April 2010 - Air-L - lists.aoir.org

Call: Six postdoctoral fellowships in the digital humanities at HUMlab
by Patrik Svensson 19 Apr '10

19 Apr '10

Six international postdoctoral positions in the digital humanities are now available at HUMlab, Umeå University, Sweden from September 1, 2010 (January 2011 may also be a possibility, please indicate if this is your preference). The call is open, but 1-3 positions may be allocated to the areas of media places, archeological landscape visualization, and internet and religion. There are no teaching requirements associated with any of the positions. HUMlab is an internationally recognized center for the humanities and information technology. Much of the work takes place in a 5,300 square feet studio space at the center of the university and in different kinds of digital and hybrid environments. HUMlab is based on a double affiliation model where much of the work is done in close collaboration with the humanities (or other) departments. HUMlab offers an open, friendly, creative and intellectually rich milieu for doing work in the humanities and information technology. The fellowships are for one year. Applications should include a description of an envisioned postdoctoral year-long project. Call announcement: http://blog.humlab.umu.se/?p=1882 Call: http://blog.humlab.umu.se/postdoc2010 Deadline: May 20, 2010.

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SL internship at siemens 3-6m
by jeremy hunsinger 19 Apr '10

19 Apr '10

distribute as appropriate-jh Company Siemens Corporate Research Division SCR - Siemens Corporate Research Functional Area RD - Research/Development Location NJ - Princeton Req ID 87752 Job Type Internship Job Time Full-Time Experience Level Entry Level Required Education Masters Degree or equivalent experience Required Travel 0% Company Description Siemens Corporate Research, Inc. (SCR), based in Princeton, New Jersey, USA, is one of several Siemens Corporate Technology research and development centers worldwide. Since it was founded in 1977, it has helped pioneer a broad range of advancements in major industries, delivering innovations to the Siemens global family of operating companies as well as government agencies, academic institutions, and other organizations. We have over 225 scientists and engineers focused on researching and developing emerging technologies in areas such as imaging and visualization, software engineering, decision science and automation & control. Application of these technologies range from healthcare and communications to automation and security. Siemens is an Equal Opportunity Employer encouraging diversity in the workplace. Job Description The KM GTF of Siemens Corporate Research (SCR), a division of Siemens Corporation has an immediate opening for a 3-6 month intern who will be working on Virtual World (VW) tools for object-location-based Knowledge Management (KM) using Second Life primitives, avatars, scripted behaviors, external interfaces, and user information inputs and edits. A 3D mashup will be developed, powered by tools that simplify knowledge inputs within the digital scene. Tools will include information authoring, evaluation, and editing, with the intent of supplying localized knowledge pertinent to the object being touched or viewed by an avatar. The desired information presented is appropriate for the user’s task, role, and history, and authorized users can add and edit information. The mashup will be designed to promote sensemaking and rapid context-understanding. Translating multi-department ontology-semantic styles into a more natural visual shared presentation will be a central concern. Data, information, and knowledge items will be indexed and stored in external data systems. User feedback and ranked information presentation will match current tasks and inquiries, using diverse media for further learning. A major goal is to simplify task-time flow-of-consciousness interchanges of information. Tracking of the tool use will be implemented, to be used in evaluations and improvements. Duties and Responsibilities include but are not limited to: • Coding of Virtual World (VW) scripts • Modeling of task-focused information retrieval and object behaviors • Modeling of information retrieval and interactive displays • Development of tools such as HUDs (Heads-Up-Displays) • Database design and development for object-bound knowledge item references • External linkage to COTS (Common Off-The-Shelf) systems integration • External linkage stubs to Siemens software and equipment systems • Co-preparation of results to a conference or journal • Consideration of factors for productization and acceptance of tools Knowledge and Skills required: • Virtual World object behavior coding, preferably in Linden Scripting Language • Texture creation familiarity such as using Adobe Photoshop • Familiarity with a physics simulation engine such as Havok • User experience modeling • Database design and coding, preferably in an RDBMS such as Oracle • Strong web development skills and familiarity with HTML and XML • Innovative outlook and inquisitive nature – to explore multiple alternatives • Sensitivity to new technology introduction factors – barriers, costs, risks, balanced gains • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, English proficiency • Excellent teamwork collaboration and positive outlook • Must be organized and able to multi-task • Prior office/internship experience is a plus, but not required Knowledge and Skills also desired: • Avatar body creation using a tool such as Poser or BHV • Prim creation using a tool such as Autodesk Maya • Prim and sculpted creation using a tool such an Blender • Particle coding for Second Life with scripts • Second Life control of lighting, shadows, wind, and rain • Video and sound management in Second Life • Interface access between applications and databases – external APIs • Workflow and cognitive interactions - sensemaking and knowledge transfer Education: • M.S. in Computer Science, work toward Ph.D. preferred - Preferred experience in as many of the following as possible: • Social Science coursework – Psychology, Sociology, and/or Anthropology • Exposure to workplace economic and performance issues such as courses in Business, Operations Research or Industrial Engineering, and/or Product Design, Manufacturing, Competition, and Support • Coursework in Knowledge Management or related areas such as Artificial Intelligence, Ontologies and Natural Language, and/or Usability Design • Coursework in developing MMU (Massively Multi-User) digital games or 3D Worlds Duration of the internship: 3-6 months http://www.usa.siemens.com/en/jobs_careers/us_jobs.htm 87752 jeremy hunsinger Center for Digital Discourse and Culture Virginia Tech Information Ethics Fellow, Center for Information Policy Research, School of Information Studies, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (www.cipr.uwm.edu) www.tmttlt.com () ascii ribbon campaign - against html mail /\ - against microsoft attachments http://www.stswiki.org/ sts wiki http://transdisciplinarystudies.tmttlt.com/ Transdisciplinary Studies:the book series

