sachs calls attention by stomping on the illegitimate excuse for doing nothing because Africa is corrupt. If anything, it should motivate others to support and better the devastating predicament.

“Every day, 22,000 people on the planet die of poverty,” Sachs notes. I find this fact shocking and poignant. Additionally, I was disturbed to read the total annual budget for health care in Ruhiira is $1.90 per person (Munk). These and many more statistics stimulate emotions that many people, including myself, attempt to ignore: guilt and sadness. I believe Sachs posses a very strong argument. Unfortunately, he will continue to fight resistance because many wealthy Americans do not want to comprehend the harshness of this reality. Sachs presents to the public that poverty is a rampant epidemic we can cure. Our affluent nation has enough resources; we just need to use them wisely and selflessly. Sachs’s economic research claims that poverty can be potentially curbed by 1% of America citizens’ income (The End of Poverty).

In conjunction with Sachs’s economic plan to eradicate poverty, he addresses the importance of investing in technological capacities and provides examples of successful cases in ‘scaling up’ (The End of Poverty). In a recent article entitled The Digital War on Poverty, Sachs states “Digital information technologies, if deployed cooperatively and globally, will be our most important new tools, because they will enable us to join together globally in markets, social networks, and cooperative efforts to solve our common problems.”

Inevitably, people agree there are stunning benefits to the spreading of mobile and information communication systems; but some may question:  what are these benefits? Sachs advocates that rural poor communities now have access to wireless banking and payment systems, such as Kenya’s infamous M-PESA system, which facilitates money transfers through mobile phones. Such benefits allow people in developing countries to grab the reigns of their own finances and learn how to save, invest, and spend more wisely. Ultimately, these people are able to effectively use devices to stimulate their own economic activity—rather than relying on other sources and people.

Digital devices and information technologies are rapidly spreading, even in developing nations. After reading Jeffrey Sachs’s economic perspectives and insights, I firmly believe that change must happen to ameliorate the conditions people are enduring. I support the spreading of these technologies; and even though people in developing nations have less educational resources compared to that of the US and UK, they are capable of using and benefiting from such technologies.

References

Munk, Nina. (2007). Jeffrey Sachs’s $200 Billion Dream http://www.vanityfair.com/politics/features/2007/07/sachs200707

Sachs, Jeffrey. (2008). The Digital War on Poverty.

http://www.project-syndicate.org/commentary/sachs144/English

Sahcs, Jeffrey. (2006). The End of Poverty.

Cyberbullying: When enough is enough

We all know that kid. Brawny and hot-tempered, with and iron fist and thick head. He is not the sharpest tool in the shed, but confident nonetheless. He walks around fearless and only exudes one emotion, anger. At first sight, we can only think things of degrading nature: “I hope I’m at least stuffed in a locker close to my next class…that swirly is gonna make me smell all day long…goodbye lunch and allowance.” Yes, that kid is none other than your neighborhood bully.

Or perhaps you are more familiar with that girl—the stereotypical leader of the “mean girl” pack, who uses social power to degrade and mock you until you feel lost in an abyss of hurt and embarrassment. She spreads offensive rumors that can ruin your life. She is another prime example of a bully.

These general profiles—or concepts—of a bully are no longer constrained to such common perceptions. In fact, the neighborhood bully is an animal that has transformed into a beast with the presence of cyberspace—a beast access to a global audience and no boundaries. Cyberbullies can be anyone; all you need is mobile phone or computer with web access. The scope and shape of bullying has changed and the questions people are raising now are: who is responsible and how can this issue be combated? Cyberbullying is no joke. It is not some abstract, hypothetical threat to internet users; it is here and it is real. I plan to discuss the issues surrounding cyberbullying and potential government interaction.

