Comments for ictconsortiumni - strategy http://www.ictconsortiumni.org/strategy developing an ICT strategy for the voluntary and community sector in Northern Ireland Wed, 07 Jan 2009 05:27:51 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.1.2 Comment on Objective 5 - To promote media literacy and digital inclusion by Mark http://www.ictconsortiumni.org/strategy/draft-strategy/obj-5-promote-media-literacy-and-digital-inclusion/#comment-13 Mark Thu, 19 Apr 2007 15:23:05 +0000 http://www.ictconsortiumni.org/strategy/draft-strategy/obj-5-promote-media-literacy-and-digital-inclusion/#comment-13 I suppose as an after thought to the strategy meeting on Tuesday just like to mention the site http://www.theyworkforyou.com/ - I know most of you are probably familiar with it. I think it is a great site demonstrating how web 2.0 technologies may allow people to take a degree more ownership of the processes that affect their daily lives as well as enabling many organisations to go about their work far more effectively. The site is a great knowledge channel, giving detailed and immediate information. Also, the extent to which the user can tailor registration preferences means they can be kept in the loop about relevant local issues and keep informed of local representatives’ work on a scale unprecedented. I think it is a great example of best practise which community and voluntary organisations could look to in beginning to formulate engagement with web 2.0 technologies in maximising their web presence, if not totally reinventing it so that it encourages a more collective interaction on the web. And once again best of all – all of this potential development can be done free of charge using open source tools. I suppose as an after thought to the strategy meeting on Tuesday just like to mention the site http://www.theyworkforyou.com/ - I know most of you are probably familiar with it.

I think it is a great site demonstrating how web 2.0 technologies may allow people to take a degree more ownership of the processes that affect their daily lives as well as enabling many organisations to go about their work far more effectively. The site is a great knowledge channel, giving detailed and immediate information.

Also, the extent to which the user can tailor registration preferences means they can be kept in the loop about relevant local issues and keep informed of local representatives’ work on a scale unprecedented.

I think it is a great example of best practise which community and voluntary organisations could look to in beginning to formulate engagement with web 2.0 technologies in maximising their web presence, if not totally reinventing it so that it encourages a more collective interaction on the web. And once again best of all – all of this potential development can be done free of charge using open source tools.

]]> Comment on Would funding alone increase use of ICT? by Paul Webster http://www.ictconsortiumni.org/strategy/2007/04/17/would-funding-alone-increase-use-of-ict/#comment-12 Paul Webster Thu, 19 Apr 2007 00:57:18 +0000 http://www.ictconsortiumni.org/strategy/2007/04/17/would-funding-alone-increase-use-of-ict/#comment-12 Forgot to post a link to this which may be helpful http://www.icthub.org.uk/publications/ Scroll down the page - its the "How to Cost and Fund ICT" guide that I am referring to Paul Forgot to post a link to this which may be helpful http://www.icthub.org.uk/publications/
Scroll down the page - its the “How to Cost and Fund ICT” guide that I am referring to

