"In the past decade, school districts and states have spent more than a billion dollars to build and implement data systems. Data about student learning-and the systems that collect, organize, and report on this data-are what U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan calls "the driving force [behind education] reform.""

providing computers throughout the world to make a positive impact in education, health, and science

Links to short pieces about how donations of ICT makes positive impacts

"The African Medical Research and Education Foundation, is putting Computer Aid International PCs, together with scanners and digital cameras, into rural health clinics in some of the most isolated communities in Africa. From there, nurses and newly qualified doctors can email pictures via the internet to clinical specialists for instant expert diagnosis. By this mechanism people living in rural areas can have access to the best clinical diagnosis available and medical conditions can be treated promptly and accurately with life-saving consequences. "

"A Pennsylvania school district accused of secretly switching on laptop computer cameras inside students' homes is under investigation by federal authorities, a law enforcement official with knowledge of the case said."

"Systems like these - known in the industry as nurturing games - are built to require regular investments of time and, for fullest enjoyment, money. The games are usually hosted by social networks like Facebook, or can connect to such networks so friends can follow one another's progress. They feature living digital property - the crops in FarmVille or the fish in Happy Aquarium - that can die without care and feeding. At FooPets, death is averted because, after a short period of neglect, the pet goes to a FooShelter. (And reclaiming it becomes an expensive proposition.)"

Check out the insidious way such game producers get youngsters to pay actual money.

Critics also worry about possible negative effects on patient care. VA's inspector general recently investigated two deaths at a Colorado VA hospital that occurred while the patients were being monitored by cardiac telemetry, a form of telemedicine. "We substantiated the allegation that there were competency and training issues with medical support assistants and registered nurses assigned to telemetry," the IG wrote in the report dated Jan. 21. The report also notes that hospital managers had been informed of the telemetry problems before the deaths but had taken no action. VA managers agreed to evaluate the telemetry program in Colorado to ensure safety, and Linkous and Casscells said it was likely an isolated incident. However, more of the same can be expected, Deal predicts. "The rapid growth of the telemedicine industry will leave gaps in training and/or policy among its practitioners, which could spark an increase in litigation," he said.

Positive impacts of EHR on medical field

"Google Health and others in the fast-growing personal health record business say they are offering a revolutionary tool to help patients navigate a fragmented healthcare system, but some doctors fear that inaccurate information from billing data could lead to improper treatment."

Just for fun

"A new method of digital rights management (DRM) which relies on a user's profile has been pioneered by Aboriginal Australians."

Not your usualy DRM issues. Interesting twist.

"Using graphics, video and sound, midwifery students are taken on an imaginary journey through the pregnancy of Jessica Tate - from its earliest stages, to early labour. The package includes sections in which the student can use a mouse to move over computer-enhanced photo images of the 'pregnant' abdomen. As the mouse moves over the image, a picture of the uterus and foetus becomes clearer, revealing information gradually in the same way that would happen if the student used their hands to examine the woman. There is a big issue in the western world with 'problem' births and it doesn't have to be like this Susanne Darra Throughout the programme, the students assess Jessica's progress and are also able to click on to 'hot words' for up-to-date background knowledge. "

"According to Cary Coglianese, an American e-government expert, imagining that online consultation will breathe new life into democracy "is a bit like imagining that giving automobile owners the ability to download technical manuals and order car parts online would turn a great number of them into do-it-yourself mechanics". Greater involvement by experts may make for more sensible rules, but it will not turn the system of public administration on its head. In short, badly managed organisations with computers will stay badly managed. That has been the lesson from private business, and it equally applies to the public sector, where e-government has barely begun to scratch the surface of what is possible. That is reason for disappointment, but also for hope. "

This article raises a number of issues related to e-government and the use of mobile phones for government transactions. It appears that India embarked ahead of more developed nations in the West to go electronic. The problem of access to phones and widespread illiteracy is discussed and raises some important concerns.