Technology & Social Change Group

The Technology & Social Change Group (TASCHA) at the University of Washington Information School explores the role of digital technologies in building more open, inclusive, and equitable societies.

Report explores how access to information contributes to development

Can access to information create more socially and economically inclusive societies? Our DA2I report shows how access to information can contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Access to information can transform lives. However, the access must be meaningful. Learn more »

Digital Skills for Digital Equity

How do you identify what skills people need to equitably participate in digital life? This project seeks to understand this and other core questions in the face of global technology changes. Learn more >>

A group of people sitting in front of bookshelves in a library. They are looking up and listening to a presentation, though neither the presentation nor the presenter are visible in the image.

Community Labs in Public Libraries

Libraries have the potential to be key players in combating misinformation and threats to democracy. This project develops a community lab model for use in public libraries in Washington.

Ocean Data for Decision-Making

How can communities enhance their capacity to participate more equally with scientists and policymakers in ocean management decision-making?

A teal and orange graph illustrating the percentage of the population covered by at least a 3G network from 2006-2018 in South Africa

TASCHA Launches Development and Access to Information Dashboards

TASCHA has released the Development and Access to Information (DA2i) Dashboards, a data visualization platform that tracks the progress of countries and regions on key indicators related to three dimensions of meaningful access to information: Connectivity, Freedom, and Gender Equity.

Buildings in a city at night. Many lines of blue light are connecting different buildings across the image.

Creating the Digital Bridge: How Physically Distant Technology Access and Assistance Can Support Workers in a New Economy

This project will pilot a small-scale program to provide job seekers with home technology and remote support to develop digital skills and prepare for new careers.

Students working on their computers in a sunny corner of a library.

Leveraging Use of Open Data by Public Library Staff for Community Benefit

What are the current barriers among library staff to using open data for planning and decision-making?

A group of people looking at a set of mysterious maps and other artifacts in an escape room. The room is filled with purple light.

Misinformation Escape Room

Designing online and physical escape rooms for people to experience and learn about misinformation

Research Highlights

How do we harness nontraditional learning environments, like public libraries, to address gender data gaps and lack of women in STEM fields?

Recent Updates

People

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Jason Young
Senior Research Scientist
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Maria Garrido
Principal Research Scientist
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What We Do

Conduct applied research for improving policy and practice
Engage with communities as thought partners
Manage large-scale and multi-country initiatives
Provide opportunities for students to gain practical experience
Collaborate with faculty across the University of Washington

Report explores how access to information contributes to development

Digital Skills for Digital Equity

Community Labs in Public Libraries

Ocean Data for Decision-Making

TASCHA Launches Development and Access to Information Dashboards

Creating the Digital Bridge: How Physically Distant Technology Access and Assistance Can Support Workers in a New Economy

Leveraging Use of Open Data by Public Library Staff for Community Benefit

Misinformation Escape Room

Research Highlights

STEM Education for Gender Data Equity in Costa Rica

Digital Skills for Digital Equity

Indigenous Connectivity in Peru

Community Labs in Public Libraries

Recent Updates

Publications & Resources

African libraries in development: Perceptions and possibilities

Connecting African libraries and development organizations: Perceptions and possibilities

Namibia’s Regional Libraries: Interim Report of the Regional Study and Resource Center (RSRC) Evaluation

Namibia’s Regional Libraries: Final Report of the Regional Study and Resource Center (RSRC) Activity Evaluation

Benefits of crowdsourcing for libraries: A case study from Africa

Technology access & education for refugee women in Seattle & King County

People

What We Do