Paul

]]> Comment on Would funding alone increase use of ICT? by Paul Webster http://www.ictconsortiumni.org/strategy/2007/04/17/would-funding-alone-increase-use-of-ict/#comment-11 Paul Webster Tue, 17 Apr 2007 23:59:44 +0000 http://www.ictconsortiumni.org/strategy/2007/04/17/would-funding-alone-increase-use-of-ict/#comment-11 Greetings from England! Looks like an excellent day getting to grips with ICT over in Northern Ireland. Can't agree more about the funding! Education to funders on why they should fund more than just capital purchases coupled with education of organisations about why they should build in ongoing ICT support costs (even explaining that there ARE ongoing ICT costs) is what is needed. Its relatively easy to throw 20 laptops at a project... but you come back in a year and see how many are sat in a cupboard out of use with minor faults that were not fixed due to lack of affordable (or budgeted for) support. Picking up on some other points I read (not sure where to feed these in!). Peer support... at NAVCA I manage a very favourably reviewed peer support project where two similar organisations get together for a day and share their good practice... recent examples include swapping of Circuit Rider sustainability issues, looking at shared database solutions etc. In addition I have facilitated the establishment or ongoing support of ICT Network Forums in each English region, these are also welcomed as a chance for like mined projects to network together, share ideas and work on common strategies. From April 2007 there will also be an ICT Hub funded "Regional Champion" working to guide each of these groups. Happy to share experiences of these with you if you're interested. Paul Webster ICT Hub - Regional Infrastructure Support NAVCA - 0114 289 3977 - paul.webster@icthub.org.uk Greetings from England!
Looks like an excellent day getting to grips with ICT over in Northern Ireland. Can’t agree more about the funding! Education to funders on why they should fund more than just capital purchases coupled with education of organisations about why they should build in ongoing ICT support costs (even explaining that there ARE ongoing ICT costs) is what is needed. Its relatively easy to throw 20 laptops at a project… but you come back in a year and see how many are sat in a cupboard out of use with minor faults that were not fixed due to lack of affordable (or budgeted for) support.
Picking up on some other points I read (not sure where to feed these in!). Peer support… at NAVCA I manage a very favourably reviewed peer support project where two similar organisations get together for a day and share their good practice… recent examples include swapping of Circuit Rider sustainability issues, looking at shared database solutions etc.
In addition I have facilitated the establishment or ongoing support of ICT Network Forums in each English region, these are also welcomed as a chance for like mined projects to network together, share ideas and work on common strategies. From April 2007 there will also be an ICT Hub funded “Regional Champion” working to guide each of these groups.
Happy to share experiences of these with you if you’re interested.
Paul Webster
ICT Hub - Regional Infrastructure Support
NAVCA - 0114 289 3977 - paul.webster@icthub.org.uk

]]> Comment on Objective 5 - To promote media literacy and digital inclusion by Patricia http://www.ictconsortiumni.org/strategy/draft-strategy/obj-5-promote-media-literacy-and-digital-inclusion/#comment-10 Patricia Mon, 16 Apr 2007 10:03:01 +0000 http://www.ictconsortiumni.org/strategy/draft-strategy/obj-5-promote-media-literacy-and-digital-inclusion/#comment-10 Great to see the strategy taking shape and well done on this site! I'd like to add to Michael's comment above. I suggest raising awareness rather than ensuring - something like: Raise awareness of the benefits and potentials of these new breed of tools and enhance 21st century media literacy whilst maximising accessibility of information, by using the 8 ICT events and developing a suite of bite sized online learning modules that individuals and organisations can take advantage of .” And also on 5c Support the Northern Ireland Digital inclusion steering group activities. I'd suggest Liaise with the Northern Ireland Digital Inclusion Steering Group to promote digital inclusion within the sector. Thanks P Great to see the strategy taking shape and well done on this site!

I’d like to add to Michael’s comment above. I suggest raising awareness rather than ensuring - something like:

Raise awareness of the benefits and potentials of these new breed of tools and enhance 21st century media literacy whilst maximising accessibility of information, by using the 8 ICT events and developing a suite of bite sized online learning modules that individuals and organisations can take advantage of .”

And also on 5c

Support the Northern Ireland Digital inclusion steering group activities.

I’d suggest

Liaise with the Northern Ireland Digital Inclusion Steering Group to promote digital inclusion within the sector.

Thanks

P

]]> Comment on Objective 1 - A sustainable online resource by Feargal http://www.ictconsortiumni.org/strategy/draft-strategy/obj-1-a-sustainable-online-resource/#comment-8 Feargal Tue, 27 Mar 2007 16:16:23 +0000 http://www.ictconsortiumni.org/strategy/draft-strategy/obj-1-a-sustainable-online-resource/#comment-8 Laurence from EGSA left some useful feedback around being more specific with this objective: 1) The provision of case studies is often a good way to lower barriers to entry as others see what can be achieved through applying ICT. Possible wording: ‘1a. Build an online resource to include information and case studies on topics such as Managing ICT, accessibility, communicating online, security and support issues, hardware and software issues and Information management. The information will be published under a creative commons licence allowing free reuse and publication.’ <em>Case studies will be key to the strategy in my opinion. As you mentioned Laurence they are a great way of showing organisations what is capable in the real world. I'd agree that it would be useful to explicitly state that we will be using them.</em> 2) It may be useful to mention that we can lead by example as is already the case with this excellent website, blog and web 2.0 tools. Possible wording: ‘1b. lead by example by using a suite of quality free, accessible and open source tools’ <em>I think we do have a responsibility to lead by example around the use of tools. If we don't do it then it'll be harder to convince the sector how useful the tools are.</em> Laurence from EGSA left some useful feedback around being more specific with this objective:

