Tech for Good: The Role of ICT in Achieving the SDGs from edX

Tech for Good was developed by UNESCO and Cetic.br/NIC.br, the Brazilian Network Information Center’s Regional Center for Studies on the Development of the Information Society. It brings together thought leaders and changemakers in the fields of information and communication technologies (ICT) and sustainable development to show how digital technologies are empowering billions of people around the world by providing access to education, healthcare, banking, and government services; and how “big data” is being used to inform smarter, evidence-based policies to improve people’s lives in fundamental ways.

It also addresses the new challenges that technology can introduce , such as privacy, data management, risks to cybersecurity, e-waste, and the widening of social divides. Ultimately, Tech for Good looks at the ways in which stakeholders are coming together to answer big questions about what our future will look like in a hyper-digitized world.

This course is for:

Technology specialists who want to understand more about how ICT is being used to improve people’s lives around the world.Sustainable development practitioners who need to understand the opportunities and limitations of technology in a development context.Advanced undergraduates and graduate students interested in the key concepts and practices of this exciting and ever-changing field.

Please note that the course is free to audit, but there is a fee if you choose to pursue a Verified Certificate. Financial assistance is available through edX.

What's inside

Learning objectives

Ict can improve access to knowledge and services, promote transparency, and encourage collaboration
Responsible collection and use of data requires governance, security, and trust

Ict projects should be contextualized and inclusive
Technology is not neutral! be aware of bias in design and implementation

Ict can improve access to knowledge and services, promote transparency, and encourage collaboration
Responsible collection and use of data requires governance, security, and trust
Ict projects should be contextualized and inclusive
Technology is not neutral! be aware of bias in design and implementation

Syllabus

Module 1: Welcome to the Digital Age

Introduction to the Course

Bridging the Digital Divide

Three Approaches to ICT for the SDGs

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Explores how ICT enables access to education, healthcare, banking, and government services

Shows how ICT improves transparency and encourages collaboration

Discusses the responsible collection and use of data, as well as governance, security, and trust

Examines the challenges that technology can introduce, such as privacy, data management, risks to cybersecurity, e-waste, and the widening of social divides

Looks at the ways in which stakeholders are coming together to answer what our future will look like in a hyper-digitized world

Taught by thought leaders and changemakers in the fields of information and communication technologies (ICT) and sustainable development

Reviews summary

Ict for sustainable development: a holistic view

According to students, this course offers a comprehensive and holistic understanding of how information and communication technologies (ICT) intersect with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Learners found the lectures engaging and the content well-structured, providing a strong conceptual framework. The course is particularly praised for its insightful case studies and its vital exploration of ethical considerations, data governance, and privacy concerns in the digital age. While some advanced students felt certain topics like AI were superficially covered or the pace was slow, the course excels at fostering critical thinking about technology's societal impact, balancing the potential for positive change with awareness of potential negative impacts. It's considered an invaluable resource for professionals in development and tech policy.

Lectures are clear, engaging, and logically organized.

"The lectures were engaging and the content was well-structured."

"I found the materials very accessible, even complex ideas were explained clearly."

"The instructors were knowledgeable and presented complex ideas clearly."

Illustrates concepts with real-world examples and applications.

"The case studies were particularly insightful, providing concrete examples of 'tech for good' initiatives."

"While it's largely theoretical, it provides enough case studies to illustrate concepts."

"I learned how to connect technology to real-world development challenges."

Emphasizes critical thinking about technology's societal impact.

"The discussions around ethical implications and privacy were essential."

"It truly emphasizes that technology is not neutral and highlights the importance of inclusive design."

"The focus on ethical considerations and governance frameworks is what really set it apart."

"The strength lies in its holistic view of ICT's role in development, balancing benefits with risks. It encourages a nuanced understanding."

Provides a wide-ranging view of ICT's role in SDGs.

"This course is incredibly comprehensive, covering a broad range of topics from infrastructure to AI, all framed within the SDGs."

"A solid overview of how ICT can support sustainable development. I particularly appreciated the modules on financial inclusion and health."

"The course offers a broad perspective on tech and SDGs. It truly emphasizes that technology is not neutral."

Suggestions for updating content and increasing interactivity.

"I think the course could benefit from updated statistics in some areas, as technology evolves rapidly."

"The main drawback was the lack of interactive assignments or discussion forums to engage more deeply."

"I found the video quality sometimes inconsistent and some parts felt repetitive across modules."

Offers a broad overview; may lack depth for advanced learners.

"While the breadth is good, I felt some topics, like AI, were only superficially touched upon. It's more of a high-level introduction."

"For someone with a background in ICT for development, it felt like much of the content was a recap."

"I found it a good introductory course if you have no prior knowledge of the subject."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Tech for Good: The Role of ICT in Achieving the SDGs with these activities:

Join a study group or online forum to discuss course topics

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Engaging with peers will provide opportunities to clarify concepts, share perspectives, and learn from others.

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Find a study group or online forum related to the course
Participate in discussions and ask questions
Share your own insights and perspectives

Practice using data visualization tools

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Practicing with data visualization tools will enhance your ability to communicate data insights effectively.

Browse courses on Data Visualization

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Choose a dataset and explore it using different visualization techniques
Create visualizations that effectively convey the story behind the data
Share your visualizations and get feedback from others

Participate in hackathons or competitions related to ICT for development

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Participating in competitions will challenge you to apply your skills and knowledge to solve real-world problems.

