Appropriate Community Technology - A Training Manual (Peace Corps, 1982, 685 p.): Phase II: Earthen construction and fuel-saving cookstoves: Session 13. The role of the volunteer in development: definition of appropriate technology

Appropriate Community Technology - A Training Manual (Peace Corps, 1982, 685 p.)

Phase II: Earthen construction and fuel-saving cookstoves

		(introduction...)
		Phase II Calendar
		Session 1. Environmental health and sanitation
		Session 2. Traditional methods of cooking: an introduction to cookstove technologies
		Session 3. Fuel-saying cookstoves: gathering information
		Session 4. Cookstove design and innovations
		Session 5. Thinking in pictures: introduction to design drawing
		Session 6. Introduction to independent study
		Session 7. Cookstove operation function and design principles
		Session 8. Understanding the cookstove design process and soil mixes
		Session 9. Insolation meter construction
		Session 10. Cookstove construction
		Session 11. Nature of volunteerism: expectations beyond training
		Session 12. Food issues
		Session 13. The role of the volunteer in development: definition of appropriate technology
		Session 14. Stove promotion and dissemination
		Session 15. Explaining completed cookstoves
		Session 16. Evaluating cookstove efficiency
		Session 17. Diagnosing and repairing malfunctioning cookstoves
		Session 18. Other responses to fuel scarcity
		Session 19. Charcoal production and stoves
		Session 20. Custom and food
		Session 21. Design and construction of the second stove part one: stove base
		Session 22. Alternative cookstoves: presentations
		Session 23. Basic nutrition
		Session 24. Cookstove operation
		Session 25. Cookstove development and innovation
		Session 26. Cookstove information and resources/ evaluation of cookstove training

Session 13. The role of the volunteer in development: definition of appropriate technology

Total time:	2 hours
Objective:	To determine criteria for appropriate technologies in developing countries
Resources:	* de Moll, Lane and Coe, Stepping Stones: Aporopriate Technology and Beyond Selections from the above publication: Bender, "Changing Possibilities," pp. 9-10 Bender, "New Values," pp. 47-51 * Reddy, Technology, Development and the Environment: A Re-Appraisal, ''Criteria for the. Selection of Technology," pp. 217

Trainer Notes

Sufficient copies of the resource materials should be prepared for distribution during this session.

Materials:

Newsprint and felt-tip pens

Procedures:

Step 1. (5 minute)
Provide a brief introduction by reviewing the session objectives.

Step 2. (10 minutes)
Have participants write down their own individual definitions of "appropriate technology."

Step 3. (20 minutes)
Have participants form groups of up to 5 people and develop a list of the major criteria for appropriate technology in the United States.

Step 4. (45 minutes)
Distribute copies of "Changing Possibilities" and "New Values" and have the groups:

* Read these articles.
* Discuss how the definition of appropriate technology may differ in developing countries.
* Revise their criteria lists accordingly.

Step 5. (30 minutes)
Reconvene the groups and have a representative from each one present and discuss their lists.

Trainer Notes

Stimulate discussion regarding the lists by calling attention to the following questions:

* Are the criteria for "appropriate technologies" in the United States significantly different from those in the developing world? If so, why? If not, why not?

* What are some potential political implications of development of "appropriate technologies in the United States and in the Third World?

Step 6. (10 minutes)
Conclude the session by distributing the "Criteria for the Selection of Technology" and explaining that its purpose is to provide a final perspective on possible criteria for "appropriate technology."

Trainer Notes

Explain that they should keep these lists for use as reference in designing their various appropriate technology devices throughout the program.