Edmonton is a unique city, home to many renowned inventors and scholars. One such individual is Michael Gurstein, a pioneer in community informatics who gained global recognition for his groundbreaking work. Read more about his contributions and achievements in the article on iedmonton.
Career Beginnings
Michael Gurstein began his career as a senior public servant in British Columbia and Saskatchewan before establishing and managing a management consulting firm, Socioscope. This firm focused on research in communications and information technology organizations.
Gurstein became well-known for his pioneering work in defining community informatics as a field of research and practice. His innovations expanded the capacity of communities to utilize information and communication technologies (ICT) for social change. For his contributions, Michael earned his first degree in philosophy and politics from the University of Saskatchewan, followed by a PhD in social sciences from the University of Cambridge.
As a management advisor for the United Nations in New York, he was invited to serve as Deputy Chair of the Department of Technological Change Management at the University College of Cape Breton. While there, he established a center for community and corporate networks and a living laboratory focused on using ICT for social transformation.
Contributions to Technology
Michael Gurstein’s center was a pioneer in hosting online conferences and other technology-driven initiatives. It organized the first-ever online conference with simultaneous translation, ensuring accurate French transcription alongside the live meeting. His center was also the first to facilitate the placement of volunteers through NetCorps.
Legacy Through Writing
Gurstein authored an influential book titled Community Informatics, published in 2012. This work introduced key concepts and terminologies for the emerging discipline of community informatics. His book defined “effective use” and “digital divide,” establishing a framework for the study and practice of ICT in advancing social goals. It remains a cornerstone in the field.
Notable Facts About Michael Gurstein
- He served as editor-in-chief of a prominent Edmonton journal and later chaired the Community Informatics Research Network.
- Gurstein became an adjunct professor at the School of Library and Information Studies.
- He was an active commentator, speaker, and blogger, particularly focusing on community informatics and its future.
Final Years and Impact
Before his death in October 2017, after a two-year battle with prostate cancer, Gurstein was widely regarded as a visionary in his field. His blog and publications provided invaluable insights to aspiring researchers and professionals. Michael’s work continues to influence the field of informatics in Canada, leaving a lasting legacy for future generations.