Best and Worst, Part 5

The Best
This is one of the best websites I found with information concerning the ITC revolution taking place in Afghanistan. It is the Asia and Far East page from the USAID government website.

• Is the content credible? Yes. It is from a U.S. government source.
• Is the content current? Yes. The articles are updated daily.
• Is the content useful? Yes. A wide range of topics are covered, and while only some are useful from my perspective, they are filled with information and details that other sites do not provide.
• Is the content interesting? Yes. They are presented in an article format and provide pictures and resource-rich content.

The Worst
I would not call this the worst website on the subject, just a bad representation of the project that is taking place. This is Microsoft’s PressPass page dedicated to Microsoft’s work with the UN Development Programme in which they are providing services to nations such as Afghanistan to help integrate communication technology into the Afghani way of life.

• Is the content credible? Yes, it is from Microsoft.
• Is the content current? No, it has not been updated since it was originally posted.
• Is the content useful? Somewhat, it gives me an idea of what the program is designed to do and a quick outline of what they are planning, but a project of this magnitude could have a whole site dedicated to it.
• Is the content interesting? Yes, I plan on highlighting this program in my research paper, but the press page gives me little information on the program. Also, the material is displayed in a press release format with no graphics whatsoever. All of the material on the page for Afghanistan is pasted below:
  
  Microsoft and the UNDP are partnering to support the reconstruction of an Information and Communication Technology (ICT) infrastructure in Afghanistan. Through Microsofts Unlimited Potential program, the partnership between Microsoft and the UNDP in Afghanistan has begun to address the urgent requirement for technology skills and investment. As it moves forward, the program will begin to encompass a wider segment of society, until basic computer literacy begins to filter through the workforce and beyond.
  
  With a train-the-trainer program also initiated by the Microsoft Unlimited Potential program to support the basic curriculum and training of the community technology and learning centers (CTLCs), the objective is to keep a steady flow of fresh knowledge filtering through from visiting experts to the UNDP trainers, then through to civil servants studying to their colleagues.
  
  Starting from basics such as "Using a Mouse," the program soon unearthed a number of talented and determined Afghani youth who quickly became trainers for the program. Many of these young people had been trained and employed in surrounding countries, and had recently returned to play their part in the reconstruction of their country.
  Through various UNDP partner organizations, Ministry of Womens Affairs, Ministry of Communications and other centers throughout Afghanistan, people are receiving IT skills training. An estimated 11,500 individuals will receive training through this partnership within the first year.