ICT for Disaster Response Course
INTRODUCTION
This five (5) days training course explores how new information-, communication- and mapping technologies can be practically used to respond to disasters, augment situational awareness, improve relief coordination and much more.
The digital revolution is changing disaster response. From the earthquake in Haiti to Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines, the Ebola outbreak in West Africa and the recent earthquake in Nepal, a range of new tools can help national and international organizations respond faster and more effectively.
Some of these tools can help you complete your work faster and fewer mistakes some enable you to summon remote support on the fly in the middle of a disaster. Yet other tools help you make sense of the vast amount of information that is available and that can threaten to overwhelm you.
This course looks at a variety of real world examples from organizations working in the field and analyzes some of the key challenges related to access, implementation, scale, and verification that these new technologies can present. The course is designed to assist professionals in developing concrete strategies and technological skills to work amid this rapidly evolving landscape.
DURATION
5 days.
COURSE OBJECTIVES
After the course, participants will be able to:
- Critically analyze both the opportunities and the pitfalls that emerge when working with technology to respond to crises
- Connect relevant development and humanitarian approaches to the technological strategies and tools discussed in the course
- Manage specific software platforms and utilize various technological tools for responding to and managing crises
- Design dynamic and effective strategies for using technology platforms and tools to respond to challenges in the field
- Develop confidence and critical self-awareness in working with social media, maps, and mobile technologies
- Participants will have access to all course content for at least 4 months after course completion so the material can be completed and revisited later.
COURSE OUTLINE
The course will be delivered through three modules:
Module I: Introduction & Social Media for Crisis Response
- The Power of the Crowd: Digitizing the Response
- Information Overload: Verification, Analysis, and Decision Making in Real-Time
- How Social Media was Used in Response to the Earthquake in Haiti, Nepal and Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines
- Tools: Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Tomnod, AIDR
- Tools collaborative Mapping in a crisis
Module II: Mapping the Crisis - New Techniques for Disaster Response and Preparedness
- Differences Between Ushahidi and Open Street Map
- Producing and using maps for disaster response
- Damage mapping with Open Street Map (with examples from the Haiti, West Africa, Philippines and - hopefully - Nepal)
- How Maps are Supporting the Ongoing Ebola Response
- Online Mapping without a Mobile Internet Connection
- Crowdsourcing Remote Mapping and Image Identification
- Tools: OpenStreetMap, Ushahidi, TomNod, FieldPapers
- ICT tools for tracing and restoring family links
Module III: Mobile Response: How Mobile Technology is Changing Disaster Response
- Collecting Data in the Field with Mobile Devices
- SMS Campaigns for Early Warning and Crisis Prevention
- Smartphones and Apps for Disaster Response
- Using Secondary Data to Track Population Movements
- Tools: ODK, Kobo Toolkit, TextIt, Magpi, FrontlineSMS
Module IV: Looking Ahead: Where New Technologies are Taking Us
- What Roles can Drones play in Humanitarian Emergencies
- Using the Web for De-Centralized Disaster Response
- The Responsibility to Protect Data - How NGOs can Protect Sensitive Information
Enroll for this Course
We are proud to offer this course in a variety of training formats to suit your needs.
Benefits of Taking a Course at IRES
LEARN
Our courses are carefully curated to keep you abreast of latest industry trends, technological advancements, and best practices. We employ a variety of teaching methodologies, including hands-on workshops, case studies, and interactive sessions, all aimed at fostering an engaging and effective learning environment. Our expert instructors bring a wealth of knowledge and real-world experience, providing our clients with insights that can be immediately applied in their professional lives.
NETWORK
Our courses serve as a vibrant platform for professionals to connect and engage with a diverse community of peers, industry leaders, and experts. By participating in our programs, you gain access to an invaluable network that spans across various sectors and geographical boundaries. This networking aspect is not just about forming professional relationships; it's about creating a supportive ecosystem where ideas, opportunities, and collaborations can flourish.
GROW
Our courses are designed to challenge and inspire professionals to step out of their comfort zones and explore new horizons. Through a combination of theoretical knowledge and practical application, our programs help professionals refine their existing skills and acquire new ones, making them more versatile and competitive.