The internet revolution continue to influence the speed and directions of development. Last year saw its potentials in starting and sustaining deep transformations, not only in organizations but in countries as well. It affected everyone including the way we do our development practice. Last year, IPad gradually move-in to our domains. Not only did we see iPad’s with our participants, but other facilitators as well. As an information collection point, the iPad can be a powerful space for disseminating (and reporting) development results. The World Bank is a case in point. Since it began as a thick, analytical, data-full and graphics intensive publication in 1978, WB’s World Development Report (WDR) moved from print to PDFs to web 2.0 channels. The new edition is about gender equality. It argues that gender equality is a core development issue and departs from the contemporary view of expanding freedoms equally for men and women. Before iPad, the WDR readers’ internet experience consisted of multiple channels (text, video, galleries, slideshows, downloads, etc.) and use of interactive elements like commentaries, discussion, chats and telephony. This year, WB aims to make reading analytical reports even more accessible, fun, intimate, and truly engaging experience.
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In this edition, WB is offering the WDR 2012 as a free iPad application (called WDR 2012 App for iPad). It allows you to easily find the analysis, data, and policy recommendations of the report by key message, region, topic, and dozens of keywords such as “employment opportunities,” “property rights,” “infant mortality,” and “domestic violence.” It has more materials than any printed version can handle. Moreover, it has social sharing and “favorites” features. Released last December 05, 2011, the App can be downloaded from the AppStore on your iPad or web. More information is available here. In case you’re wondering, it is not available for iPhone 4s just yet! But could soon be! Is this the beginning of a new reporting trend? Write us!
