Thanks to great advances in technology, today’s world has been made more convenient and accessible: companies are able to reach more customers, provide better and more efficient products, more people have access to information at their fingertips and stay connected in ways we could not have, a few decades ago. Technology, by most accounts, has improved our lives!
While some may be using technology to increase their bottom line, other are using technology to make a social impact. Evelyn Namara is such that
person. Passionate about technology, social innovation, education technology and empowering women in technology, Evelyn, joined us to discuss Technology for Social Change.
On technology and social change.
Over time societies evolve and change. What was acceptable a few decades ago, now seem to be no longer acceptable and vice versa. In many instances, technology has been a catalyst to such change. However, for technology to effectively impact social change, it must be designed with the end user in mind and benefit all (not only the advantaged), and must also be easily understood and scalable.
Those deploying technologies have to embrace design thinking methodologies and engage with end users #ELLE101 https://t.co/xPTwDXnMzf
— Evelyn Namara (@enamara) May 20, 2016
Problem is, most technologies that are being developed benefit the already advantaged, this needs 2 change #ELLE101 https://t.co/xPTwDXnMzf
— Evelyn Namara (@enamara) May 20, 2016
For technology to impact social change, it needs to be easily understood & have potential to scale. #Elle101 https://t.co/xPTwDXnMzf
— Evelyn Namara (@enamara) May 20, 2016
On how to broaden the reach and make technology accessible to even more people.
Broadening the reach is a collective effort between communities, organizations and governments.
Combined efforts are needed. Gov'ts have to play an active role in ensuring all people get connected #ELLE101 https://t.co/B0CoPgYIoG
— Evelyn Namara (@enamara) May 20, 2016
Private str & civil society have to engage gov'ts to ensure there's a solid voice for need of connectivity #ELLE101 https://t.co/B0CoPgYIoG
— Evelyn Namara (@enamara) May 20, 2016
Infrastructure development is key in allowing different technologies to reach the masses. #ELLE101 https://t.co/B0CoPgYIoG
— Evelyn Namara (@enamara) May 20, 2016
On the effect technology has on social skills and social life.
As much as there are many positive aspects to technology, one cannot deny the negative impact that technology has had on social skills and social life. Technology has to be used careful, in an attempt to enhance our lives and NOT consume it.
While tech is important for collaborating, it's killing our ability to network with each other in person #ELLE101 https://t.co/ARVNvj3xWs
— Evelyn Namara (@enamara) May 20, 2016
People now spend more time playing video games & watching movies than going out for a run – dangerous #ELLE101 https://t.co/ARVNvj3xWs
— Evelyn Namara (@enamara) May 20, 2016
I see that a lot. I believe we need to strike a balance as individuals and regulate our tech intake. #ELLE101 https://t.co/WfFS571ckQ
— Evelyn Namara (@enamara) May 20, 2016
On how organizations can efficiently leverage technology to improve their work.
The technology is only as good as its users. While some social change organizations shy away from fully utilizing available technology, Evelyn encourages these organizations to embrace technology and have a good team in place to assist them in the various stages of implementation: from research, to testing, to deployment as well as post assessment.
First of all, Social Change Organisations need to embracing technology and not running away from it. #Elle101
https://t.co/ymsabgI5TD— Evelyn Namara (@enamara) May 20, 2016
Engaging with the right partners who can support them in deployment of tech is also key. #Elle101 https://t.co/ymsabgI5TD
— Evelyn Namara (@enamara) May 20, 2016
Fully researching the technology trend they indeed to deploy and piloting it before going full board. #ELLE101 https://t.co/ymsabgI5TD
— Evelyn Namara (@enamara) May 20, 2016
Putting in place monitoring & evaluation mechanisms to allow them to assess if tech deployed works well. #ELLE101 https://t.co/ymsabgI5TD
— Evelyn Namara (@enamara) May 20, 2016
On her favorite technology.
Enabling digital financial inclusion 4 the un-banked through one of the best tech innovation: Mobile Money #ELLE101 https://t.co/OfRuV2wSym
— Evelyn Namara (@enamara) May 20, 2016
#ELLE101 is our Twitter chat which takes place every first Friday of the month at 3pm (London Time). The chat which is hosted from our twitter account (@elleafrique), typically lasts for an hour and discusses different topics with a special guest. #ELLE101 provides you with the chance to network and grow your circle (and knowledge!) through shared interests.