Title: Information and communication technology (ICT) in education in five arab states
Source: UNESCO, UNESCO Institute for Statistics, Talal Abu-Ghazaleh Organization
Date (published): 15/04/2013
Date (accessed): 20/05/2013
Type of information: information paper
Language: English
On-line access: yes
Abstract: More than ever, the advent of the knowledge economy and global economic competition compel governments to prioritise educational quality, lifelong learning and the provision of equal opportunities for all. Education policymakers widely accept that improved access to information and communication technology (ICT) in education can help individuals to compete in a global economy by creating a skilled work force and facilitating social mobility. They emphasise that ICT in education has a multiplier effect throughout the education system, by enhancing learning and providing students with new sets of skills; by reaching students with poor or no access (especially those in rural and remote regions); by facilitating and improving the training of teachers; and by minimising costs associated with the delivery of instruction.

Title: How People in the Middle East Actually Use Social Media
Author: Everett E. Dennis, Justin D. Martin, Robb Wood
Source: The Atlantic
Date (published): 24/04/2013
Date (accessed): 02/05/2013
Type of information: blog post
Language: English
On-line access: yes
Abstract: Northwestern University in Qatar commissioned a survey among people in eight Arab countries: Egypt, Tunisia, Bahrain, Qatar, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, Jordan and the UAE. Harris Interactive conducted a mix of face-to-face and telephone interviews with 9,693 adults aged 18 and older. Participants were asked a wide range of questions on media - from matters of newspaper use, book reading and blogging to online banking and gaming - with a heavy emphasis on Internet use.

Title: Qatar introduces ICT accessibility policy
Source: ictQATAR
Date (published): 29/11/2011
Date (accessed): 15/12/2011
Type of information: press release
Language: English
On-line access: yes (HTML)
Abstract:
"ictQATAR Introduces National E-Accessibility Policy to make ICT more accessible for persons with disabilities.

The Supreme Council of Information and Communication Technology (ictQATAR) took a major step towards ensuring all of Qatar experiences the full benefits of technology today with the introduction of the Qatar’s first eAccessibility Policy.

The policy aims to ensure people with disabilities in Qatar have equal access to the technologies that can enrich their lives, and covers a range of e-accessibility issues, including websites, telecommunications services, handsets, ATMs, government services, access to assistive technologies and digital content. The policy is effective immediately and ictQATAR will oversee the implementation of the policy across sectors and monitor progress.

“For many people with disabilities, information and communication technology can be a tremendously empowering and enabling tool, however, if these technologies are not fully accessible, they may actually become tools of exclusion or isolation. Qatar’s eAccessibility Policy, which was developed in consultation with numerous stakeholder groups, will make Qatar one of the most progressive countries in the region in terms of bringing the benefits of technology to people with disabilities. The policy balances the needs of the disabled community here with practical implementation requirements, thereby allowing organizations and relevant government bodies to enact the policy without undue burden,” said Dr. Hessa Al-Jaber, ictQATAR Secretary General.

The primary provisions of the eAccessibility Policy include:
* Requiring telecommunications service providers to provide accessible handsets, user interfaces, relay services, special rate plans, emergency services and accessible public payphones where appropriate.
* Requiring public sector organizations to develop websites and mobile content that can be accessed by persons with disabilities.
* Requiring all public sector organizations, including government owned banks, to implement service improvements that will ensure that public access terminals/kiosks and ATMs are available at strategic locations and usable by people with low vision blindness, deaf or hearing impairments, physical disabilities and reading problems.
* Requiring Qatar’s Assistive Technology Center (Mada) to establish a fund to improve access to assistive technologies (AT) and services, encouraging the wide spread procurement of ATs, spreading awareness of the available services and benefits of ATs and providing demonstrations, special training and evaluations.
* Calling to action all producers and distributors of digital media in Qatar to improve the accessibility of their content through accessible eBooks, online information and special captioning for video programming.

“The introduction of Qatar’s eAccessibility Policy is a major milestone for people with disabilities in Qatar. Mada is committed to working with ictQATAR and other organizations in Qatar to help in implementing this comprehensive policy. Mada will offer practical assistance to any company, ministry or organization that has a role to play in ensuring that the targets set in the plan are delivered. This is an exciting step forward for people with a disability in Qatar” said Maha Al Mansouri, Head of Training and Education at Mada. Mada was one of more than 30 organizations that provided input into the development of the policy, including government agencies, corporations and not-for-profit organizations serving people with disabilities.

Qatar’s eAccessibility Policy supports numerous national initiatives in Qatar, including the Qatar National Development Strategy 2011-216 and Qatar’s General Family Strategy. The policy also supports Qatar’s obligations under the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, of which Qatar is a signatory.The full e-accessibility policy is available at this link."

Title: The Web (Barely) Speaks Arabic
Author: Mike Madison
Source: Forum One blog
Date (published): 14/07/2011
Date (accessed): 15/07/2011
Type of information: blog post
Language: English
On-line access: yes (HTML)
Abstract:
"There are a number of reasons why English has become the world’s convener language. I’m less interested in exploring that at the moment and more interested in discussing a number of current efforts to localize the web and make it more multilingual. One such effort I came across recently is in Doha, at the Qatar Science & Technology Park, where a number of publications are being converted into a digital format from either the original Arabic, or after being translated from other languages. These digitization projects are a way of adding Arabic content to the web, and creating more high-value content that can be explored by users in their own language. Its part of the movement to make sure that the web’s content more closely mirrors the experience of speakers in the physical world, where the local language rightly has precedence."

via https://twitter.com/#!/ictdev