Information Technology Reference
In-Depth Information
Characteristically, a key part of the transformation process is knowledge
sharing across many divides (including those of domain, context and life
experience, frames of reference, personal and professional goals and objec-
tives, attitudes, perceptions). This can lead to identification of shared prob-
lems and formulation of problem statements which form the basis of
agreement on potential solutions. The learning which takes place as ideas
develop and as knowledge is shared helps citizens to use their imagination,
to dream their dreams, to envision desirable futures and to engage in crea-
tive problem solving. Insights stem from bringing together people with a
diverse range of skills and expertise and from different backgrounds work-
ing to a common purpose. Consensus on or even differences about goals
may only become clear during the process of working together. Evaluating
possible solutions may be a valuable part of building shared understanding,
identifying potential problems and the creation of new, improved solu-
tions.
The case studies provide evidence of the contributions generated
through a transformation process. The Reflect ICTs Project illustrates the
value of using creative approaches to build peoples' capacity to identify
and articulate their information needs and, as a consequence, to increase
their access to information. This led to the confidence of the participants
being increased, and enabled them to develop the capacity to be aware of,
and to speak up for their rights.
Although not formally documented as a case study, another positive ex-
ample of utilising citizen creativity comes from the Hansard Society's ex-
perience in launching a national competition to design a web site for young
people by young people. The project 'Being Heard' aimed to encourage
youth participation in the policy and decision-making process of Govern-
ment and used the creative skills of the young people themselves. The
website itself provides a place to increase young people's awareness and
participation in politics. This is achieved through the provision of informa-
tion and a forum for them to voice their opinions and consult with deci-
sion-makers (Being Heard 2005).
The excitement of the transformation process for the participants grows
as outputs begin to develop and outcomes can be anticipated. The feelings
are vividly described by Al-Kodmany, in his description of the initiative in
Chicago's Pilsen neighbourhood, USA, in which a combination of new
technologies was used to engage citizens in the planning process for the
regeneration of their neighbourhood. The use of technology provided citi-
zens: “… with a wealth of maps and visual data that helped orient the par-
ticipants, identify problems and facilitate consensus ”, “… empowerment to
plan and design for the future of their community .” One resident of the
neighbourhood exclaimed “… as we saw ideas begin to take shape before
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