1) The provision of case studies is often a good way to lower barriers to entry as others see what can be achieved through applying ICT. Possible wording:

‘1a. Build an online resource to include information and case studies on topics such as Managing ICT, accessibility, communicating online, security and support issues, hardware and software issues and Information management. The information will be published under a creative commons licence allowing free reuse and publication.’

Case studies will be key to the strategy in my opinion. As you mentioned Laurence they are a great way of showing organisations what is capable in the real world. I’d agree that it would be useful to explicitly state that we will be using them.

2) It may be useful to mention that we can lead by example as is already the case with this excellent website, blog and web 2.0 tools. Possible wording:

‘1b. lead by example by using a suite of quality free, accessible and open source tools’

I think we do have a responsibility to lead by example around the use of tools. If we don’t do it then it’ll be harder to convince the sector how useful the tools are.

]]> Comment on draft strategy by Laurence http://www.ictconsortiumni.org/strategy/draft-strategy/#comment-7 Laurence Tue, 27 Mar 2007 16:07:33 +0000 http://www.ictconsortiumni.org/strategy/draft-strategy/#comment-7 The ICT strategy is looking really well and should help contribute to a more sustainable ICT outlook for the voluntary and community sector. The eRider model is of particular interest and should provide the ICT support needed by many organisations to ensure successful ICT implementations. Here are a few initial pieces of feedback: The provision of case studies is often a good way to lower barriers to entry as others see what can be achieved through applying ICT. Possible wording: ‘1a. Build an online resource to include information and case studies on topics …’ It may be useful to mention that we can lead by example as is already the case with this excellent website, blog and web 2.0 tools. Possible wording: ‘1b. lead by example by using a suite of quality free, accessible and open source tools’ The ICT strategy is looking really well and should help contribute to a more sustainable ICT outlook for the voluntary and community sector. The eRider model is of particular interest and should provide the ICT support needed by many organisations to ensure successful ICT implementations.

Here are a few initial pieces of feedback:
The provision of case studies is often a good way to lower barriers to entry as others see what can be achieved through applying ICT. Possible wording:
‘1a. Build an online resource to include information and case studies on topics …’

It may be useful to mention that we can lead by example as is already the case with this excellent website, blog and web 2.0 tools. Possible wording:
‘1b. lead by example by using a suite of quality free, accessible and open source tools’

]]> Comment on Values and aims by Feargal http://www.ictconsortiumni.org/strategy/draft-strategy/values-and-aims/#comment-6 Feargal Mon, 26 Mar 2007 12:49:05 +0000 http://www.ictconsortiumni.org/strategy/draft-strategy/values-and-aims/#comment-6 Michael left a comment on our aims. He thought that Aim 2 could be made more positive: "ensure that VCOs are not disadvantaged by a lack of understanding of potential of ICT" to become "assist VCOs to fully grasp the potential of ICT and embrace the opportunities that it can bring" I certainly think that the move to more positive language would be helpful. Feargal Michael left a comment on our aims. He thought that Aim 2 could be made more positive:

“ensure that VCOs are not disadvantaged by a lack of understanding of potential of ICT” to become “assist VCOs to fully grasp the potential of ICT and embrace the opportunities that it can bring”

I certainly think that the move to more positive language would be helpful.

