How can Technology Improve Monitoring & Evaluation in International Development? - RSVP Now

The world has more data now than ever before, and more ways to collect it too. In fact, we are floating in an ocean of data, but too often, we are barely treading water versus swimming with a purpose.

How can we leverage the tools of ICT to swim, or even sail, on this sea of data? Can we improve our understanding of data and the overall monitoring and evaluation process? Shouldn’t we be asking ourselves questions like:

• Beyond surveys and dissemination, how can ICT be helpful to M&E?
• What are the challenges in implementing inclusive ICT-based M&E programs?
• When can ICT be used to celebrate (and learn from) ‘failures’?
• Does participatory ICT and social media help or hurt M&E efforts?
• How can we channel independent grassroots monitoring efforts into established development channels?
  
  

Please RSVP now for the next Technology Salon Canada - in Ottawa! - to seek answers to these questions and explore how we can truly achieve data-driven development. We’ll have the following experts as guides on our journey:

• Jacques Mailloux, CIO of Elections Canada, and previously with CIDA
• Levi Goertz, Client Solutions at VOTO Mobile, and previously with McKinsey
• Kathy Durant, Manager, Global Results, Digital Opportunity Trust
  
  

Please RSVP now to join 35 of your peers in technology and international development for a lively yet informal discussion on the opportunities and challenges in using the data tools of tomorrow to create lasting change today.

ICT for M&E
Technology Salon Canada
Thursday, June 5th 8:30 - 10:30 a.m.
Downtown Ottawa, Canada

RSVP is required
Please RSVP now to be confirmed for attendance as we'll have hot coffee and tasty donuts for a morning rush, but seating is limited and once we reach our 35-person capacity there will be a wait list.

May 21st Toronto Salon - RSVP Now

We have all seen the pretty pictures of children playing with fancy new gadgets, and while the photos are uplifting, do they really signify progress?

• Does the introduction of new technology, specifically information and communication technologies like mobile phones, computers, and the Internet really accelerate the social and economic advancement of the developing world?
• Will Asian Tigers and African Lions use wireless communications and new big and open data systems to leapfrog legacy infrastructure and reap digital as well as demographic dividends?
• Or might we be overestimating the reach of modern technology? Could new solutions and their diffusion patterns inevitably widen the digital divide?
• And are we actually imposing Western values and suppressing local businesses with extractive electronic tools no better than colonial powers of the past?
  

 These are the big questions we'll be asking, and seeking answers to, at the 1st Technology Salon Canada on May 21st in Toronto, Ontario with Development Wisdom.

Please RSVP now to join an intimate gathering of 35 thought leaders and decision makers in technology and international development for what will be a lively yet informal discussions on the opportunities and challenges in using the tools of tomorrow to create lasting change today.

We will be joined by two noted experts in the field who will start the session with their thoughts on the topic; Jacob Korenblum, CEO of Souktel Development Solutions and Mark Leclair, Knowledge Manager at Farm Radio International. 

Then, we'll quickly jump into the heart of the Salon - an open and lively discussion moderated by Wayan Vota co-founder of Technology Salon, with everyone participating as equal peers with their thoughts, ideas, and opinions.

How Can Tech Improve Development?
1st Technology Salon Canada
Wednesday, May 21, 2014
9:00-11:00 am
Ontario Ministry of Economic Development, Trade and Employment
Ministry of Research and Innovation
Toronto, Canada 

We’ll have hot coffee and a light breakfast for a morning rush but seating is limited, so be sure to RSVP now to be confirmed for attendance. RSVP is required and once we reach our 35-person capacity there will be a waiting list.

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About the Technology Salon
The Technology Salon™ is an intimate, informal, and in person, discussion between information and communication technology experts and international development professionals, with a focus on both:

• technology's impact on donor-sponsored technical assistance delivery, and
• private enterprise driven economic development, facilitated by technology.

Our meetings are lively conversations, not boring presentations. Attendance is capped at 35 people - and frank participation with ideas, opinions, and predictions is actively encouraged. 

Development Wisdom, which convenes Tech Salons in Canada, is a non-profit organization that develops and implements wise and sustainable education, entrepreneurial and ICT solutions that empower vulnerable, at-risk and marginalized youth and adults in Canada and internationally

Join us today to meet others motivated to employ technology to solve vexing development problems!