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Submission Deadline Extended: 3rd ICTs-and-Society Meeting - June 29 - July 2, Barcelona
by jeremy hunsinger 19 Apr '10

19 Apr '10

I really could use some good papers on "Critical Internet Theory" for this conference:) -jh > > > CALL FOR CONTRIBUTION/PARTICIPATION > Deadline for submissions extended until 6th Mayl 2010! > > Third International Meeting of the ICTs-and-Society Network: > “Perspectives and Challenges” > Internet Interdisciplinary Institute (IN3), Castelldefels, Barcelona, Spain > 29 June – 2 July 2010 > > In 2008 the University of Salzburg, Austria, invited to a network launch meeting in the field of “ICTs and Society” which comprises different approaches of different disciplines with different tasks that originate from Information Society Studies, Internet Research, Social Informatics, New Media Studies, Human Computer Interaction, to name but a few. In 2009 a follow-up meeting was held at the University of Trento, Italy. > > The third annual meeting of the ICTs-and-Society Network 2010 is hosted by the Internet Interdisciplinary Institute (IN3) at the Open University of Catalonia (UOC) in Barcelona, Spain and supported by the University of Salzburg, Austria. > > This meeting is as open to everyone engaged in ICTs-and-Society research, Internet research, Information Society research and related fields – whether you are a senior researcher or a PhD candidate – as the network is open itself. > > Topics will thus revolve around > - the impact of ICTs and society research on society, > - our basic concepts and our background theory, > - and our use of methodologies > > and may include but are not restricted to: > > - Normative Research and Meaningful Technology; > - Critical Theory; > - ICTs and Society – A New Transdiscipline? > - Communities of Action – From Message to Movement; > - Problems of Empirical Research; > - Towards a Science of Information, Information Society, and Information Technology! > - How to Reconcile Technology and Society in Curricula; > - The Future of the Network: ICTs-and-Society Network quo vadis? > > Since the meeting is to facilitate self-organisation of researchers for the sake of self-reflection of the field, the format of the meeting will differ from a traditional paper presentation conference: > > You are encouraged to suggest panels or round tables or other formats around the issues at stake. As usual, a session will last 90 minutes. We welcome your suggestions before May 06, 2010. > > If you prefer to write a paper, you are free to do so and invited to submit it to http://www.triple-c.at/ > > Please send an abstract before 6th May 2010 to Alexander Banfield-Mumb (Alexander.Banfield-Mumb(a)uti.at) > > Your abstract should contain > - a clear description of the format you propose (round table, panel, workshops, presentation) > - a statement why you consider this format appropriate > > Abstracts for workshops, round tables or panels should have about 500 words and contain information on the topic and how it will be structured, > Deadline: May 06, 2010 > > Abstracts for presentations should have max. 300 words (if possible with a suggestion for appropriate panels as can be found on URL schedule!) > Deadline: May 06, 2010 > > For those who suggest workshops, round tables or panels we will notify you before April 30, 2010. The first day of the meeting (June 30, 2010) will be shaped by PhD candidates’ presentations only. If you are a student and want to present, please submit a PhD concept. Be aware that your paper should not only deal with your dissertation thesis, but will be evaluated against the criteria of how you reflect the problems of the field as indicated above. Nine papers will be selected. For further questions on the PhD Consortium please contact Pille Pruulmann-Vengerfeldt at pille.vengerfeldt(a)ut.ee and Celina Raffl at celina.raffl(a)sbg.ac.at. > > A preliminary schedule of the network meeting is available at http://www.icts-and-society.net/meeting/schedule. Please adjust your contribution to one or more of the mentioned sessions, and/or suggest a new topic. > Besides the scheduled programme, the meeting will provide ample space and time for ad-hoc working groups, informal and formal discussion groups and networking. > > Important Dates: > Deadline for suggested sessions, round tables, workshops: May 06, 2010 > Feedback to authors due date: May 13, 2010 > Deadline for contributions (within sessions): May 06, 2010 > > PhD workshop abstract deadline (500 words): May 06, 2010 > Decision on PhD abstracts: May 20, 2010 > Full paper submission due date for PhD contributions: June 15, 2010 > > Besides, the meeting will provide ample space for ad-hoc working groups if need be. > > Keynote Speakers: > William Dutton (Oxford Internet Institute) > Juliet Webster (Work and Equality Research, London, UK) > > > If you have any inquires about the network meeting, please contact Alexander Banfield-Mumb at Alexander.Banfield-Mumb(a)uti.at. Please have a look at the website at http://www.icts-and-society.net/meeting/ which will be updated on a regular basis. > > Meeting Preparation Committee: > Peng Hwa Ang > Alexander Banfield-Mumb > David Hakken > Wolfgang Hofkirchner > Jeremy Hunsinger > Josep Lladós > Pille Pruulmann-Vengerfeldt > Celina Raffl > Meritxell Roca Sales > > _______________________________________________ > International Association for Media and Communication Research - http://iamcr.org > Announcements mailing list > > Join IAMCR | http://iamcr.org/about-iamcr/membership/join-iamcr-mainmenu-237 > > Follow IAMCR's updates on Twitter | http://twitter.com/IAMCRtweets > Visit IAMCR's Facebook Page | http://www.facebook.com/iamcr.org Jeremy Hunsinger Center for Digital Discourse and Culture Virginia Tech Information Ethics Fellow, Center for Information Policy Research, School of Information Studies, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (www.cipr.uwm.edu) Words are things; and a small drop of ink, falling like dew upon a thought, produces that which makes thousands, perhaps millions, think. --Byron

