The Master porgamme “ICT for Development and Social Good” offers two learning models: Full Master Model, combining online (live) lectures, residential on-campus crash courses, and internship; and Online-only Master Model, that will be delivered fully online in virtual classes.
Only students who will attend the full Master model will receive the Master Diploma by University of Turin. Whereas, students participating only in online-only model will receive a Certificate of attendance and personalised Portfolio from the University of Turin.
The duration of the Full Master Model programme (online lectures and residential crash courses) will be 9+3 months, a total of 127 hours of live lectures online, 81 hours of on-campus residential crash courses, 550 hours of individual studies, 450 hours of Internship.
The online lectures will be held two times a week, Monday and Thursday, between 17:30-19:30 CEST (read more about our methodology of online lectures here). The full Master model will include a week-long residential crash courses and internship. After each Module, students may be required to work on a Module Assignment in order to engage in ‘experiential learning’ and put into practice some of the competencies developed during the Module. The Master online is based on online educational methodologies developed by ImpactSkills S.R.L., featuring live webinars (audio-video) and interactive web training (web lab). All the sessions will be recorded and made available for all students at any time. Further, an internal online space will be available for students and lecturers to share thoughts, materials and resources, experiences, as well as network and connect with each other.
NOTE: the curriculum of the first-level Master programme “ICT for Development and Social Good” (2023-2024) may be subject to ‘light’ updates in the upcoming months based on the final considerations of the Scientific Committee of the Master programme, feedback of students from previous years, and recent global developments in the field of ICT4D.
ONLINE STUDY
UNIT I: FOUNDATIONS OF INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND ICT4D
This unit provides students with a comprehensive introduction to the field of international development and cooperation, and ICT4D. It aims to equip students with a solid understanding of the fundamental concepts, theories, and practices that underpin the global efforts towards sustainable development. In Module 1, “Introduction to Development and International Cooperation:, students go through an exploration of the basic concepts and historical context of international development, laying the groundwork for understanding the complexities of global development challenges. Module 2, “Doing Research and Fieldwork in International Cooperation, focuses on the practical aspects of conducting research and fieldwork in the context of international cooperation, providing insights into the methodologies and tools necessary for effective research in this field. Module 3, “Introduction to ICT4D and Interdisciplinary Applications” explores the role of Information and Communication Technologies for Development (ICT4D) and how interdisciplinary approaches can be applied to address development challenges. As a supplement to the core modules, students have the opportunity to participate in a special track seminar, an one-hour session featuring guest speaker Dr. Marco Zennaro, who delves into the lessons learned from the field of Internet of Things and Development.
This unit includes: 3 modules, 25 hours of online lectures, and 70 hours of individual study.
MODULE 1: INTRODUCTION TO DEVELOPMENT AND INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION | (6 hours)
This module provides an introductory orientation to the critique of development and presents some of the tensions that shape international development practice. By looking at power relations among development stakeholders and at the knowledge construction embedded in development praxis, this unit equips participants with essential tools in order to critically analyse current challenges in international cooperation, development aid and development management.
Lecturer: Dr. Egidio Dansero, University of Turin
Module 2: DOING RESEARCH AND FIELDWORK IN INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION | (8 hours)
This module aims to prepare students for the successful design, management, and execution of qualitative research projects, particularly in the diverse and challenging contexts of the Majority World . It plays a pivotal role in equipping students with the necessary skills and research competencies essential for engaging in the realm of international development.
Lecturer: Prof. Dr. Elisa Bignante, University of Turin
Module 3: INTRODUCTION TO ICT4D AND INTERDISCIPLINARY APPLICATIONS | (10 hours) |
The broad field of ICT4D – Information and Communication Technologies for Development – addresses the so- called “Digital Divide”between the connected and the unconnected people in the world, and seeks solutions how digital technologies can be designed and deployed, such that they are useful and meaningful, for people and communities who live in poor, remote regions of the world, which are often located in developing low/middle-income countries of the world. Digital technologies have a claimed wide range of beneficial application opportunities, but there are also doubts and concerns. Heavy investments to boost the Digital Society are taking place in the Global North, particularly in the big power blocs of US, Europe and China. In this module, we undertakes to investigate these matters in and for the Global South, thereby giving due attention to the specific contexts of people’s needs as well as the different geographic, economic, cultural and socio-political contexts.
