Course Description
The mobile phone is rapidly bringing communication to the most remote areas of the world. NGOs, governments and companies alike are beginning to realize the potential of this ubiquitous tool to address social challenges. This four-week online professional development certificate course will explore successful applications that facilitate economic transactions, support public health campaigns and connect learners to educational content. It will also critically engage with issues of equity, privacy and access. Participants can expect a dynamic and practical learning environment with a number of real-world examples and case studies. Want more information? Read a recap of our last course here and check out the syllabus here. Or read a blog post review by a former participant here.
Course Topics and Featured Tech
- Banking the Unbanked: the Promise of Mobile Money Systems (MPESA)
- Mobile Diagnostics and other Tools for Public Health Delivery (Sana Mobile, Medic Mobile)
- New Approaches to Surveys, Polling, Monitoring, Evaluation and Data Management (FrontlineSMS, RapidSMS/Souktel, FormHub, GeoPoll, Magpi)
- Interactive Voice Response (FreedomFone)
- Mobile Learning: Best Practices for Education on the Move
Course Objectives
Participants will be able to…
- critically analyze both the opportunities and the pitfalls that emerge when working with mobile technology to address social problems in public health, education, and fiance sectors
- connect relevant development, humanitarian and peacebuilding theories to the mobile technological strategies and tools discussed in the course
- manage specific mobile platforms and utilize various mobile technological tools for responding to social problems
- design dynamic and effective strategies for using mobile technology platforms and tools to respond to social challenges in fields of education, health and finance
Guest Experts
Platform Screenshots
Gain practical skills through exercises and simulations
Exchange with leading experts in the field
Stay engaged with progress maps and points systems
Network and collaborate with professionals from dozens of countries
Cost
- $395 if application and payment is submitted by August 1st
- $445 if application and payment is submitted by start of course