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Identify hackathons or competitions related to ICT for development
Form a team or work individually to develop a solution
Submit your solution and compete for prizes

One other activity

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Mentor junior students or peers on ICT for development topics

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Mentoring others will reinforce your understanding of the concepts and help you develop leadership skills.

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Identify opportunities to mentor others on ICT for development topics
Share your knowledge and experience with mentees
Provide guidance and support to help mentees achieve their goals

Career center

Learners who complete Tech for Good: The Role of ICT in Achieving the SDGs will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Information Security Analyst

Information Security Analysts protect computer systems and networks from unauthorized access, use, disclosure, disruption, modification, or destruction. They work with businesses and governments to develop and implement security measures to protect data and systems. This course can help you gain the skills you need to succeed in this role by providing you with a foundation in information security. You will learn about the threats to information security, and you will develop skills in risk assessment, security architecture, and incident response.

See salaries and explore the career path for Information Security Analyst

Data Scientist

Data Scientists use data to solve complex problems and make informed decisions. They work with businesses, governments, and other organizations to analyze data and develop predictive models. This course can help you gain the skills you need to succeed in this role by providing you with a foundation in data science. You will learn about the principles of data science, and you will develop skills in data analysis, machine learning, and data visualization.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Scientist

Data Engineer

Data Engineers design, build, and maintain data pipelines and systems. They work with businesses and governments to develop data solutions that meet their needs. This course can help you gain the skills you need to succeed in this role by providing you with a foundation in data engineering. You will learn about the principles of data engineering, and you will develop skills in data architecture, data integration, and data quality.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Engineer

Social Impact Strategist

Social Impact Strategists develop and implement strategies to create social change. They work with businesses, governments, and non-profit organizations to identify and solve social problems. This course can help you gain the skills you need to succeed in this role by providing you with a foundation in social impact strategy. You will learn about the principles of social impact strategy, and you will develop skills in research, analysis, and communication.

See salaries and explore the career path for Social Impact Strategist

Data Analyst

Data Analysts collect, analyze, and interpret data to help businesses make informed decisions. They use a variety of statistical and programming tools to identify trends and patterns in data. This course can help you gain the skills you need to succeed in this role by providing you with a foundation in data analysis and management. You will learn about the responsible collection and use of data, and you will develop skills in data visualization and communication.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Analyst

User Experience Designer

User Experience Designers design and evaluate user interfaces for websites, software, and other products. They work with users to understand their needs and design interfaces that are easy to use and enjoyable. This course can help you gain the skills you need to succeed in this role by providing you with a foundation in user experience design. You will learn about the principles of user experience design, and you will develop skills in user research, prototyping, and testing.

See salaries and explore the career path for User Experience Designer

Software Engineer

Software Engineers design, develop, and maintain software systems. They work with businesses and governments to develop software solutions that meet their needs. This course can help you gain the skills you need to succeed in this role by providing you with a foundation in software engineering. You will learn about the principles of software engineering, and you will develop skills in software design, coding, and testing.

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Statistician

Statisticians collect, analyze, and interpret data to help businesses and governments make informed decisions. They use a variety of statistical methods to identify trends and patterns in data. This course can help you gain the skills you need to succeed in this role by providing you with a foundation in statistics. You will learn about the principles of statistics, and you will develop skills in data collection, analysis, and interpretation.

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Public Policy Analyst

Public Policy Analysts develop and evaluate public policies. They work with governments to identify and solve social problems. This course can help you gain the skills you need to succeed in this role by providing you with a foundation in public policy analysis. You will learn about the principles of public policy analysis, and you will develop skills in research, analysis, and communication.

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International Development Specialist

International Development Specialists work with governments and non-profit organizations to improve the lives of people in developing countries. They use a variety of skills to design and implement development programs. This course can help you gain the skills you need to succeed in this role by providing you with a foundation in international development. You will learn about the principles of international development, and you will develop skills in project management, monitoring and evaluation, and communication.

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Business Analyst

Business Analysts work with businesses to identify and solve business problems. They use a variety of analytical techniques to identify opportunities and make recommendations for improvements. This course can help you gain the skills you need to succeed in this role by providing you with a foundation in business analysis. You will learn about the principles of business analysis, and you will develop skills in problem solving, data analysis, and communication.

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Project Manager

Project Managers plan, organize, and execute projects to achieve specific goals. They work with stakeholders to define project goals, develop project plans, and manage project resources. This course can help you gain the skills you need to succeed in this role by providing you with a foundation in project management. You will learn about the principles of project management, and you will develop skills in project planning, budgeting, and communication.

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Management Consultant

Management Consultants work with businesses to help them improve their performance. They use a variety of analytical techniques to identify opportunities and make recommendations for improvements. This course can help you gain the skills you need to succeed in this role by providing you with a foundation in management consulting. You will learn about the principles of management consulting, and you will develop skills in problem solving, communication, and teamwork.

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Computer Programmer

Computer Programmers develop, create, and maintain computer applications for a variety of clients. They work with businesses, governments, and individuals to understand their needs and design software solutions that meet those needs. This course can help you gain the skills you need to succeed in this role by providing you with a foundation in information and communication technologies (ICT). You will learn about the role of ICT in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and you will develop skills in data analysis, project management, and user experience design.

See salaries and explore the career path for Computer Programmer

Web Developer

Web Developers design, develop, and maintain websites and web applications. They work with clients to understand their needs and design websites that are user-friendly and meet their business goals. This course can help you gain the skills you need to succeed in this role by providing you with a foundation in web development. You will learn about the principles of web design, and you will develop skills in HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.

See salaries and explore the career path for Web Developer