Lecturers: Dr. Anna Bon, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam; Francis Saa-Dittoh, University for Development Studies (Ghana); Prof. Dr. Hans Akkermans, University for Development Studies (Ghana);
Note: this Module is delivered in the context of EURIDICE project.
Special track (seminar): Internet of Things and Wireless Networking in the Majority World: Lessons Learned. (1.5 hours)
Guest speaker: Prof. Dr. Marco Zennaro & Prof. Dr. Ermano Pietrosemoli, Telecommunications/ICT4D Laboratory at the the International Centre for Theoretical Physics (ICTP)
UNIT II: DESIGNING FOR THE SOCIAL GOOD
This unit consists of a core module and a special track that aim to educate learners on designing interventions for social impact. It offers an in-depth exploration into the realm of Human-Centred Design, focusing and equipping learners with a foundational understanding of design thinking ideology and practices.
This unit includes: 1 module, 16 hours of online lectures, 31 hours of residential Crash Course, and 45 hours of individual study.
Module 1: FUNDAMENTALS OF SOCIAL DESIGN | (10 hours)
In this module, learners are introduced to design and related approaches as a means of effecting the design, development, and implementation of technology-enabled interventions for achieving social impact. Less emphasis is placed on the design of technologies per se; rather, learners are oriented in the design of interventions – as the aggregate of products, services, business models, experiences, policies, infrastructures, ad infinitum – that affect systems change. Learners will gain familiarity with Human Centred Design framework and more broadly with the ideology and practice of design thinking, learn skills in design research, synthesis, ideation, prototyping, and testing.
Lecturer: Josh Harvey, Catholic Relief Services
Special track (simulation): Designing for Good (6 hours)
Lead: Josh Harvey, Catholic Relief Services
(With participation of an external guest speaker)
UNIT III: DATA FOR SOCIAL GOOD
This unit encompasses a set of educational components designed to equip learners with the skills and ethical frameworks needed for leveraging data and Information and Communications Technologies (ICTs) in social and humanitarian contexts. The unit delves into effective methods for data collection using open technologies and crowd engagement, while also examining the ethical and practical challenges of employing digital tools in emergency and humanitarian settings. Case studies range from general open data ecosystems to the global response to recent crises. The unit is complemented by a special track workshop focusing on geospatial analysis in emergencies. Overall, the unit aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of how to responsibly and effectively use data and ICTs for social impact.
This unit includes: 2 modules, 20 hours of online lectures, 31 hours of residential crash course, and 40 hours of individual study.
Module 1: ICT FOR DATA COLLECTION | (10 hours)
The open data movement has contributed wonders in terms of access to information and digital product development. However, all too often has contributions been too product-driven at the expense of opportunities to generate new datasets in a manner that feeds into an open data ecosystem rather than just consuming from it. Sometimes, the data you need is out of reach or, worse yet, it just does not exist. Through case studies, this module will explore how already existing free and open accessible technologies as well as engagement of “the crowd” can be leveraged for rapid and effective data collection.
Lecturer: Cédric Lombion, Civic Literacy Initiative
Module 2: ICT FOR MAPPING AND EMERGENCIES | (8 hours)
The rapid emergence and adoption of digital tools, combined with the ever-increasing dependence of all sectors of society on data, has redefined and reimagined the role humanitarian actors play before, during, and after a crisis occurs. While providing new opportunities for decision-making and delivery support related to aid, the growing reliance on data and digital tools by responders both magnifies existing challenges and creates new tensions for humanitarians around the world. Foundational humanitarian ethical, moral, legal, and policy frameworks have not yet sufficiently evolved to address these critical tensions. Perhaps more problematic, the “humanitarian innovation” narrative has fostered a move by many humanitarian actors away from the Principles of Geneva and toward the Values of Silicon Valley. This move has undermined efforts to professionalise the use of ICTs and data and, as recent cases demonstrate, created space for risk and potential harm to affected populations and crisis responders alike. In embracing digital technologies, humanitarians must grapple with a number of tough questions to ensure that they assess risks and benefits in a meaningful way and uphold safe, ethical, and effective practice. What does it mean to responsibly and ethically introduce experimental technologies in the midst of a humanitarian crisis? How might humanitarian organisations ensure that the plethora of private sector “partners” eager to lend their tools and expertise will operate in accordance with the humanitarian principles of humanity, neutrality, impartiality, and independence? Perhaps most important, contexts characterised by a multitude of actors with different principles, motivations, situational awareness, and capacity to respond, whose ethics should apply? This module will examine these critical questions against the backdrop of the recent global response to COVID-19, while also pulling from a range of other case studies in the humanitarian sector.
