Asian and Pacific Training Centre for Information and Communication Technology for Development (APCICT) Academy Training Modules

These information and communication technology (ICT) training modules from the United Nations - Asian and Pacific Training Centre for Information and Communication Technology for Development (APCICT) Academy of ICT Essentials for Government Leaders cover issues linked to case studies aimed to help government leaders "towards their understanding of the role that these new technologies can play in meeting national development needs in education, health, good governance, business, trade and much more."

• "Module 1 - The Linkage between ICT Applications and Meaningful Development - This module invites readers to explore the various dimensions of the linkage through case studies of ICT applications in key sectors of development in Asia Pacific countries. The module also highlights key issues and decision points, from policy to implementation, in the use of ICTs to meet development needs. The aim is to foster a better understanding of how ICTs can be used for social and economic development, and to equip policymakers and programme managers with a development-oriented framework for ICT-based and ICT-supported interventions in a range of social sectors.
  
• Module 2 - ICT for Development Policy, Process and Governance - This module focuses on ICTD [information and communication technology for development] policy-making and governance, providing critical information about aspects of national policies, strategies and frameworks that promote ICTD. It discusses key ICTD policy and governance issues, and shows how governments can measure their progress and benchmark that progress against those of other countries.
  
• Module 3 - e-Government Applications - The module provides an overview of e-government, including key elements and concepts, principles and types of applications. It discusses how an e-government system is built by providing detailed analysis of exemplar systems and identifying design considerations.
  
•  Module 4 - ICT Trends for Government Leaders - This module will provide some insights into current trends in information and communication technology (ICT) and its future directions. It will also look at some of the key technical and policy considerations when making decisions for ICT development in the local and regional context.
  
•  Module 5 - Internet Governance - The Internet raises significant challenges for public policy and sustainable human development, both internationally and for individual nations. Hence, the ongoing development of international policies and procedures to govern the use and operation of the Internet. However, although the Asia-Pacific region has the biggest share of global Internet users, it is under-represented in fora that develop Internet-related policies. There are a number of issues and specific challenges related to Internet Governance in the regional context. Governments of emerging economies need to understand these issues if they are to have a voice in the global information network.
  
• Module 6 - Network and Information Security and Privacy In the Information Age - Information is an asset to be protected and policymakers need to know what information security is and how to take action against information leakage and infringement. This module provides an overview of the need for information security, information security issues and trends, and the process of formulating an information security strategy.
  
•  Module 7 - ICT Project Management in Theory and Practice - This module provides an introduction to basic project management concepts that are relevant in ICTD projects. It introduces methods, processes and project management disciplines commonly used by development and ICT service management practitioners. Some case studies, practice tools and templates are provided, and the unique challenges of planning and managing ICT projects are highlighted.
  
• Module 8 - Options for Funding ICT for Development -  As the diffusion of ICTs increases, governments around the world are rolling out e-government plans and projects to enhance service delivery to the public through the use of ICTs. In many jurisdictions, both the financial and technical means available to government are limited. This constrains the ability of governments to deliver the benefits of e-government to everyone. However, there are significant pools of funds and expertise that the public sector can tap to deliver its obligations to deliver the highest level of public service at a reasonable cost. This module discusses these alternative funding options for ICT for development (ICTD) and e-government projects. Public-private partnerships (PPPs) are highlighted as a particularly useful funding option for ICT-based services and e-government initiatives in developing countries.
  
• Module 9 - ICT for Disaster Risk Management - This module provides government officials and policymaker with an overview of disaster risk management (DRM), presents an approach for identifying information needs in DRM, and then matching the needs with ICT. The module also describes and provides examples of existing ICT applications for DRM and discusses benefits and barriers for utilizing ICT in DRM.
  
• Module 10 - ICT for climate change, green growth and sustainable development - This module aims to provide an audience of decision makers with an understanding of the role that ICTs play in observing and monitoring the environment, sharing information about the environment, mobilizing action, facilitating and enhancing environmental decision making, promoting environmental sustainability and abating climate change. The module also explores the potential of ICT to transform the economy into an engine for sustainable 'green' growth, and considers how to integrate ICT into such an economy."