“Cyberbullying—use of the internet, cell phones, or other technology to send or post text or images intended to hurt or embarrass another person” (National Crime Prevention Center). The National Crime Prevention Center (NCPC) with the Harris Initiative Inc. commissioned a study to investigate the issue of cyberbullying among middle school and high school-aged students in the United Stated. Their results yielded some surprisingly harsh realities. According to this study, more than four in ten teens (43%) reported experiencing some type of cyberbullying in the past year. Another interesting trend: incidences were higher among females than males and the issue was more prevalent among 15 and 16 year-olds. The most prevalent emotions reported were by victims who felt angry (56%), hurt (33%), and embarrassed (32%). Moreover, many victims claimed to know their bullies; this finding debunks the assumption that most bullying occurs through encounters with anonymous users.

With this rampant epidemic of harassment through the internet, it is time for people to consider ways to combat this issue. The reality: regulation is complex and difficult. The NCPC quoted a police officer that described the internet in relation to regulation. He stated, “Imagine you lived in a city in which there was no police force, no rules, crime is rampant, you can say what ever you want to whomever you want, everyone lies and no one is too worries about it.”

Various states have passed legislation to criminalize cyberbullying. These laws raise debate with freedom of speech advocates who believe the internet should be free from any governmental interaction (Discovery News). Although many states have passed laws to combat cyberbullying, such laws do not exist on the federal level. There was a bill introduced in 2008 and 2010, but I suspect it was not passed due to the debate over First Amendment rights. Many civil rights groups are weary that vague language in the bill could lead to violations of rights, therefore, stifling the voice of the American people.

While the government may be debating this issue, some institutions are taking action by cracking down hard on cyberbullying. The College Anonymous Discussion Board (commonly referred to as College ACB) is under much scrutiny for its open platform that fosters an environment fueled by gossip and slander. Carolyn Witte (2010) of the Cornell Daily Sun claimed that College ACB is “a disease, it’s contagious and it’s addictive. Worse, it is self-destructive and undermines everything universities stand for.” Content constructed by anonymous users can be extremely offensive, false, and embarrassing; many believe it is another form of harassment, especially when users are talking directly about other users by name. Before College ACB, JuicyCampus was banned from various institutions for its harmful content and affects on students. Universities are debating whether to ban College ACB, but face debates with civil rights of students; additionally, a ban or lawsuit would contradict the 1996 Telecommunications Act, which states, “website users are not responsible for libel on their sites” (Witte). Cornell’s student body will be debating this issue more in the fall and the future will only tell whether this form of cyber bullying will be restricted.

Personally, I believe regulating this issue will be extremely difficult; but I also believe that limiting the instances of cyberbullying would assist in protecting users from harassment. Furthermore, I believe preventative measures should be taken to mitigate this epidemic. Banning a site like college ACB would be one step that could assist in lessening the blow of the “beast”—the bullies in cyber space. No person should fear using the internet, for it unlocks a world of opportunities to learn and grow. I believe more discussion should take place, and internet infrastructure should be built so that cyberbullying does not inhibit users from accessing such a robust and enhanced learning space.

References:

Cyberbullying: Trends and Tudes (2007). National Crime Prevention Center.

http://www.ncpc.org/resources/files/pdf/bullying/Cyberbullying%20Trends%20-%20Tudes.pdf

Exploring the Nature and Prevention of Bullying. http://www.ksde.org/Default.aspx?tabid=3913

 

Why We Should All Hate College ACB (2010). Carolyn Witte. http://cornellsun.com/node/41938

Is Cyber Bullying Illegal?(2010). Discovery News.

http://news.discovery.com/tech/is-cyber-bullying-illegal.html

Telemedicine Technologies In Action

       In Tanzania, poor logistics and infrastructure have contributed to health deficiencies and spread of disease. With the introduction of new, low-cost mhealth technologies, great strides have been made towards diagnosing patients and providing proactive care. The digital era is not discriminative to the western culture; in fact, mobile phones are pervasive in developing countries as well. Due to the rapid increase in such innovation dissemination, Tanzanian people, assisting organizations, and medical workers are making use of mhealth technologies. In this blog, I will discuss the development of mobile phone applications and their uses in Tanzania, as well as weigh the costs and benefits of such technologies.

