Tech for Intl Crisis Response

1 Credit · Level: Graduate, Undergraduate

This course will meet on the following dates: Saturday February 4, 2017 Sunday February 5, 2017 New technologies have fundamentally changed the way that NGOs, governments and companies engage with communities around the world. Tools like mobile phones, digital maps, and social media platforms have already demonstrated tremendous value in addressing a range of social problems and yet so much more potential exists on the horizon. This one credit course will explore some of the ways technology is being used to respond to crises, improve healthcare delivery, monitor elections, provide banking services, ensure effective governance, expand educational opportunities, and more. It will also address some of the key challenges these new tools present, such as lack of access, underdeveloped infrastructure, implementation issues, as well as obstacles for scale-up and evaluation. The course is designed for Georgetown University students to assist them in developing concrete strategies and technological skills to work amid this rapidly evolving landscape. Participants can expect an immersive and interactive learning environment with a variety of real world examples from organizations working in the field. BIO: Nicholas Martin Nicholas Carl Martin is an American technologist, entrepreneur, and educator best known for founding the international organization TechChange: the Institute for Technology and Social Change. Martin has delivered a number of speeches at the United Nations, The US State Department, and USAID on the role of technology for international development, online learning & capacity building and m-learning His work has been featured in the New York Times, Fast Company, the Chronicle of Higher Education, Stanford Social Innovation Review, The Guardian, The Economist, Dowser.org and more. Nick is a Pop!Tech Social Innovation Fellow and an International Youth Foundation Global Fellow.He graduated from Swarthmore College with a degree in English Literature and Education and from The University for Peace with a masters in Peace Education. Prior to founding TechChange, Martin started an award-winning conflict resolution and technology program for DC elementary schools called DCPEACE. As of November 2013, Nick is also an adjunct faculty member at George Washington University.