Lecturer: Stuart Campo, UNOCHA Centre for Humanitarian Data
Special track (workshop): Geospatial Analysis in Emergencies (2 hours)
Guest speaker: Saira Khan, Harvard Humanitarian Initiative
UNIT IV: ICT IN DEVELOPMENT SECTORS
This transdisciplinary unit provides a multifaceted exploration of the role of ICT in societal impact across various development sectors. The curriculum delves into the utilisation of digital tools in healthcare, focusing on innovative solutions from preventive measures to drug distribution, particularly in Majority World. It also examines the transformative potential of ICT in agriculture, discussing how technology can enhance efficiency and sustainability. Additionally, the unit scrutinises the intricate relationship between human rights, democracy, and digital technology, providing insights into both the supportive and inhibitive roles of ICT. The course concludes with a look at humanitarian crisis, and the role that ICTs can have about the current challenges and opportunities during humanitarian crisis. In addition to the core modules, a special seminar focuses on the “Learning Passport” to showcase its role as a prime example of ICT in education.
This unit includes: 4 modules, 37 hours of online lectures, 27 hours of residential crash course, and 90 hours of individual study.
Module 1: ICT FOR HEALTH | (10 hours)
This module will describe key concepts, applications and examples about the use of ICT and mobile phones to support and reinforce health information systems around the world and in Majority World, in particular. Best practices, procedures and suggestions will be presented in order to design/adopt the proper tool/application in the specific context. The module will explore, present and examine many innovative solutions and applications that, using the power of web and mobile technology, have been implemented and tested within healthcare systems in Majority World for the last decade. Some have been limited to pilot projects while others have been able to reach higher levels of scalability and be deployed at country or regional level. We will highlight strengths and weaknesses and best scenarios for each application. The module explores case studies and examples of ICT for health projects aiming at sensitising communities on preventive healthcare measurements, helping health staff to diagnose pathologies and identifying appropriate treatments, training health staff and community health workers, conducting healthcare campaigns or monitoring drug distributions, just to mention a few. The module will be concluded with a guest lecturer, Dr. Tosan Mogbeyiteren, who will help us to explore the use of Artificial Intelligence and Internet of Things with some practical examples and projects from the field.
Lecturer: Paola Fava, JengaLab
Guest-lecturer: Dr. Tosan Mogbeyiteren, Black Swan Tech
Module 2: ICT FOR AGRICULTURE | (10 hours)
Agriculture is a game-changer for the world’s sustainability. ICT can help advance the sector by making it more efficient as well as promoting the wellbeing and empowerment of all stakeholders involved in the sector. ICTs has been growing its importance within the agricultural sector – especially across value chains. A number of digital technologies, including but not limited to mobile phones, radios, digital cameras, geographic information systems (GIS), cloud computing, tracking mechanisms, Big Data, IoT, and Machine Learning, have been used in the sector. The module will showcase key methodologies and technologies being applied in the sector in Majority World and emerging regions by governments, NGOs, multilateral organisations, and the private sector. Both positive and negative impact of the use of ITs in the sector will be highlighted, forcing students to think about pros and cons of digital technology. The module will also seek to engage students to design an initiative. As a result, students should be able to provide inputs to develop ICT4agriculture initiatives within their own work.
Lecturer: Dr. Simone Sala, JengaLab
Module 3: ICT FOR FOR PREVENTION AND PROTECTION IN COMPLEX CRISIS | (8 hours)
Over 11 years have passed since the humanitarian and development community launched the Agenda for Humanity and promised to engage in transformative action on five pillars: Prevent and end conflict, Uphold the norms that safeguard humanity, Leave no one behind, Working differently to end need, and Invest in humanity. The preparation for the Summit also happened to be at the peak of the Big Data frenzy, which envisioned a new paradigm shift in the field that drove a techno-optimistic wave of new actors and fresh investments in the design of a new, more efficient humanitarian ecosystem. Building on the five pillars of the Agenda, this module aims to define the journey, lessons learned and emerging trends of the digital transformation efforts of a sector that remains resistant to radical change. It will also provide opportunities for table top exercises and group work to engage in deeper discussions about the current challenges and opportunities for ICT in the sector.
