ApacheCon Session
KEYNOTE • Using Audio Technology and Open Content to Reduce Global Illiteracy, Poverty and Disease
Knowledge is power; but most knowledge is tied up in text. So how do
over one billion illiterate adults in the world access knowledge
crucial to preventing disease, creating economic opportunity, and
defending their political and human rights?
Cliff spent six weeks in a remote region of Ghana to understand rural
poverty and sustainable development. He saw many impressive local
organizations sharing valuable information for development; but he
also experienced the inefficiency of delivering all this information
in person.
In response to this problem, Literacy Bridge (literacybridge.org) was
founded to empower children and adults with tools for scalable
knowledge sharing and literacy learning. The Talking Book Project is
Literacy Bridge's major program, developing new and affordable digital
audio technology to provide vital, locally generated information and
literacy training to people with limited access to either. Imagine a
$5 iPod used to play locally generated podcasts, plus a decentralized,
digital content distribution system that reaches villages without
electricity but also enables global content sharing. Aside from the
innovative use of technology, partnerships with local businesses,
civic organizations, and government agencies play a pivotal role in
the Talking Book Project.
During this talk, Cliff will share his observations from Ghana and
discuss Literacy Bridge's Talking Book Project.
over one billion illiterate adults in the world access knowledge
crucial to preventing disease, creating economic opportunity, and
defending their political and human rights?
Cliff spent six weeks in a remote region of Ghana to understand rural
poverty and sustainable development. He saw many impressive local
organizations sharing valuable information for development; but he
also experienced the inefficiency of delivering all this information
in person.
In response to this problem, Literacy Bridge (literacybridge.org) was
founded to empower children and adults with tools for scalable
knowledge sharing and literacy learning. The Talking Book Project is
Literacy Bridge's major program, developing new and affordable digital
audio technology to provide vital, locally generated information and
literacy training to people with limited access to either. Imagine a
$5 iPod used to play locally generated podcasts, plus a decentralized,
digital content distribution system that reaches villages without
electricity but also enables global content sharing. Aside from the
innovative use of technology, partnerships with local businesses,
civic organizations, and government agencies play a pivotal role in
the Talking Book Project.
During this talk, Cliff will share his observations from Ghana and
discuss Literacy Bridge's Talking Book Project.
