No worries, Darien – you’re comment still counts 🙂

Hi Darien-

Thanks so much for sharing the case study about the e-Learning Jamaica Project! It isn’t something I new about before and it sounds like they are doing a very successful job leveraging technology to network all those involved in education system across schools, departments and subjects. What a great example of the power of technology to help inspire, education, and strengthen communities!

Thanks again – plus, you’re in the contest for a new computer!

For both high schools and colleges, they donate various types of technological equipment such as printers and desktop PCs. They also help schools to create an internal network, or Intra-Net in order to maximize connectivity between different departments. They also develop and provide learning material using CD’s, videotaped lectures and internet resources to students, as well as assisting with the training of over 11,000 teachers in basic Information and Communication Technology skills.

Even though I am now at the University of Technology, Jamaica, this was one of the initiatives that really helped out my old high school, as well as many others. With the help of the e-Learning Project, many students, myself included, have been inspired in various ways; and with this inspiration, who knows what the future may hold for us in the world of technology?

Thanks for joining in, Elizabeth!

Another example of a way that people are using technology for assistance is EnabledByDesign – a website where people can share requests or ideas and designers can get inspired by or share designs of products designed to both be aesthetically pleasing (as in not medical and ugly) and utilitarian for those with various disabilities. Another example of a community-driven approach to change.

Thanks for your comment, and you’re now in the running for a new computer.

Hi Dan-

I’ve recently read Yunus’ book documenting his work building the Grameen Bank and the other Grameen projects, as well as his ideas for changing the face of industry and eradicating poverty. It’s really a very interesting, inspiring book.

And you make a great point, too – it’s the way that his work and sharing his knowledge as opened the door for many others to iterate and grow the micro-lending and mico-philanthropy sectors to change how people give, how people become entrepreneurs, and so on, that has made such a change in our world.

Thanks again – and you’re in the running for a new computer!

Hi David-

Thanks for your comment. I definitely agree that the introduction of the internet, especially via the world wide web as the main interface that most of us experience the internet, has created world-changing opportunities including knowledge sharing, education and information access, actions for social causes and much more. Plus, you’re in the running for a new computer!

Hi Ryan-

Thanks for adding LiveMocha to the list of examples here! I think this is a great example of the way the internet is helping strengthen the global community online, creating a common meeting place for people from any country, background, industry, etc.

You’re also in the running for a new computer!