Implications of Social Media

Opportunities and challenges of  Social Media for Development and Academics

INFORMAL DISCUSSION  ON DECEMBER 19  Addis Ababa Ethiopia

VENUE AND TIME TO BE ARRANGED

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IV.  Ethiopian Astronomy Indigenous knowledge- Developing conventions for translations and transliterations: Approach to Astronomy and Space Science Vocabulary Conventions (Promoter: Abebe Kebede)

The Ethiopians have a tradition of star lore s and legends. In the distant past the knowledge of astronomy and mathematics was abundant. Books such as the mysteries of heaven and earth, the book of Enoch and Abu shaker are devoted to this knowledge. There is a large body of indigenous knowledge of astronomy that people use to keep time. This presentation proposes the development of carefully studied conventions for adoption and transliteration of scientific terms including those used in contemporary astrophysical and special studies. The proposed conventions include:
Convention-Tangible (CT): Identification and adoption indigenous names for celestial object Cosmology, celestial processes and events drawn out of Ethiopian experiences, languages and cultures.
Convention Intangibles (CI1): Ethiopia possesses historical landmarks, historical and mythological figures, festivals, scripts and alphabets. Upon agreement such intangibles can be used to name celestial objects and special physical characteristics of stars.

VII: Workshop on Ethiopian Scientific and Academic Network: A model to Revers Brain Drain and to Enhance Scientific Research in Ethiopia (Promoter: Abebe Kebede) 

Ethiopia has several higher education institutions with a variety of experiences and priorities. The primary objectives of these institutions are to produce white-collar workers, teachers, and the work force for mining, textiles, construction, agricultural industries. Higher education and scientific research is young. Following the deliberations of higher education meetings and the literature on African higher education there is a growing advocacy on structural changes in higher education, North-South institutional linkages, mobilization of the African/Ethiopian Diaspora and funding. The growing internet use and the quality of information exchange among borderless expertise may allow in a limited way to enhance the virtual mobility of the intellectual asset; effectively reversing brain drain. We propose an organizational model the Ethiopian Scientific and Academic Network (ESAN) that would facilitate and enhance international scientific partnerships between Ethiopian scientists, educators, students and their counterparts elsewhere. In our model we will focus on a possible networking mechanism where the Ethiopians and their colleagues will play a major role in addressing the financial and human resources needs of higher education in Ethiopia. In addition we will explore ways where such social network can become effective tool for positive social change.

VII.  Educational Resources, access and Library Development- AASDO-ESAN Education Missions (Promoter: Abebe Kebede)[Asela, Gondar]