In yesterday’s class, Andrew Alspach came to speak to us directly. Mr. Alspach is currently a Programme Officer Information Management, since 2007. Formerly he was a Training Coordinator for the US Peace Corps from 2005-2011, an Iraq Programme Officer Information management from 2003-2005, and an UN OCHA Refugees Information Management Officer from 2000-2001 with UNHCR. While he was speaking I noticed that he had somewhat of an accent from living and working in Geneva, although he grew up on an Ohio farm as a beekeeper, hmmm just an odd thought. Some of the more striking things that I noticed during his presentation were the mention of a “check-in” app, Larry Prusak, and how everyone wants to know the number of something.
A “checking-in” app was previously developed for humanitarian aid in any given place, however the app failed for multiple reasons. First and foremost, the app was meant for information managers, for people who were used to querying and searching in deep crevices of a database for information that they wanted, but was later released to the public to be used. This created problems for people who didn’t know how to properly search a database for useful information, because even though the information that the users were seeking was in the database, the search processes for that information were absolutely not helpful. It was developed as a proprietorship, but marketed as an open source software, another flaw.
Larry Prusak was absolutely hysterical and completely right when he was shown via previously recorded video regarding knowledge management versus information management and developing knowledge. His personal website is in a link below:
Another think I especially picked up on was when Mr. Alspach mentioned how when in a disaster relief situation everyone wants to know the number of something, but often times we do not really know the number they want. Ranges are possible, but hardly ever the real actual number. “The Number” includes two subsections: the affected population made up of displaced persons, refugees, asylum seekers, others and nondisplaced people, as well as casualties made of the dead and missing. (The injured are not included in the casualties as part of “The Number”.)
Overall, I thought his presentation was very enlightening and very interesting. I do have to say that his presentation was the most interesting to date, and he did put on the best presentation.
The “check-in” app Andrew mentioned did look pretty interesting. Looks like you did a good job describing the “check-in” application developed by humanitarian aid organizations. As far as everyone wanting to know the exact number of something sounded close to impossible, I feel bad for whoever is tasked with finding exact numbers. I understand the application was originally for managers, but I wonder if it would help solve the “exact number” crisis. I’m sure they could probably integrate some information to understand how many people are involved in a situation.
ReplyDeletePrusak was defiantly hard to fallow and exactly understandable, but once in a while I would understand a couple of good points. He was right about knowledge and how we go about finding knowledge, what we do with it, and how we maintain it. I’m glad you brought this guy up, because I almost forgot about the link Andrew showed us about him.
I am kind of surprised that such a database was even released to the public. After all, I assume that the database contained very specific information that would only be useful to a select group. That may be one reason why there was never an attempt to make the database “public friendly.” What use could the information be to the average individual? Maybe it would have made more sense to have individuals request the information instead. I think what we need to understand that just because we access to something does not mean we will be able to interpret it. However, if the group who made it public intended outside individuals to access it, then someone defiantly messed up. In the end, one of the things it comes down to is differentiating between what’s information and what’s knowledge. Databases were never meant to display knowledge. Their purpose is to display organized data (aka information) so that it can be used to create and enhance knowledge. So, while it is essential that a user understand how a particular database operates, it is also very important that they understand how to interpret the information presented. I would argue that not knowing how to interpret information is just as useful as not having the information at all, unless of course you consult with someone who knows how to interpret the information. Mr. Alspach showed numerous YouTube videos of Larry Prusak, founder and Executive Director of the Institute for Knowledge Management (IKM), who talked a lot about the concept of knowledge. I found it pretty interesting to hear Prusak talking about knowledge as expensive. Mr. Alspach may have mentioned it in is presentation, but it is kind of interesting to think about the name of our college, Information Sciences and Technology. While it’s important that we learn how to deal with information, it is just as important if not more, that our society does not confuse the importance of information with the significance of knowledge.
ReplyDeleteI believe the “checking-in” app was a great idea even though it failed. I do not know much about developing apps, programming is not my forte, but if I did know how to develop one I would want to make this one better. The first problem is that the app should be all users friendly, what I mean is that anyone with any type of computer expertise should be able to use it with ease. It also sounds like the UN doesn’t know how to approach a new app and how to make it better app and for other people to make it better.
ReplyDeleteI did think that the Larry Prusak portion of the presentation was humorous but it was long and made it boring. He could have cut that part short to get the point across sooner.
The number everyone wants to know in time of disaster is definitely true. I remember when the earthquake that hit in Mineral, VA that was felt up and down the east coast, everyone we knew was wondering who felt it and where they are. But in context of his lecture you made a great point that people want to know the people that are made refugees, displaced people and the other side the dead and missing. Sometimes these numbers are completely off from what the actual are, this makes it hard to do precise reports.
However, you missed one part that he mentioned and that part is Information Management: Emergency/Relief Humanitarian Coordniator. For the following sections there should be a head person of that department; Water & sanitation, Protection, Nutrition, Logistics, Health, Emergency, telecommunications, Emergency shelter, Education, Early recovery, Camp coordination & management, and Agriculture.