Alexander G. Flor

Alexander G. Flor

Organization University of the Philippines
Organization type University
Country Philippines

Dr. Alexander G. Flor is Professor of Information and Communication Studies at the University of the Philippines - Open University. Formerly UPOU Vice Chancellor for research and development, he was the founding Dean of the Faculty of Information and Communication Studies serving two terms (2004 to 2010). He served as Professor of Strategic Communication of the University of the Philippines Los Baños College of Development Communication. Dr Flor has authored the following books: eDevelopment and Knowledge Management (SEARCA, 2001); Digital Tools for Process Documentation (SEARCA, 2002); Ethnovideography (SEARCA, 2003); Introduction to Development Communication (UP Open University, 2003); Environmental Communication (UP Open University, 2004); Development Communication Praxis (UP Open University, 2007); and Developing Societies in the Information Age (UP Open University, 2009). Dr.Flor has worked as technical adviser in sixteen countries engaged by various development agencies and governments. 

This member participated in the following Forums

Forum Week II, second question, final question starting 26 November 2008

Week 2 - Question 2 (the final discussion!) 26 Nov. 2008

Submitted by Alexander G. Flor on Wed, 11/26/2008 - 10:57
I'd like to repond to Michael's question using one of the more simpler methods in anticipatory research or future studies, i.e., scenario construction. To me the best case scenario for the use of mobile telephony in the rural areas is one wherein user-generated multimedia content on local and indigenous knowledge is shared and reused among user networks or communities through their mobile devices. A mobile device that captures audio-video of processing aren chips in Central Java is also used to upload the content to a YouTube site to be downloaded by rural housewives in East Java. The same device is used to download market information such as the current demand for processed aren chips in Singapore and current wholesale prices. The same mobile device is used to contact buyers and schedule transport from Surabaya to Jakarta and ultimately to Singapore. All of these mobile telephony services coming at rock bottom prices similar to how SMS costs nowadays.
Forum Week 1, Day 3 - 19 November 2008

Question 2 for discussion Wednesday, 19 Nov.

Submitted by Alexander G. Flor on Wed, 11/19/2008 - 02:59
Hi, Michael. I feel that the most innovative feature of today's mobile telephony is that it isn't just about mobile telephony anymore. Today's mobile phone is not only a communication device. It can very well be a handheld computer, an entertainment medium, a documentation (video-audio capture) tool, a mobile learning platform, a portable play station and a combination of any or all of the above depending on the model or services provided. The synergies produced by such a gadget tend to disrupt social systems.

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