2014 Schedule
Interactive: March 7–11  •  Film: March 7–15  •  Music: March 11–16

Digital Divide or Sinkhole? Tech Famines in the US

#sxsw #techfamine

What does it mean when low literacy communities are overrepresented on Twitter? When their residents own more cell phones than computers? When their shopping districts have liquor stores and wig shops but no libraries or Wifi? This interactive session will explore the illusion of technology access in poor communities, how it is eroding the intellectual infrastructure of the nation, the consequences for our standing in the global community if we do nothing about it and what policy makers and social entrepreneurs can do to correct course. Two social entrepreneurs will present a spirited debate on these issues and discuss projects in existence or being launched by them and others in cities across the country that represent possible solutions.

Presenters

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Candis Best

Founder & CEO

Learningateway

Candis Best is a passionate advocate of getting people to use their minds to find their genius. An inspiring thought leader in higher education, she has focused her attention on creating a movement around growing genius. Candis has helped hundreds of students and professionals to use their genius minds to leave a legacy through self-leadership and service. She is this creator of the Holistic Leadership model which she used to found Learningateway, a social learning platform for non-traditional students who are at-risk for not completing their academic goals. With her upcoming book, “Your Genius Mind: Why You Don’t Need to Be a College Graduate But You Do Need to Think Like One,” Candis is taking the “Growing Genius Minds”movement global. Her perspectives on transforming education have made her an in-demand speaker and expert in crafting educational solutions. But she isn’t just a spokesperson for education, she’s a proud customer. She holds a law degree from Villanova University and is licensed to practice law in the States of New York and New Jersey and before the federal courts of the Eastern District of New York. In addition, she holds masters degrees in business administration and psychology and a Ph.D. in social welfare research and policy development. She holds board certifications in Healthcare Management and as a Human Services Practitioner and is a fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives. She currently serves as an Associate Professor and the Brooklyn campus chairperson for the departments of Human Services and General Studies at St. Joseph's College. She resides in the Fort Greene section of Brooklyn, New York.

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Sian Morson

Founder/CEO

Kollective Mobile

Sian Morson is a tech entrepreneur, mobile evangelist, author and strategist.
In 2010, Sian founded Kollective Mobile to help other businesses and startups with mobile development and strategy. A seasoned digital professional, Sian has worked with many high profile clients to deliver large web builds and campaigns for popular brands. Her diverse skill-set includes marketing, advertising, mobile strategy, business management and thought leadership. She works closely with her partners and clients to assist them in achieving their overall business objectives.
Sian speaks and writes about mobile strategy for a number of publications and also works with a variety of non-profits working to bridge the digital divide.

Apress recently published Sian’s latest book “Learn Design for iOS”.

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Music sponsor

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Interactive sponsors

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