Bangladesh

Micro credit is a methodology for giving loans to the poor in developing countries, i.e. the majority of whom is deprived of the services of conventional banks. Micro credit organisations are facing many challenges, among which efficiency is a problem. Supporting technology has to emerge to help solve the performance difficulties encountered.

This project, a continuation of a previous SPIDER-funded project, targets a large-scale implementation of an interactive TV and SMS "classroom" setting for ICT-enabled distance tuition at Bangladesh Open University.

The project will develop an agricultural market information system to improve local agricultural markets and empower small farmers in rural Bangladesh using low-cost existing SMS infrastructure to create a viable local organization for information collection and dissemination. Focus is on the collection and distribution of market information to beneficiaries rather than on the in-formation system as such, using appropriate technology given the local context.

Following up on the inception SPIDER study "Next generation eGovernment", this project develops ICT based distance education in Bangladesh together with BRAC University in Dhaka. The project develops both human and technical resources in two interrelated parts:

• Using Mobile Technology to Create a Virtual Interactive Participatory Classroom

• Developing an ‘Educate the Educator' Program

The project delivers:

1. Tested methods for ICT-supported education

2. A tested technical system to support such education, a "virtual classroom" adapted to developing country technical environment

3. Curriculum for Education of Educators adapted to developing country context

4. Education for a group of teachers

5. Academic publication due to alignment with a PhD project in Örebro (separately financed)

In this project, we set up a rural ICT centre in Bangladesh for creating an enabling environment for building human resources to employ ICT facilities to provide better education and health. The science teachers were trained to use computer in their education to make science education exciting and stimulating. The rural health care providers were exposed to the potentials of telemedicine applications for monitoring, diagnostic purpose and follow up treatment. The centre is functioning as a centre for training rural teachers, and health workers and students on the use of computers and Internet facilities. The centre is also acting as a resource centre for other rural communities in the region.