The ICT Global Corps - Study Abroad

All smiles - a TISM student with local Tanzania children

Background

The ICT Global Corps began in 2008 as a collaboration between MSU's Colleges of Communication Arts and Sciences, Engineering, and Honors College. Since its establishment the ICT Global Corps has been providing students with a service learning experience that brings modern technology to developing regions of the world. The ICT Global Corps also partners up with many institutions and organizations in these developing regions including The University of Dar es Salaam in Tanzania, and IT for Change in India.

Studying Abroad

Here at Michigan State University, Study Abroad programs come in all shapes and sizes. While some students may prefer a more traditional study abroad involving classes and multiple 20 page papers due on return, those looking for a more hands-on experience may be interested in working with MSU's Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Global Corps. The ICT Global Corps gives technically proficient students an opportunity to utilize their knowledge, and make a real impact in many developing parts of the world.

Coursework

TC 488: Information and Communication Technologies for Development Field Study is the capstone course for students in the Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) for Development specialization.  It is a hands-on class where students will gain experience in the implementation of various ICT projects in a developing country, rural region of the US, or low-income urban areas in the US.

Locations

MSU students and faculty have been working in two schools in Tanzania to implement Internet-connected computers. Many tasks remain - both technical and non-technical -  including content and game design to be used by students in the Tanzanian schools, training of teachers and students in the use of the computers and software, and expanding the IT infrastructure in use there.

In future years, new service learning opportunities for students are planned that focus on other developing regions, including West Africa, Latin America, and parts of Asia. Economically distressed regions of the US are also potential sites for student fieldwork as they complete the service learning capstone course in the ICT for Development Specialization.

Sign up!

Students interested in joining the ICT Global Corps and TC 488 should contact Professor Kurt DeMaagd at kdemaagd@msu.edu.

More Infomation:

Michigan State University
Department of Telecommunication,
Information Studies & Media (TISM)
409 Communication Arts & Sciences Building
East Lansing, MI 48824-1212
Phone: 517.355.8372
Fax: 517.355.1292
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