Category: Tech + Social Ventures

Math Hasn’t Changed… So Why Does California Pay $400M A Year To Update Textbooks?

That’s the question Scott McNealy, chairman of Sun Microsystems, is asking. McNealy, who handed Sun’s chief executive reins to Jonathan Schwartz earlier this year, is now applying his know-how to steer the Global Education and Learning Community (GELC). That’s a non-profit entity, spun off from Sun in January, which aims to make open-source software available… Continue reading Math Hasn’t Changed… So Why Does California Pay $400M A Year To Update Textbooks?

AT&T and Tech Philanthropy

Earlier today, AT&T announced that it would partner with MetroFi to provide free municipal wifi internet access. AT&T also announced that it will kick off a tech philanthropy campaign. AT&T has launched a three-year, $100 million program, called AT&T Access All, that aims to provide technology packages–including a new computer, printer and Internet access–to 50,000… Continue reading AT&T and Tech Philanthropy

Mom and Pop Hotels In Emerging Markets Tap Into Online Marketing

Private Sector Development Blog has a good post about World Hotel Link, a concept where small hoteliers in emerging markets use the internet to provide accomodations to first world travelers. The idea was that independent travellers in rich countries can connect to people owning bed and breakfasts and small hotels in emerging markets and make… Continue reading Mom and Pop Hotels In Emerging Markets Tap Into Online Marketing

The Social ROI of Podcasting Technology

I like to spotlight organizations that use technology to improve society, and I can’t think of a more prototypical organization than The Conversations Network. I found this organization through WorldChanging. The Conversations Network is a non-profit online publisher of recorded lectures, conversations and interviews that include a wealth of worldchanging topics… Now partnered with the… Continue reading The Social ROI of Podcasting Technology

Intel Has Its Owns Plans To Close the Digital Divide

Intel plans to close the Digital Divide with its own version of the $100 Dollar Laptop. The only difference is that their plan is to release a sub $400 dollar laptop and train teachers as well as extended wireless internet access worldwide. It sounds like a more comprehensive approach than Negroponte’s and Intel certainly has… Continue reading Intel Has Its Owns Plans To Close the Digital Divide

Getting Rid of Your Old PC In A Responsible Way (cont’d)

Just saw this totally relevant announcement: Apple Offers Free Computer Take-Back Program Apple today announced an expansion of its successful recycling program, offering free computer take-back and recycling with the purchase of a new Macintosh® system beginning in June. Here is a link to my prior post: Getting Rid of Your Old PC In A… Continue reading Getting Rid of Your Old PC In A Responsible Way (cont’d)

Getting Rid of Your Old PC In A Responsible Way

Got my laptop back so I will be back to regularly posting (after a 2 week hiatus). So this post will conclude my series on  computer related posts.  (See my prior posts: The Truth (and Dangers) of Computer Recycling, and TechSoup Stock- Connecting Nonprofits With Technology Product Donations from Leading Providers) This final post (in… Continue reading Getting Rid of Your Old PC In A Responsible Way

The Truth (And Dangers) of Computer Recycling

Good news: I got my laptop back.  Bad news: It was still broken so I had to ship it back. Anyhow, on the topic of computers– I wanted to post about this Salon.com article that gives us some insight into computer recycling.  What should be a great and environmentally friendly practice is oftentimes not environmentally… Continue reading The Truth (And Dangers) of Computer Recycling