httpThe Tech Museum Awards honor innovators and visionaries from around the world who are applying technology to profoundly improve the human condition in the categories of education, equality, environment, health, and economic development. Individuals, for-profit companies, and not-for-profit organizations are eligible.

Nomination due May 16, 2003: submitted April 2003
Final application due June 6, 2003:

Original Nomination:

1. Identify the technology application.

USPNet is a Satellite Telecommunications Network that links the main Fiji-based campus of the University of the South Pacific (USP) with its other smaller, remote Campuses and Centres located at each of the University's remaining 11 Member Countries: Cook Islands, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Nauru, Niue, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tokelau, Tonga, Tuvalu and Vanuatu.

2. Explain how the technology application benefits humanity.

The South Pacific Region served by the University of the South Pacific is arguably the most geographically isolated Region in the world. Approximately half of USP's 15,000 students cannot attend face-to-face classs at the main USP campuses in Fiji, Vanuatu and Samoa. USPNet has therefore become vital to USPís ability to provide Distance and Flexible Learning (DFL), offering students in remote locations access to higher education through a range of different ITC modes including audio tutorials, video conferencing, watching real-time video lectures taking place at other main campuses etc. This bridges an enormous geographical barrier spanning 33 square kilometres and five time zones, allowing these students to interact with their lecturers and fellow students and the broader world through the World Wide Web.

3. State why you think the nominee deserves recognition.

Without USPNet, the approximately 7000 students studying by distance and flexible learning each year would have no contact with their lecturers or fellow students at the main campus in Fiji. This project fully utilises technology to provide a vital human link, unifying students for a common higher education goal. This was the first project of its kind in the South Pacific, and has become the backbone for a range of innovative educational technology initiatives, including a Multimedia Database, Streaming Media Server, and the ongoing development of collaborative educational web tools aiming to contextualize the typically western approach to education to the cultures of the South Pacific. It proved invaluable during Fijiís 2000 attempted coup, when students were forced to return to their home countries, but were only able to continue their studies because of the continuing broadcast of lectures over USPNet.

Application Form

Step 4 of 5

Please provide information that justifies your application.

Problem Identification

What serious problem or challenge with broad significance does your use of technology address? Explain your context and the existing conditions that you are trying to improve or rectify.

Description of Technology Application

Fully describe the technology application. What technology is being used? How is it being used? Who is responsible? Who is benefiting? What processes or systems are in place to deliver this technology application?

Explanation of Leading Edge or Breakthrough Technology

Why do you think that your use of technology is worthy of recognition? Describe if it is a new technology or a new use of an existing technology. How can it be distinguished from existing uses? Explain how it surpasses previous or current solutions.

Evidence of Contribution

How do you know that your application of technology is making a contribution?

Presentation of Measurable Results

Describe the method(s) you are using to measure your results. How are you reporting your results and to whom? To whom are you accountable?

Description of Potential Negative or Unintended Consequences

Describe any outcomes that may not be beneficial that you have considered. Who might consider your application problematic and why?

Discussion of Replication Potential

Describe how your work might be a model for others to emulate. Could this application be put to use in other places or contexts?

Santa Clara University's Center for science, Technology, and Society (sts.scu.edu) conducts the independent judging process for the Awards. In addition, the Center conducts research to understand how technology applications can meet urgent human needs.

Would you be willing to have your project included in future University research efforts?

2 Reference names:
Suggestions: I have asked Suzie to make these contacts

Results: Declined

Thank you for applying for the 2003 Tech Museum Awards. Unfortunately, you were not selected as a finalist in this year's program.

Competition for the 2003 Awards was exceptionally strong. We received 534 qualified nominations from 70 countries for just 25 finalist positions. Your work is certainly powerful and promising, and it was without question a very difficult decision for our judges.

You are invited and encouraged to submit your name for nomination in next year's competition. The call for nominations for the 2004 program opens October 16th. We hope to collaborate with you and learn more about your work in the 2004 program.

We strongly support and admire your endeavors to benefit humanity through technology.

Sincerely,

The Tech Museum Awards Team httphttp://techawards.thetech.org

Last edited on December 1, 2003 5:56 pm.