Mike Lawrence of Computer-Using Educators here, live blogging the session led by David Barnard of SANGONeT, Partha Pratim Sarker of Bytes for All, and Kate Raynes-Goldie of TakingITGlobal (immoderator). These are merely my notes - I will return to provide insight and reflection.

The question was asked - "How Can Web 2.0 help developing nations?"

David spoke first, sharing the major challenges to answer this question. In the case of Africa - too many factors are not in place for Web 2.0 to be relevent.

• Broadband has to become mainstream and ubiquitous.
• Mass of people online for a variety of tasks.
• Barriers to entry have to be dropped.
• Increased awareness and understtanding about the potential role and contribution of web applications.

Partha spoke second, discussing the relevence for South Asia, specifically Bangledesh and Delhi. They still sell typewriters, but mostly to schools and universities. The railway station has highspeed connectivity but only used it for reservations. They were convinced to use it for phone calls as well.

He discussed Telecentres and their use throughout India. The goal is to establish 600,000 across the country.

He believes that Web 2.0 tools ARE relevent in developing nations because sharing and collaboratives are hugely important. Given that Web 2.0 technology tools are collaborative in nature, he believes that their use is natural in these places. 

I was hoping that there would be more discussion on the $100 laptop - but the discussion focused on the Telecentres project and telephone connectivity. I can certainly understand why this would be the first priority, however.