Feargal

]]> Comment on Objective 5 - To promote media literacy and digital inclusion by Feargal http://www.ictconsortiumni.org/strategy/draft-strategy/obj-5-promote-media-literacy-and-digital-inclusion/#comment-5 Feargal Mon, 26 Mar 2007 12:35:17 +0000 http://www.ictconsortiumni.org/strategy/draft-strategy/obj-5-promote-media-literacy-and-digital-inclusion/#comment-5 Michael added a comment on the overview page about this objective he suggested changing: "Ensure that individuals and organisations can take advantage of these new breed of tools and enhance 21st century media literacy." to "Ensure that individuals and organisations can take advantage of these new breed of tools and enhance 21st century media literacy whilst mazimizing accessibility of information, by using the 8 ICT events and developing a suite of bite sized online learning modules." I think it's a good idea to keep the focus on accessibility and being upfront that we see it as it is one of the values. Feargal Michael added a comment on the overview page about this objective he suggested changing:

“Ensure that individuals and organisations can take advantage of these new breed of tools and enhance 21st century media literacy.”

to

“Ensure that individuals and organisations can take advantage of these new breed of tools and enhance 21st century media literacy whilst mazimizing accessibility of information, by using the 8 ICT events and developing a suite of bite sized online learning modules.”

I think it’s a good idea to keep the focus on accessibility and being upfront that we see it as it is one of the values.

Feargal

]]> Comment on draft strategy by Feargal O'Kane http://www.ictconsortiumni.org/strategy/draft-strategy/#comment-4 Feargal O'Kane Mon, 26 Mar 2007 12:31:27 +0000 http://www.ictconsortiumni.org/strategy/draft-strategy/#comment-4 Hi Michael Thanks for the feedback. I think you're right about beefing objective 5 up to be more direct about accessibility. I've added your comment to that objective as well, any other ideas about what we could add to it? Also take your point on Aim 2, i think your wording is pretty good. Anyone else have a view on this. I think it's important to not be negative about what we are aiming to do. Feargal Hi Michael

Thanks for the feedback. I think you’re right about beefing objective 5 up to be more direct about accessibility. I’ve added your comment to that objective as well, any other ideas about what we could add to it?

Also take your point on Aim 2, i think your wording is pretty good. Anyone else have a view on this. I think it’s important to not be negative about what we are aiming to do.

Feargal

]]> Comment on draft strategy by Michael http://www.ictconsortiumni.org/strategy/draft-strategy/#comment-3 Michael Thu, 22 Mar 2007 17:36:12 +0000 http://www.ictconsortiumni.org/strategy/draft-strategy/#comment-3 The strategy looks very exciting, and if we manage to cover all this it would even impress the Bulgarians. A few bits of feedback: in Objective 5, is there room for a couple of words on accessibility (as per Feargal's and ICT Hub's caveat in his Web 2.0 post) and also your 8 ICT events seem to be relevant here too e.g. at the end of 'ensure that individuals and organisations can take advantage of these new breed of tools and enhance 21st century media literacy...[add] - whilst mazimizing accessibility of information, by using the 8 ICT events and developing a suite of bite sized online learning modules." Aim 2 'ensure that VCOs are not disadvantaged by a lack of understanding of potential of ICT' - could this be more positively couched e.g. 'assist VCOs to fully grasp the potential of ICT and embrace the opportunities that it can bring' Looking forward to 17 April, see you then. The strategy looks very exciting, and if we manage to cover all this it would even impress the Bulgarians.

A few bits of feedback:

in Objective 5, is there room for a couple of words on accessibility (as per Feargal’s and ICT Hub’s caveat in his Web 2.0 post) and also your 8 ICT events seem to be relevant here too e.g. at the end of ‘ensure that individuals and organisations can take advantage of these new breed of tools and enhance 21st century media literacy…[add] - whilst mazimizing accessibility of information, by using the 8 ICT events and developing a suite of bite sized online learning modules.”

Aim 2 ‘ensure that VCOs are not disadvantaged by a lack of understanding of potential of ICT’ - could this be more positively couched e.g. ‘assist VCOs to fully grasp the potential of ICT and embrace the opportunities that it can bring’

Looking forward to 17 April, see you then.

]]>