I complain about my cell phone. It's made to do so many more things than make phone calls, it's no longer easy to use as a simple phone. So, it's good to know that all this new media and technology is doing good in the world. 1. Mapping: Non-profit aid groups in Haiti have been helped by being able to map areas of need on the ground, in real time. Messages via text messaging, email, twitter, and facebook have helped keep information flowing and current, to keep organizations informed about highest priority crises. 2. Google Earth: Almost moments after the tragedy, images were available to assess the extent of damage and to determine where the hardest hit areas were (and still are). 3. Photo distribution: Aid organizations are able to send photos tagged with information to help find and identify missing and relocated people to unite them with their families. 4. Voice Over IP (VoIP): Skype and Google allow people to make both voice and video calls from Haiti to relatives in other parts of the world. |
6. Stored Data: Stored census and population data is being used to help rescue workers find survivors and get them supplies they need. Integrating census data and satellite imagery, it is able to provide information about locations of where homes used to be, as well as how much food and shelter is required. 7. Websites: Websites like "We Have / We Heed" have been created with Craigslist-style listings so nonprofits working in Haiti can post needs and requests and find donors. It's really quite amazing. All this new media we try to keep up with is serving real human need. Maybe they aren't all just toys. I like the idea of seeing them as small machines for good. It will certainly make me complain about my cell phone a little less. :-) ~ |
