Course Description
In this four-week online certificate course, participants will explore social media, mobile phone applications and crowdsourcing tools for policy, advocacy and academic research. The course will also explore how emerging technologies enhance traditional qualitative and quantitative research methodology and data collection strategies.
Participants will gain practical exposure to platforms and tools, focusing on how they work, what makes them valuable in different settings, and how to use them most effectively for different types of research. Participants can expect a dynamic and interactive learning environment with a variety of discussions and practical exercises, expert talks and activities aimed at making emerging technology part of each person's research skill set.
Course Topics and Featured Tech
- Social media tools for crowdsourcing and social science research (Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, Zotero)
- mapping methods and tools for data collection, visualization, and analysis (Ushahidi, MapBox, ArcGIS)
- Mobile phone platforms and applications for monitoring and evaluation, survey design/delivery and and data collection (FrontlineSMS, Souktel, GeoPoll, EpiSurveyor, OpenDataKit, FormHub)
Course Objectives
Participants will be able to…
- critically analyze both the opportunities and the pitfalls that emerge when working with technology to facilitate research and advocacy
- manage specific social media, mobile phone applications and crowdsourcing tools for advocacy, research and policy-planning
- design dynamic and effective strategies for using technology platforms and tools to carry out innovative research and advocacy projects
Cost
- $445 if application and payment is submitted by August 1st
- $495 if application and payment is submitted by August 17th
