Web 2.0 tools for development: simple tools for smart people (PLA 59)

Ethan Zuckerman writes about the use of 'simple tools for smart people'. Zuckerman examines how we can appropriate these tools for development purposes, and also how 'using the appropriate tools, for the right job at the right time, is something that we all have to understand.' He describes how grassroots activists have been leading innovators in the use and appropriation of Web 2.0 tools and explores how the mobile phone revolution is helping to overcome issues of access and connectivity. Lastly, he discusses the importance of filtering online content for relevance, meaning and context, and the emergence of trusted, expert online editors and aggregators.

Participatory Learning and Action (PLA, formerly PLA Notes) is the world's leading series on participatory learning and action approaches and methods. PLA publishes articles on participation aimed at practitioners, researchers, academics and activists. All articles are peer-reviewed by an international editorial board. See: www.planotes.org

Article in: PLA 59. Guest editors: Holly Ashley, Jon Corbett, Ben Garside and Giacomo Rambaldi. Published by IIED and the Technical Centre for Agricultural and Rural Cooperation ACP-EU (CTA).

Keywords: Web 2.0, Web2forDev, ICT, ICT4D, mobile, Internet.

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