Welcome to the new MERL Tech Forum
MERL Tech Forum
Hi all and welcome to the new MERL Tech Forum!
Previously, this was the Nethope M&E Tech Listserv that grew out of the first M&E Tech conference in 2014.
Since then, M&E Tech has morphed into MERL Tech, which is now an annual conference in Washington, DC and London, UK (and potentially beyond). We're also developing out some additional activities related to the topic. Hence this listserv’s update and name change.
To re-iterate the purpose of this particular Forum: We focus holistically on the intersection of digital technology, digital data and monitoring, evaluation, research and learning (MERL). The focus is not only tools, we think it's critical to consider organizational, methodological, technological, operational and ethical aspects as related to the intersection of technology, digital data and MERL.
Some discussion topics you'll see here:
- how newer technologies and digital data are being used in MERL
- how new approaches and ways of thinking are changing MERL and what this means for how development and social impact work happen
- how participation and voice can be enhanced through new technologies and participant feedback
- big picture and ethical questions and discussions about MERL and technology and digital data
- ways we can be more responsible throughout the data lifecycle; how to mitigate risk and enhance privacy
- when, where, how, why, in which situations it’s NOT useful to use technology in MERL
- how issues with bias, rigor, validity, etc. (that are often exacerbated by digital technology in MERL) can be overcome
- others that group members consider relevant
We also invite:
- sharing of research, evidence and learning about the use of technology in development MERL (where’s the MERL on MERL Tech?)
- practical questions about how to incorporate technology into MERL
- questions about how to conduct MERL on technology-enabled programming
- announcements about MERL Tech-related events, jobs, internships and training/ learning and other opportunities
- alerts about new articles, publications, documentation and evidence on MERL Tech, digital data, adaptive management and related areas
We strive to be a dynamic and open space where researchers, evaluators, development practitioners, humanitarian aid workers, technology developers, data analysts/scientists, funders and others involved in this emerging field can come together for trans-disciplinary conversations, learning and collaboration.
I'll be moderating the space to ensure that conversations and debates are lively, in-depth, friendly and inclusive.
We’d love your ideas on how else the MERL Tech Forum can benefit everyone.
We'll aim to keep traffic to a manageable level (please be judicious about posting to the whole forum vs replying directly to someone). If you'd prefer fewer emails (or want to opt out at any point), please adjust your settings or get in touch and I'll remove you from the list (with no hard feelings!)
Thanks!
Linda Raftree