The Technology & Social Change Group (TASCHA) at the University of Washington Information School explores the design, use, and effects of information and communication technologies in communities facing social and economic challenges. With experience in 50 countries, TASCHA brings together a multidisciplinary network of social scientists, engineers, and development practitioners to conduct research, advance knowledge, create public resources, and improve policy and program design.
TASCHA was founded in 1999 as the Center for Internet Studies (CIS). The center originally operated as part of the Office of the Vice Provost for Global Affairs. The organization built their reputation in the area of information and communication technologies and development (ICTD), leading research and launching programs that brought together faculty and students from across campus.
Today the organization manages a large research portfolio and has grown from a three-person team to an ever-expanding group of faculty, researchers, students, and program staff — including an extended network of research partners in 50 countries. In 2009 the organization became the Technology & Social Change Group which is also known as TASCHA.
TASCHA is housed at the University of Washington Information School, a global leader in exploring the relationship between information, technology, and people. Information schools are home to many of the leading scholars in the multidisciplinary field of information and communication technologies and development (ICTD), a community TASCHA actively participates in, here and around the world.
TASCHA contributes to the university’s broader technology and development community by organizing talks, participating in seminars, and offering research clinics. TASCHA researchers are inspired by — and often collaborate with — researchers from other departments, such as Computer Science, Human Centered Design & Engineering, Public Affairs, and Communication, as well as cross disciplinary groups such as Change and DUB (Design-Use-Build).