Lecturer: Giulio Coppi, Access Now
Module 4: HUMAN RIGHTS AND DEMOCRACY IN DIGITAL AGE | (8 hours)
This module delves into the intricate relationship between human rights, democracy, and ICT. The course aims to educate learners on the foundational principles of human rights as a tool for emancipation and examines the current international systems for human rights protection. It also explores the role of ICT in either erasing or amplifying social inequalities and discusses how democratic practices can contribute to a world that respects human rights. Through a series of lectures, students will explore these topics using intersectional lenses, critique existing human rights protection systems, understand the democracy-human rights nexus, and evaluate the role of technology in realising or inhibiting rights. The course will also address the major societal shifts brought about by recent global pandemics and their impact on human rights and democracy. Overall, the module aims to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of how human rights, democracy, and ICT intersect and sometimes contradict each other, enabling them to critically assess and navigate these complexities.
Lecturer: Dr. Anca-Ruxandra Pandea, Council of Europe
Special track (seminar): ICT in Education – the case of Learning Passport (1 hour)
Guest speaker: Mac Glovinsky, Chief of the Learning Passport
UNIT V: FUTURE TRENDS IN ICT FOR DEVELOPMENT
This unit aims to map out the existing and future trends in the ICT and development sector. It will examine the strategies and principles of new financial models in Majority World and the use of ICTs in financial inclusion. The until will also look at the risks and opportunities of AI in the development and humanitarian sector. Ultimately, the until will conclude with an introduction to Blockchain technology and its social application in the development sector.
This unit includes: 3 modules, 31 hours of online sessions, 23 hours of residential crash course, and 30 hours of individual study.
Module 1: FINANCIAL INCLUSION IN MAJORITY WORLD | (10 hours)
More than 2 billion people in the world have no access to formal financial services. Yet, having access to credit, being able to transfer money in a safe and cheap manner and, in general, having the opportunity to use a wide range of financial services are largely assumed by development practitioners to be preliminary conditions to sustain and improve livelihoods, smooth consumption and cope with volatility. In recent years, the diffusion of ICTs, particularly mobile telephony, across developing countries, has instigated a convergence of institutional actors, development agencies, private foundations and businesses on strategies to fill this gap. This module will examine these strategies, the principles upon which they are based and their highlights and pitfalls.
Lecturer: Howard Miller, International condultant
Module 2: BLOCKCHAIN AND ITS SOCIAL APPLICATION | (10 hours)
Blockchain promises the decentralisation and disintermediation of many sectors and industries. This technology was introduced by Bitcoin, the first decentralised digital currency. However, its potential is not only applicable to the financial sector, but also to decision making, value distribution and transparency among many other social applications. This module will introduce blockchain technology and its potential as a source of innovation in the development and social innovation sector, as well as its problems and limitations. It will provide inspiring examples to understand its applicability to a diversity of problems, and methods to design blockchain-supported tools for social good.
Lecturer: P.h.D. Ámbar Tenorio Fornés, Universidad Complutense de Madrid
Module 3: AI, OPEN SOURCE FORENSICS, AND INFO-SECURITY| (10 hours)
This comprehensive module is designed to empower participants with the skills and knowledge needed to adeptly navigate today’s complex digital landscape. Topics include fake news & verification, networks and conspiracy theories, artificial Intelligence (AI), facial recognition, deep fakes and Large Language Models (like ChatGPT). The curriculum is a blend of theoretical concepts, real-world case studies, and hands-on practical exercises that provide a well-rounded educational experience.
Lecturer: Prof. Dr. Dan McQuillan, Goldsmiths University
Special track (seminars):
#1 Emerging tech & breakthrough innovations: what’s next? (1 hour)
Guest speaker: P.h.D. Alexandre Pólvora, European Innovation Council
#2 Blockchain-based tokenization for local communities: the case of CommonsHood (1 hour)
Guest speaker: P.h.D. Cristina Viano, Temporary Researcher, University of Turin
RESIDENTIAL STUDY
CRASH COURSE I
DATA IN-PRACTICE
The crash course on “Data in-practice” will take place in Campus Luigi Einaudi, University of Turin (with the possibility of a hybrid connection).
