Names and Introductions

Derek discussed his goals for the class, which include:
* making the class feel like a student organization or student interest group, with active discussion and self-motivated participants
* having the assignments completed for the class act as useful resources for other people visiting the design4dev website
* developing a better understanding of remote teaching, and improving our methods for doing so over the course of the quarter
* helping to identify effective design methodologies for "developing technologies for developing economies"

Structured discussion for 15 minutes about the role of technology in this class, and how we might improve it

Discussion: Pros and Cons of Video Conferencing
Pros-
*Video education is a developing technology and this is a good experiement
*Video conferencing is immediate and can provide class members to speak directly with those in other countries and villages
*Video conferencing could make a difference in businesses and provide instant information rather than using fax machines or email which take time to receive
*This format for video conferencing can teach us how to interact in the future and benefit our careers

Cons-
*Written information is important and hard copies are still needed especially in the forms of contracts
*The infrastructure that is needed is not always available in remote areas. How do we then communicate with countries who do not have current communication technology?

Derek discussed the assignments and grading mechanism of the class.

Dee made a list for people to sign up as student seminar leaders.


Structured discussion for 30 minutes on the topic "What is development?"
--what are we developing for?
--where is the world developing towards?
--is there an ultimate global vision?
--is it possible to develop too quickly? too slowly?
--what are the ethics involved with helping other people "develop?"
--what does development involve beyond the satisfaction of basic needs?

Albert's Group Suggested:
*Open sources of communication & resources to design their own needs
Derek: Those in need of help are the least likely to develop something new
*Develop "Quality of Life" needs



Next Week:
Students were assigned to collect articles about development, within their areas of interest, and post these on the wiki. This should take a minimum of one hour. These will all be posted within the page "First Readings"

The conditions facing developing countries will be discussed in detail, with statistical and documentary evidence presented for consideration.

Garrett will be the student seminar leader. Attendance will be taken.
Garrett will also be making a presentation

A list of suggested project ideas will be provided, to help encourage groups to begin forming around particular issues or ideas.