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Re: [Air-L] Thoughts on IRB and identity of researcher.
by Matthew Bernius 19 Apr '10

19 Apr '10

> > I also wonder if there is a generic IRB I can use or how an independent > scholar handles such things. I am just one term past school studies may be > my former school can help me. This has probably been answered here as I know > there have been many discussions on this topic. I ask anyways. I think may > be my school or employer could offer to do this process in an informal way. Peter, If you are not conducting this research as part of an institution that receives Federal funding, you do not have to apply for nor use IRB. This, of course, does not discharge ethical responsibilities towards your subjects. However, IRB approval/notification is only needed when one is conducting research for an institution that receives specific funds. That said, if you imagine that you might one day use said research for future academic purposes, it's in your best interest to reproduce IRB as best you can. However, said reproduction/performance of IRB and informed consent, does not necessarily mean that any future academic institution will **accept** whatever procedures that you use at any given moment before becoming a student or faculty member there. Hope this makes sense. - Matt ----------------------------- Matthew Bernius PhD Student | Cultural Anthropology | Cornell University | http://www.arts.cornell.edu/anthro/ Researcher At Large | Open Publishing Lab @ the Rochester Institute of Technology | http://opl.cias.rit.edu | @ritopl mBernius(a)gMail.com | http://www.waking-dream.com | @mattBernius

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cfp: DIY Citizenship: Critical Making and Social Media International Confere (fwd)
by Barry Wellman 19 Apr '10

