Course Description

THE RATIONALE

This course covers the use of ICT in disaster response using real case studies for better clarity. 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 COVID 19 Pandemic ravaging the world, a range of new tools can help national and international organizations respond faster, efficiently and effectively.

This 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 COURSE OBJECTIVES:

By the end of this training, participants will be able to:

• Assess the opportunities and challenges in the use of technology to respond to disasters
• Develop strategies to solve challenges during disasters using technological platforms
• Integrating humanitarian approaches and development with technological strategies
• Learn to manage and operate software platforms and technological tools in disaster response
• Develop self awareness and confidence in the use of maps, mobile technologies and social media

 THE COURSE OUTLINE

The course will cover the following:

MODULE 1: 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 Case studies on the use of Social Media 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 2: MAPPING THE CRISIS

• Distinguishing between Ushahidi and Open Street Map
• Maps for disaster response
• Damage mapping with Open Street Map (with examples from the Haiti, West Africa, Philippines and – hopefully – Nepal)
• Mapping the Corona virus Outbreak Across the World
• Online Mapping without a Mobile Internet Connection

MODULE 3: NEW TECHNIQUES FOR DISASTER RESPONSE AND PREPAREDNESS

• Crowdsourcing Remote Mapping and Image Identification
• Tools: OpenStreetMap, Ushahidi, Tomnod, Field Papers
• ICT tools for tracing and restoring family links

MODULE 4: MOBILE RESPONSE: HOW MOBILE TECHNOLOGY IS CHANGING DISASTER RESPONSE

• Field data collection using 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, Frontline SMS

MODULE 5: LOOKING AHEAD: WHERE NEW TECHNOLOGIES ARE TAKING US

• Roles of Drones play in Humanitarian Emergencies
• Utilization of the Web for De-Centralized Disaster Response
• The Responsibility to Protect Data – How NGOs can Protect Sensitive Information

TARGET AUDIENCE

This course is beneficial to :

• Professionals Working In The Management Of Disasters
• Decision Makers
• Developing & Planning Officials
• Professionals In The Housing & Public Works
• Governmental Officials & NGOs Committed To Disaster Management

Delivery Method: Combines lectures, discussions, practical activities, case studies, scenario based group exercises and illustrations.

Venue:

Fee:

Duration: 1 week

Course Date: Aug 21st -25th 2023