MoMo Kampala May 9th Create an Enabling Ecosystem for Developers
Posted on: April 21, 2011 – Filed under: Kampala
Mobile Monday Kampala is pleased to announce that its next meeting, on the theme, How Do We Create an Enabling Ecosystem for Developers and Industry Leaders? The event will be sponsored by Nokia and held at the Protea Hotel on Monday 9th May 2011 starting at 5:30 PM. Delegates are invited to arrive from 4:30 PM for a poster session during which they may meet with Makerere University CIT students who will be presenting thirty-five or more products that they have developed, using mobile Java applications programming, to be made available to clients through Nokia’s Ovi Store.
There are a lot of people out there, people just like you and me, who have needs just like yours and mine. And one of the things that make life interesting is that, although we have a lot of things in common, there is a huge variance in what each of us need, like and dislike. Viva la difference! The one size fits all has its place, but nothing beats expressing one’s own individuality! And this is one of the reasons why social networking tools, blogs, Facebook, tweets, are so useful to us. How we use mobile phones is another expression of our individuality.
The variety of ways we link to others through mobile phone applications is increasing almost at an exponential rate! Who can supply us with companionship, differing viewpoints, validation, camaraderie, information, news about events, direction, how to move in to where we want to go, physically, spiritually, how to stay out of trouble, how to take good decisions, how find what we are looking for, guidance on how to spend our money more wisely, how to pay for things more conveniently. The ringtone just downloaded has the refrain: Did you ever try to change your life? Hey, where do I go to find an answer to a question like that? Is the icon for such a service already available on my Nokia E7, Huawei Ideos, iPhone or iPad? If the answer is no then, hey, why not create a new mobile app for me and you; you never know; might beat the hell out of Angry Birds?
This brings us back to the theme of our next meeting. Could you be at the threshold of a mobility revolution? How would you like to change your world for the better? Key words are open, mobile, innovate, inspire. How do we create a more interesting learning or working platform for ourselves? Do you believe that the university system is where it’s at, curriculum relevant? If not what can you conjure up in its stead? One lecturer I know gives students Stanford University podcasts; instead of listening to his lecture they spend the time discussing the really cool podcast. My children do their homework watching Sal Khan math and science YouTube lessons. I heard about an educational institution where students are given an independent project on their first day at school. One lecturer informed her students that they would be building a product in Drupal, and that if they had any questions they had better join the Drupal Forum, and ask their questions there; though not exactly “You’re on your own kid”, close enough to the real thing. Another proposed that students begin university under the auspices of a company’s apprenticeship programme; something old, something new; definitely not Dumbing us Down?
Mobile Monday is a great platform for discussing ideas that will stir up one’s creative gifts. As the energy levels rise we find ourselves in an expansive mood; everything seems possible. Look around; who is there? Under the right circumstances, you could make something interesting happen, create a new product, start a new company. I look forward to seeing you.
To register or learn more about the event go to: http://momokampalaenablingecosystem.eventbrite.com
You can also read a Dispatch Article by Daniel Stern about “Moving towards a mobile banking revolution” by following this link : http://dispatch.ug/2011/04/21/moving-towards-a-mobile-banking-revolution/