19 Apr '10

Barry Wellman _______________________________________________________________________ S.D. Clark Professor of Sociology, FRSC NetLab Director Department of Sociology 725 Spadina Avenue, Room 388 University of Toronto Toronto Canada M5S 2J4 twitter:barrywellman http://www.chass.utoronto.ca/~wellman fax:+1-416-978-3963 Updating history: http://chass.utoronto.ca/oldnew/cybertimes.php _______________________________________________________________________ ---------- Forwarded message ---------- Date: Sun, 18 Apr 2010 19:38:05 -0400 From: Megan Boler <mboler(a)oise.utoronto.ca> Subject: cfp: DIY Citizenship: Critical Making and Social Media International Confere **dear colleagues, we would be very grateful if you could distribute and circulate widely, thank you! megan (apologies for cross-postings)** DIY Citizenship: Critical Making and Social Media Centre for the Study of the United States, Munk School of Global Affairs University of Toronto Nov 12-14, 2010 http://diycitizenship.com/ Call for papers/presentations: due May 20, 2010 Plenary speakers include: Anne Balsalmo, Suzanne de Castell, Ron Deibert, Paul Dourish, Henry Jenkins, Jennifer Jenson, Natalie Jeremijenko, Steve Mann, Trebor Scholz. Conference Organizers: Prof. Megan Boler, Associate Chair, Department of Theory and Policy Studies in Education, Ontario Institute for Studies in Education, University of Toronto; Prof. Matthew Ratto Assistant Professor, Faculty of Information, University of Toronto; Director, Critical Making Lab, University of Toronto A renewed emphasis on participatory forms of digitally-mediated production is transforming our social landscape. Making has become the dominant metaphor for a variety of digital and digitally-mediated practices. The web is exploding with independently produced digital content such as video diaries, conversations, stories, software, music, video gamesall of which are further transformed and morphed by modders, hackers, artists and activists who redeploy and repurpose corporately-produced content. Equally, communities of self-organized crafters, hackers, and enthusiasts are increasingly to be found online exchanging sewing and knitting patterns, technical guides, circuit layouts, detailed electronics tutorials and other forms of instruction and support. Many of these individuals and collaborators understand their work to be socially interventionist. Through practices of design, development, and exchange they challenge traditional divides between production and consumption and to redress the power differentials built into technologically-mediated societies. DIY Citizenship invokes the participatory nature of these diverse do-it-yourself modes of engagement, community, networks, and toolsall of which arguably replace traditional with remediated notions of citizenship. The term critical making refers to the increasing role making plays in critical forms of social reflection and engagement. This interactive conference seeks to extend conversations about new modes of engaged DIY citizenship and politics evidenced by the exponential increase of DIY media, user-generators, prosumers, hacktivists, tactical media interventionists, and other maker identities. We invite scholars, activists, artists, designers, programmers and others interested in the social and participatory dimensions of digitally-mediated practices, to engage in dialogue across disciplinary and professional divides. All methodological and theoretical approaches are welcomed. Submissions may include paper proposals, works of art and/or design, short video or audio segments, performances, video games, digital media, or other genres and forms. Potential topics include: the relation between social media and the making of new forms of citizenship engagementthus, for example, making movements; making community; making news; making play; making bodies; making health; making public; making education; making networks. For the full conference call, see: http://diycitizenship.com/

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Thoughts on IRB and identity of researcher.
by Peter Timusk 18 Apr '10

18 Apr '10

I am no longer a student and I wonder how to identify myself in a research paper. Like "the student" of the student T test/distribution who worked for Guinness brewery I also can not use my employer for identity in my own research. If I do Internet studies at work it has to be prescribed by my bosses. The research i am thinking about is of a non profit I am a director of Computers for Communities. I also wonder if there is a generic IRB I can use or how an independent scholar handles such things. I am just one term past school studies may be my former school can help me. This has probably been answered here as I know there have been many discussions on this topic. I ask anyways. I think may be my school or employer could offer to do this process in an informal way. Also I may interview participants in a community computer lab set up which may include residents of a housing project where we set up a computer lab. I am guessing a well thought out "permission to be used in research" form would be fine and does not need to the same degree of "care" that a medical experiment needs considering the risk of harm . I use care here in a medical sense not the care in making the permissions form. Any thoughts or offers to coauthor, welcome I am in Ottawa Canada. Peter Timusk, B.Math statistics (2002), B.A. legal studies (2006) Carleton University Systems Science Graduate student, University of Ottawa. just trying to stay linear. Read by hundreds of lurkers every week. kiitos paljon, merci, thank you and muchas gracias for reading.

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CfP Terrorism and New Media Conference
by Maura Conway 18 Apr '10

