Mobile Technology Handbook

This guide was developed by Pact to provide guidance on basic steps and considerations that need to be taken when deciding to use mobile technology in program implementation monitoring and evaluation. The handbook begins by providing an outline of mobile technology and describing the advantages and disadvantages of using it. It also explores the need for mobile technology, the platforms that can be used and when and how to start using it. The handbook also highlights the importance of understanding the local context including infrastructure (power, network availability) and other issues that may affect a decision to use some or all types of mobile technology. Lastly the handbook provides guidance on developing a mobile technology strategy for an organisation.

Excerpt

"Given the dynamic and evolving nature of the mobile technology field, the following chapters are not exhaustive and do not aspire to be. But whether you are a practitioner in the field or a project manager at headquarters, you will learn in these pages how to begin developing and putting in place a mobile technology strategy for development programming and how to select mobile platforms; case studies will show you how mobile technology has been used for development. You can use the handbook simply as a reference or make it the foundation for a workshop to spread learning throughout a team." (Pact, 2014)

Contents

• Understanding Mobile Technology and Its Applications 10
• Developing a Strategy and Getting Started 12
• Mobile Technology Platforms 23
• Implementing Your Strategy 34
• Pact’s Mobile Technology Use 43
• Pact Swaziland Case Study: Selecting a Mobile Platform 49
• Online Mobile Technology Resources 51