     Until rather recently, mobile phone applications were geared towards consumer education –providing access to information on health topics and prevention methods. Innovations then permeated the field of dermatology, the study of skin disorders. Now, mobile applications are attending to a greater need –assisting in diagnosis for patients with chronic conditions.

     Various religious and health organizations have combined efforts to introduce telemedicine, “a distant diagnosis platform in which health workers use cell phone technology to carry out distance diagnosis through a Web-based program,” to the Tanzanian heath care system and infrastructure (iPhone and other Smartphone Apps, 2011).

     How do these applications work? It is quite simple. Clinical workers use mobile phones to take pictures and record information of patients. Information, especially those on complex cases, can be showed to specialists via the iPath (a secure datatbase) telemedicine platform; these specialists can make recommendations and provide advice based on information received.

Kizito Mrema, the project’s resource person, states, “The goal is to have an online consultation network operating between 43 health facilities in the country, where about one hundred consultations are taking place weekly of which 20% are second opinion” (Cell Phones Saving Lives in Tanzania, 2011). Currently, doctors and consultants involved in this network are required to attend several training programs that cover the use of iPath and mobile applications.

     Dr. Mauri Niemi, a medical doctor in Tanzania, reports great success stating that he consults specialists every time he comes across complex issues, and the advice he receives has been extremely helpful. Niemi travels to remote places in Tanzania to assist the rural population—those who cannot get to medical centers. With the mobile applications and telemedicine platform, he “sends x-rays, photos of skin conditions and tissue samples and patient information to specialist doctors for consultation online” (Cell Phones Saving Lives in Tanzania, 2011). The telemedicine platform can be accessed by any internet browser or cell phone with GPRS connection. In one case, Dr. Niemi met with a toddler who suffered from a swollen ear that worsened by the use of antibiotics. Niemi used his cell phone to take a picture of the child’s infected ear and upload relevant information to the telemedicine platform. An ear specialist in Dar es Salaam suggested an operation, which was later carried out in a neighboring region; the operation was successful and the child survived.

     In a presentation, Dr. Niemi identified the benefits of mhealth technologies. First, the system is usable on slow networks, in remote locations. Second, small dispensaries and hospitals can communicate. Third, patient information is sent on a secure website. Fourth, automatic notifications between parties involved are time effective. Fifth, time and money are saved when more people are treated in close hospitals.

     Deusdedit Mjungu, a clinical analyst, says there will be a new generation of doctors who will change the old practices if they are encouraged. He claims the main hurdle is integrating the telemedicine system so that is pervasive among health organizations and workers, as well as the establishment of a streamlined billing system (Cell Phones Saving Lives in Tanzania, 2011).

   I firmly believe the initial costs of integrating the telemedicine system will be worth the amount of lives saved. Even with the incremental adoption of these technologies, Tanzanians have benefited. Although these systems may not be the best for the Western culture, Tanzania and other developing countries need as much care as possible. If there are methods to provide rural populations with poor health conditions better health care through distance diagnosis, then it should be a goal greatly pursued. There are not enough doctors available or willing to travel across remote regions of developing nations; but there are doctors willing to consult and advise through online platforms. I believe this resource will generate positive results and is necessary in assisting the fight against world poverty and poor health.

