Trade Unions, Globalisation, and Networked Computers. This project undertakes a qualitative study of Australian unionists' usage of networked computers and their potential for increasing trade union membership and participation, and promoting productive diversity in workplaces. At a time of declining unionisation, these issues have become urgent and give rise to key research questions about email and the Internet in trade union organisation and communication with members. The project promises to ....Trade Unions, Globalisation, and Networked Computers. This project undertakes a qualitative study of Australian unionists' usage of networked computers and their potential for increasing trade union membership and participation, and promoting productive diversity in workplaces. At a time of declining unionisation, these issues have become urgent and give rise to key research questions about email and the Internet in trade union organisation and communication with members. The project promises to provide broader theoretical insights into union responses to deregulated labour markets and the globalisation of the economy. The results will be useful to other political and social organisations, as well as government policy makers.
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Humanising the Convergence of Information and Communication Technology. The convergence of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) enables delivery of multiple services by a single mobile device. Frequently ICT convergence is driven by the capabilities of the technology. However, if technologies are to be appropriated, that is enter into long-term use, they must be compatible with that use.
The University of Melbourne and Novell will establish a way of identifying opportunities f ....Humanising the Convergence of Information and Communication Technology. The convergence of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) enables delivery of multiple services by a single mobile device. Frequently ICT convergence is driven by the capabilities of the technology. However, if technologies are to be appropriated, that is enter into long-term use, they must be compatible with that use.
The University of Melbourne and Novell will establish a way of identifying opportunities for ICT convergence based on an understanding of appropriation. Our research project will examine the social and personal use of mobile ICTs by young people 16 to 22 years as the basis for understanding the human drivers of convergence.
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Assistive technologies for autism support harnessing social media. This project aims to tap social media to revolutionize early intervention therapy for children with autism. By creating open, extensible software for therapy delivery, and tools for parents to access high quality information and support, we will provide children a greater chance to achieve their potential and much-needed relief for parents and carers.
Designing for scale: understanding the value of information and communication technologies for individuals, communities and movements. This project will build an understanding of how we can design information systems to have a positive, significant impact at different human scales: individual, community and society at large. Using software that advises individuals on how much water to use in their gardens, the project will question how this vehicle can effect large-scale change in our communitie ....Designing for scale: understanding the value of information and communication technologies for individuals, communities and movements. This project will build an understanding of how we can design information systems to have a positive, significant impact at different human scales: individual, community and society at large. Using software that advises individuals on how much water to use in their gardens, the project will question how this vehicle can effect large-scale change in our communities.Read moreRead less
An Investigation of Reasons Why Customers Adopt or Reject Technologically Facilitated Services. The study aims to widen the scope of ground-breaking work already undertaken, and published, by the Chief Investigators: to test and empirically substantiate hypotheses and conclusions deriving from that work; and to provide grounds by which service organisations may better understand and cater for the different needs and requirements of markets served by technologically facilitated services.
Social network sites for ambivalent socialisers: the case of smoking cessation. The aim of this project is to understand the potential of electronically-mediated engagement to support groups of ambivalent socialisers, and through this develop and evaluate new approaches to the application of social network technologies to smoking cessation.
Citizen Heritage: Digital and Community-based Histories of Place. This interdisciplinary project investigates the potential for the citizens of local areas to generate new collective interpretations of their shared heritage and identity. A longitudinal case study will be conducted into the design and deployment of a digital and mobile tool for a particular urban precinct. Findings will reveal the viability of collaborative digital technologies to shape the experience of built places, and their c ....Citizen Heritage: Digital and Community-based Histories of Place. This interdisciplinary project investigates the potential for the citizens of local areas to generate new collective interpretations of their shared heritage and identity. A longitudinal case study will be conducted into the design and deployment of a digital and mobile tool for a particular urban precinct. Findings will reveal the viability of collaborative digital technologies to shape the experience of built places, and their capacity to balance expert and community knowledge. The study is significant for understanding grass-roots forms of history-making, and new forms of architectural heritage interpretation that capture social and intangible aspects of urban history. Read moreRead less
Computational tools to analyse and exploit the social media revolution. We aim to create technologies to analyse social media communities, which are rapidly growing in reach, complexity, and content produced and shared. Powerful techniques to tap this resource will lead to commercial outcomes for marketing and search industries, alongside deeper insight into the cultural and social impact of this Internet revolution.
Emerging technologies for enrichment in old age: A critical perspective. This project aims to generate knowledge about older adults' experiences with emerging technologies used for social and emotional enrichment. Technologies like virtual reality are said to offer social benefits for those in advanced old age, but we have limited knowledge about the issues that can impede older adults’ experiences with these technologies and even cause harm for vulnerable users. This project seeks to identify e ....Emerging technologies for enrichment in old age: A critical perspective. This project aims to generate knowledge about older adults' experiences with emerging technologies used for social and emotional enrichment. Technologies like virtual reality are said to offer social benefits for those in advanced old age, but we have limited knowledge about the issues that can impede older adults’ experiences with these technologies and even cause harm for vulnerable users. This project seeks to identify empirically informed strategies for good practice in the design and deployment of emerging technologies for enrichment in old age. This should inform the future ethical design and use of emerging technologies to benefit the social and emotional well-being of older Australians.Read moreRead less
Sociophysical Interactions: understanding the role of social and tangible technologies in maintaining good habits into old age. How can technology help us 'age well'? The project will study, design and evaluate novel information systems that integrate and support social engagement and physical activity in order to build foundational knowledge about these technologies and maintain the opportunities for social engagement and physical activity in our ageing population.