Worksheet 1.3: Choosing an ICT Tool
When choosing an ICT tool, it is important that it is fit for purpose. In other words, the tool and its features must be able to support the activity for which it will be used.
Note that an ICT tool is not the same as a platform. A platform or ‘app’ (e.g., Google, Facebook) generally includes a set of ICT tools.
The Tools Landscape diagram helps to find a good fit between the choice of ICT tool and the community dynamic and activities it can support. This diagram already includes some examples.
Locate the ICT tool from the case study on this diagram. Does it favour participation or documentation? Synchronous or asynchronous communication? Individual or group action?
Understanding the Tools Landscape: Exercises
Look at the table below and read the activity descriptions. Then turn to the next set of pages and circle the ICT tool from the Tools Landscape chart that best fits each of the described activities.
Download PDF (1.3 Understanding the Tools Exercises)
Note: In some examples, there may be more than one ICT tool that is required to support the activity.
Exercise |
Campaign Description |
| A | A radio station runs a campaign and asks its listeners to send questions for its weekly farm radio broadcast; |
| B | The community members want to be able to report any risks or hazards they observe in the area. They would like to see these reports plotted on a map and posted on the Internet for government officers to see; |
| C | Farmers would like to be able to have easy access to real-time market prices on crops; |
| D | An extension officer wants to create a collection of images and short video clips in response to questions from farmers about their crops. The officer would like farmers to be able to rate and comment on the items in the collection. |
Exercise A
Campaign Description: A radio station runs a campaign and asks its listeners to send questions for its weekly farm radio broadcast.
Circle the ICT tool(s) that are a good fit for this purpose:
Can you think of a platform or app that includes this tool(s)? Write it down here:
Exercise B
Campaign Description: The community members want to be able to report any risks or hazards they observe in the area. They would like to see these reports plotted on a map and posted on the Internet for government officers to see;
Circle the ICT tool(s) from that are a good fit for this purpose:
Can you think of a platform or app that includes this tool(s)? Write it down here:
Exercise C
Campaign Description: Farmers would like to be able to have easy access to real-time market prices on crops.
Circle the ICT tool(s) from that are a good fit for this purpose
Can you think of a platform or app that includes this tool(s)? Write it down here:
Exercise D
Campaign Description: An extension officer wants to create a collection of images and short video clips in response to questions from farmers about their crops. The officer would like farmers to be able to rate and comment on the items in the collection.
Circle the ICT tool(s) from that are a good fit for this purpose
Can you think of a platform or app that includes this tool(s)? Write it down here:
