Information Societies In Latin America And The Caribbean

"This book analyses the development of information societies in the countries of Latin America and the Caribbean, and provides input for public policy on information and communications technologies (ICT) issues."--Provided by publisher.

This book presents pioneering research that is designed to show, from a qualitative and ethnographic perspective, how new information and communication technologies, as applied to the school system and to local governance initiatives, merely reproduce traditional pedagogical approaches and the dominant forms by which power is exercised at the local level. The studies thus constitute points of departure for further thinking about the need to promote an Internet culture based on the social application of a "right to communication and culture" and an "Internet right," that will permit the establi.

This publication studies the way information technology can be used to achieve broader developmental goals and integrate the region into the global information society. It addresses three main questions: what kind of information society is desirable; what are the specific regional traits of the move towards an information society; what policies are needed to support the transition. The book also contains the text of the Bavaro Declaration, which lays out some guiding principles.

In recent years the internet and other network technologies have emerged as a central issue for development in Latin America and the Caribbean. They have shown their potential to increase productivity and competitiveness in the economy, to create new ways to deliver education and health services, and to be driving forces for the modernisation of the provision of public services. This book examines some of the key unanswered questions: Will the internet in Latin America and the Caribbean remain open over the next ten years? Will online surveillance increasingly challenge individual privacy? Will open data, social media and new forms of participation improve democracy in the region? Will we be able to harness the collaborative potential of the internet to create more socially meaningful and sustainable economies? Will digital education, science and creativity flourish in the region, reflecting the diversity and culture of its people? The answers to these questions will be central to determining whether or not the internet will effectively contribute to a more open and developed society in our corner of the world. The book builds on a seminar, "Open Development: Exploring the future of the information society in Latin America and the Caribbean," held in Montevideo on 2-3 April 2013. Organised by Fundacion Comunica and IDRC, and held alongside the "Fourth Ministerial Conference on the Information Society in Latin America and the Caribbean," the seminar was an opportunity to reflect on the direction of the changes happening in the region, to bring new themes to the table and to explore how they can better be addressed in regional efforts. The 25 chapters in the book include the reflections of many of the region's leading experts in the area. Rather than present a single consolidated perspective, the authors dive into the issues, explore new ways to frame the problems and seek new solutions. Despite the considerable diversity, the book highlights many emerging points of agreement about new opportunities and challenges for the information society in the region.

Examines the problem of inedequate access to information and communication technology (ICT) and the need to develop appropriate pro-poor ICT policies. Shows how market reforms have failed to ensure that the benefits of the Information Society have spread across the region.

This volume examines many aspects impacting the digital divide in Latin America and the politics of digital inclusion including mobile youth identities, technology affordability, school transformation by digital media, the diffusion of e-commerce platforms and digital technology in SMEs.

Foreword -- The shifting digital paradigm in Latin America -- The demand gap: drivers and public policies -- Regional and international connectivity -- Broadband, digitization and development -- Mobile broadband: the urgent need for speedier roll-out -- Cloud computing, structural change and job creation in SMEs -- National broadband plans -- Broadband and industrial policy: the Korean experience -- Net neutrality: debate and policies -- The advance of cloud computing -- The challenge of over-the-top content and services