References:

iPhone and other Smartphone Apps (mHealth or mobile health): TeleMental Health News (TMHI News). 2011. http://archive.aweber.com/tmhinews/JgFTk/t/iPhone_and_other_Smartphone_Apps.htm

Cell Phones Changing Lives in Tanzania. 2011. http://www.nl-aid.org/continent/sub-saharan-africa/cell-phones-saving-lives-in-tanzania/

Futuristic Education

         Technological advancements have fueled a new branch of international development: information and communication technology. Controversial discussion surrounds this development idea, questioning whether technology should acquire funding that would otherwise supply basic needs and resources to developing countries. Although the extent, breadth, and investment of such technologies is highly debated, there is an accepted agreement that increased education will have positive, long-term affects on targeted populations. Information and communication technologies are considered revolutionary and sexy, which attracts demand from even the most poverty-stricken populations; dissemination and implementation of such technologies, therefore, are inevitable. Now, it is time for development activists to create practical, creative plans to use these technologies most efficiently—in ways that benefit society through education. I am interested in discussing the methods, benefits, and feasibility of open and distance learning in developing nations.

            The traditional concept of education has transformed as well. The typical teacher-student classroom environment has expanded to encompass myriad physical and mental capacities. Most notably, the development of open and distance learning has taken the reigns of this educational evolution. The United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESC) explains that open and distance learning “refers to approaches to learning that focus on freeing learners from constraints of time and place while offering flexible learning opportunities.” There are differential factors between open and distance learning. In distance learning, the educational process occurs when all or a majority of teaching is performed between two parties that are geographically removed from each other. In this method, the UNESC also states that communication between teachers and learners can be “conducted through electronic or print mediums.” Open learning refers to relatively flexible organizational structures in which engaged participants have the freedom of selection, as well as when and where to learn. Partnerships between USA educational institutions and other universities enable a grater flow of quality resources and information. By establishing this streamlined communication through internet technologies, developing countries can provide their students with learning opportunities that provide critical knowledge and skills; in turn, helping a society help themselves. Now that I discussed the basic premise and methods of open distance learning, let’s take a look at a modern case of such practices.

 

      In 1997, the African Virtual University was established to “facilitate the use of effective Open, Distance, and eLearning in African Institutions.” This non-profit organization is the largest mobile e-learning network, serving the pan African regions across 30 countries. The African Virtual University has experienced great success even with major limitations and challenges that can become cumbersome. Such success and benefits of open and distance learning are outlined by the Commonwealth of Learning organization. After extensive research and case studies, various benefits support the implementation of ICT’s for educational purposes. First, physical distance is no longer a barrier because learners in remote locations, or just less motivated to travel, can learn from the comfort of their home. Additionally, defying physical distance allows for teachers and students from all over the world to collaborate, exchange information, and expand their knowledge base. Second, time and scheduling issues can be mitigated. Students can take classes on their own time and schedule classes around work and family responsibilities. Third, this educational method accommodates low enrollments and limited number of teachers available. Institutions can now increase student enrollment through online courses, rather than depending on fluctuating admissions and income. Additionally, institutions are limited in teachers and the funds to pay them; open and distance-based learning allows one teacher to reach a mass audience of students. Finally, this method widens the opportunities for women, as well as populations affected by violence and displacement. 

            The feasibility of open and distance learning has shown to improve the capacities of institutions in developing countries. Expansion of these technologies will be a large hurdle until more computers can be provided to populations in need, efficiently and at low cost. Education is a key to developing a prosperous and working country, but it will take more than the attractiveness of innovations to bring such technologies to countries where education is lacking. It will take manpower and cooperation between both private and public sectors to assist in ameliorating the disparities in education. Logically, the return on the investment is apparent. One teacher or organization can reach a mass audience with the purpose of providing education. I believe the future of education lies within the development of open and distance learning methods, providing developing countries with resources and materials at low cost. The next step is to create effective plans and infrastructure to support these education development goals.

Commonwealth of Learning. INTRODUCTION TO OPEN AND DISTANCE LEARNING (ODL). http://www.col.org/resources/publications/trainingresources/Pages/intro.aspx

Cosmas, Makunka. Distance Learning Access to Higher Education in Zambia. http://pcf4.dec.uwi.edu/viewpaper.php?id=331&print=1

United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization. http://portal.unesco.org/education/en/ev.php-URL_ID=22329& URL_DO=DO_TOPIC&URL_SECTION=201.html