Digital Diasporas and I2

In reviewing our syllabus, Barbara Rose-Haum addresses the subject of Globalization and Digital Diasporas. In doing some research on the Internet, I have come across several initiatives that are currently working to bridge "digital divides" in developing countries. One of these is a collaboration between several branches of the United Nations that brings together members of the Diaspora (including technology professionals, entrepreneurs and business leaders) in order to collaborate and train counterparts in their home countries; with the ultimate goal of further social and economic development for that region. See these Web sites:

http://www.unicttaskforce.org/stakeholders/ddn.html

http://www.wougnet.org/Events/UNIFEM/ddi_ug.html

In another project, the University of Pennsylvania is working with various organizations to build "community technology centers" in Ghana, in order to increase educational opportunities and training for community members:

http://ctech.seas.upenn.edu/ghana.html

It is interesting to think about how Internet2 technologies could apply in these and similar types of initiatives. The unique qualities/characteristics of an I2 connection and the very nature of the medium seem to make it an obvious candidate for consideration in regards to "bridging the digital divide". Would the simultaneity inherent in these connections work to enhance these or other types of experiences with similar aims? How could I2 contribute as a unique medium? In answering these questions, it is also important to consider that the "digital divide" can have many definitions, ranging from those without physical access to those without computer training (see the Wikipedia article). This can have an impact on how or whether I2 can contribute as well. The ideas of diminishing gaps and crossing boundaries that seem inherent to I2 collaborations may perhaps be explored in different ways.