“only 8 computers were available for approximately 1000 residence”
(from Citizen Communications in Crisis: Anticipating a Future of ICT-Supported Public Participation)
It is very interesting to me that in our country there are still communities that are unaware or do not have access to computers and the Internet. The ratio of computers to people is somewhat shocking but understandable considering the confusing and difficult aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. It must have been difficult to find and set up any kind of computer network to be assessable to the evacuees, let alone organizing a procedure for them to use it with such high demand. This is a great place to examine future plans for post-disaster relief. This technology can be very useful in helping people reconnect with friends and family as well as a coping mechanism for affected victims. Just allowing victims of a disaster to have the ability to understand their situation in a way other than watching the news can be a great way for individuals to feel some sense of acceptance during an incredibly difficult time. In the stages of a disaster this is an example of how technology can be utilized in the “Recovery” stage (Stage 7). Having computers and access to the Internet is an important aspect that should be involved in any post-crises relief effort. This includes the training for those who have never used the technology as well as the hardware to access the valuable resources of the web.
What I find amazing is that there are many countries around the world that are not connected via the web. What I find more amazing is that some countries today don't have running water or electricity either. We live in such a bubble here in America and we are so greatly spoiled with all of our technology. We are so lucky to be connected via computer and the web. Another thing to think about is that computers are a luxery. They are expensive, and staying connected to the Internet is expensive. To us it seems crazy that only "8 computers were available to only 1000 residence." However, many of the people affected during Katrina came from low income areas. These were the people who were not educated on computer and web based use. I agree with you on that we need to educate these people on how to use technology so in a crisis like Katrina, people are able to connect with friends and family. There should be a humanitarian project like one lap top per child set up for a disaster like Katrina. By doing this, we would help so many people to stay connected and we could train them on the basics of the computer and the web.
ReplyDeleteI am optimistic that with the advent of cloud computing - the internet will be able to spread throughout areas with limited telecommunication infrastructures and drive the cost of computing down. Most of the cost associated with a computer these days is associated with the proprietary technology running it... When you buy a PC - you are really buying 80% MS Windows and 20% hardware, the same is true with an Apple. For example, when I had my desktop system quoted by Apple it was close to $6000 - I was able to build the exact same machine with 3 operating systems for under $1000. One must also keep in mind that using a computer is fairly pointless unless you can read and write. There are certainly basic humanitarian landmarks that need to be achieved before the internet and social media technologies can access all corners of the globe.
ReplyDeleteI wonder what this statistic included as a "computer." There are plenty of people with cell phones that connect to the internet- does that count as a computing device? Obviously, due to economic reasons, there will be places that will have less technology than other. However, I think we need to broaden our perspective of how people can be technologically connected. I think the idea of teaching people how to use technology in case of an emergency is a great idea. However, I think it can only be implemented by a sense of personal responsibility. If you know that your grandmother cannot use her computer quickly, perhaps explain to her that if she has a smart phone, she can use to to connect to the internet as well. There are plenty of opportunities to use technology during a crisis, but there are generations who do not think technology is important. I think its important that we all do our part to close that gap. During a crisis its important that people be able to get information up to date and make the safest decisions.
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