Jun 11, 2010
initial discussion of project proposal
(clique aqui para a versão portuguese)
Before the research project can be started, a discussion (or
several discussions) shall take place with people from local
communities or collectives that show interest in the reporting and
mapping project.
A discussion is absolutely necessary due to the following reasons:
learn about the situation of the people and in order to get to know
the peoples wishes, necessities and their local context.introduction of the concept of the mapping project to the people
learn about
constraints that are imposed on them, ie. financial constraints –
no money to send sms, educational constraints – illiteracy, social
constraints – gender issues, age.
Objectives: the intended discussions shall provide possibilities for knowledge exchange in both directions and shall be used to assess the
feasibility of the project in the environment the people life in. Due
to the fact that the project proposal is not fixed at all, a great
variety of possibilities exist for adjustment to the local context.
Next Steps: once the community decides that the project is feasible and usefull for them, the project can be realized. The proposal is to conduct a series of workshops that would cover the questions of the concrete organization and implementation of the project. The wokshops could be based on the results of the initial feasibility discussion.
From my point of view, the following topics must be addressed in
any discussion that aims to assess the feasibility of the research
project. Even if no complete answers are found for all questions,
there should be no doubt that the single issues addressed here are actual existing and can be
solved. If points are not clear and likely to prevent the realization
later on, it would be preferable to address those points in
additional discussions or come to the solution that the project is
not feasible under those circumstances.
This list is not complete or fixed until eternity and is always subject for change
Question about the methodology in general
in how far does it make sense to use mobile devices such as
cameras or mobile phones in the local environment?
do people possess such devices in the first place?
what are local questions and issues?
what could be reported/documented/mapped?
in how far does it make sense to use custom made digital
maps?
Questions about possible constraints
can people afford to send sms?
what are alternatives for people that can’t?
don’t send information, just store them on the mobile phone
an transfer them later directly to the computer?
solidarity parties to generate grants that can be
distributed to the people in order to pay their sms?
are people capable of using sms or the mobile phones?
how can illiterate people participate?
could one prepare media such as handouts that graphically
explain the usage?
could one conduct special workshops with them to develop a
modus that allows them to take part?
how can elderly people participate?
what are alternatives to mobile phones?
Questions about infrastructure
how could the computer with the map be made accessible for
the people?
which place?
how can necessary equipment be organized?
buy equipment?
solidarity parties to generate grants in order to buy equipment?
look for donations of second hand computers and mobile phones?
More information about the methodology of the case study