This crash course includes:
27 hours of practical, 60 hours of individual study, and a field-visit.
DESCRIPTION:
This crash course is designed to equip students with hands-on experience in the technical knitty-gritty of collecting, processing, and disseminating data. The workshops introduce basic programming skills on the basis that students have little to no programming experience. The crash course does not aim to teach programming per se but to give students an overview of the technicalities involved in different steps of the data life cycle. The technologies used will be Google Forms for data collection, R for data processing, and R Shiny for dissemination. Programming in R will be done in RStudio. Ultimately, a special seminar will take place during this crash course with Digital Public Goods Alliance on “Digital Public Infrastructure’.
Lecturer: Cédric Lombion, Civic Literacy Initiative
Guest lecturer: Max Schumann, Digital Public Goods Alliance
NOTE: Over the Crash Course—meetings and field-visits with other partners, organisations, institutions and social enterprises will be programmed in Turin. The Crash Course description presented here, including its modality of delivery, may be subject of change.
CRASH COURSE II
DESIGNING FOR GOOD IN-PRACTICE
The crash course on “Designing for Good in-practice” will take place in Campus Luigi Einaudi, University of Turin (with the possibility of a hybrid connection)..
This crash course includes:
31 hours of practical, 60 hours of individual study, and a field-visit.
DESCRIPTION:
The “Designing for Good in-practice” crash course provides students with the opportunity to engage in human-centred, systems-informed design using various approaches, mindsets, and methods. Students can work either collaboratively or independently on issues of their choosing. They will research, analyse, and frame challenges based on their internship experiences, which will be directly related to their Final Capstone Projects. The course will guide students in building and utilising tools for sensemaking and synthesis and in designing interventions to address components of their selected challenges. Furthermore, this crash course will serve as a practical platform to help students research, analyse, and ideate for their Final Capstone Projects. Students will also have the opportunity to reflect on the implications of their methodological choices and their relationship to theory. The course will conclude with a grading process conducted by the lecturer, based on the outcomes achieved during the crash course.
Lecturer: Josh Harvey, Catholic Relief Services
NOTE: Over the Crash Course—meetings and field-visits with other partners, organisations, institutions and social enterprises will be programmed in Turin. The Crash Course description presented here, including its modality of delivery, may be subject of change.
CRASH COURSE III
DIGITAL INNOVATION FOR DEVELOPMENT IN-PRACTICE
The crash course on “Digital Innovation for Development in-practice” will take place in Campus Luigi Einaudi, University of Turin (with the possibility of a hybrid connection)..
This crash course includes:
23 hours of Practical work and 70 hours of individual study.
DESCRIPTION:
“Digital Innovation for Development in-practice” is a dynamic one-week residential crash course designed to elevate students’ Final Capstone Projects to the next level. This intensive course empowers students to think critically about integrating diverse and novel ICTs into their Capstone Projects, ensuring they are both impactful, sustainable and innovative. Throughout the course, students learn how to structure a comprehensive project to tackle challenges they faced during the Internship phase, how to plan and deploy it for sustainability and scale, harnessing the potential of cutting-edge data, AI and Web 3 technologies. The curriculum encompasses hands-on exercises, workshops, and guided exploration of design strategies and emerging digital tools. The course culminates in a vibrant Demo Day, where students showcase their Minimum Viable Products (MVPs), providing a tangible demonstration of how they are harnessing technology to drive real-world development. “Digital Innovation for Development in-practice” equips students with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to create meaningful and transformative digital solutions for the challenges they had identified in their Final Capstone Projects.
Lecturer: Dr. Mara Balestrini, Inter-American Development Bank Innovation Laboratory
NOTE: Over the Crash Course—meetings and field-visits with other partners, organisations, institutions and social enterprises will be programmed in Turin. The Crash Course description presented here, including its modality of delivery, may be subject of change.
INTERNSHIP
Students must complete 450 hours of internship in order to get the Diploma.
The Master programme has developed a partnership with a large number of organizations, social start-ups, institutions, and other entities that are available to receive our students. Some of the partners include: UNICEF Innovations Lab in Kosovo, Digital Citizens (Romania), Ideas Change (Spain), Waag Society (Amsterdam), The Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (Nigeria), Nesta Italia, Gnucoop (Italy), etc..
Students who already have a job, and that is relevant to the Master’s aim and themes can complete the Internship in its working place.