18 Apr '10

****Apologies for cross-postings. Please distribute as appropriate** Conference: TERRORISM and NEW MEDIA Dublin City University, Ireland 8 - 9 September 2010 WEBSITE: http://www.dcu.ie/~cis/TNM/index.html ORGANISERS • Conference Chair: Dr. Maura Conway • Co-Organiser: Lisa McInerney All queries and conference-related correspondence should be directed to: terrorisminternetconf(a)dcu.ie PLENARY SPEAKERS - Dr. Jarret Brachman, North Dakota State University - Dr. John Horgan, International Center for the Study of Terrorism, Pennsylvania State University - Prof. Philip Seib, Annenberg School, University of Southern California RATIONALE The purpose of this conference is to bring together academics from a broad range of disciplines with policy-makers and security practitioners that have knowledge and/or expertise that can facilitate advances in the study of Terrorism and New Media, particularly the Internet, in novel ways. PROGRAMME This is the first academic conference to subject the relationship between terrorism and new media, particularly the Internet, to truly multi-disciplinary scrutiny. The one-day conference (Wednesday, 8 September) will feature a series of panels and a number of plenary addresses. The conference will be followed on Thursday, 9 September by a workshop devoted to the robust debate and analysis of currently ‘hot’ topics in the realm of terrorism and the Internet, particularly the question of the role of the Internet in processes of radicalisation. CALL FOR PAPERS We welcome papers or panels reporting on innovative research into any aspect of terrorism and new media. We particularly welcome papers or panels that report novel results or describe and employ innovative methodological approaches. Papers or panels on the following topics will be of particular interest: • Online radicalisation • The Internet and recruitment • Old terrorism and new media • Methodologies for terrorism-related Internet research • Terrorism informatics • Network analysis and online terrorist activity • New Internet tools/platforms and radicalisation/terrorism (for example, online gaming, video-sharing, photo-sharing, social networking, micro-blogging, online payment mechanisms, etc.) • Cyberterrorism • Violent Islamism and the Internet • The content and functioning of jihadi Internet forums • Jihadi video producers and content • Children/youth, terrorism, and new media • Women/gender, terrorism, and new media • Case studies of particular groups’ use of new media (e.g. al-Qaeda, FARC, Hamas, Hizbollah, dissident Irish Republicans, etc.) • Policy/legislative responses to terrorists’ online presence • Critical responses to research on, reporting of, and governmental responses to the conjunction of terrorism and the Internet • Ethical issues surrounding online terrorism-related research Perspectives from any academic discipline are welcomed, particularly: communications, computer science, cultural studies, information science, international relations, internet studies, law, media studies, philosophy, political science, psychology, and sociology. Authors of individual papers should submit a 300-word abstract via the conference website (http://www.dcu.ie/~cis/TNM/index.html) on or before 17 May 2010. A selection of accepted papers will be considered for publication in a special issue of the journal Media, War & Conflict. TRAVEL FUNDING FOR GRADUATE STUDENTS The Center on Public Diplomacy at the Annenberg School, University of Southern California (USC) will provide US$700 in sponsorship for a graduate student to attend at *and blog* from the conference for the Center. Graduate students wishing to apply for this funding should indicate same when submitting their abstract. The conference organisers are also in a position to provide a number of travel grants for graduate students. Support may be requested for transportation and accommodation. Students should provide a breakdown of the estimated cost of travel and accommodation upon submitting an application. Graduate students wishing to apply for funding can do so when submitting an abstract. Award decisions will be made by 14 June 2010. REGISTRATION The conference will open for registration from 1 June 2010. Registration Fees are as follows: Standard: €130 (Late reg., post 8 July: €195) Graduate Student: €65 (Late reg., post 8 July: €110) Conference fee includes teas/coffees, lunch, welcome reception on the evening of Tuesday September 7 and the conference dinner on the evening of Wednesday September 8. DEADLINES • Abstract deadline: 300 words to be submitted by 17 May 2010 • Registration: from 1 June 2010 • Decision on abstracts: 14 June 2010 • Decision on travel funding awards: 14 June 2010 • Early bird registration deadline: 8 July • Hotel reservation deadline at conference rate: 19 July 2010 CONVENORS This conference is convened by the Centre for International Studies, School of Law & Government, Dublin City University in partnership with the International Communication Working Group of the British International Studies Association (BISA). ---------------------------- Dr. Maura Conway MA Programme Director School of Law & Government Dublin City University Glasnevin Dublin 9 Ireland Tel. +353 1 700 6472 E-Mail. maura.conway(a)dcu.ie

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FW: Call for papers JOCI Co-creation of technology. Innovation by communities.
by michael gurstein 18 Apr '10

18 Apr '10

-----Original Message----- From: susana finquelievich [mailto:sfinquel@gmail.com] Sent: Monday, March 22, 2010 6:19 PM Subject: Call for papers JOCI Co-creation of technology. Innovation by communities. Se ruega difusion Call <http://www.ci-journal.net/index.php/ciej> for Papers (en ingles) para el Journal of Community Informatics <http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zRZVak1v2Ww/S6YZ8WfF-WI/AAAAAAAAUVw/0CkeHEUADu0/s 1600-h/community+informatics.jpg> Gente: desde LINKS y Con Mariana Salgado, estamos haciendo un Call for papers, para un numero especial del Journal of Community Informatics (http://www.ci-journal.net/index.php/ciej) sobre "Co-creacion de tecnologias. Innovacion y Comunidades". Los articulos deben estar en ingles. Agrego el Call mas abajo. Esperamos sus contribuciones! Call for papers JOCI Co-creation of technology. Innovation by communities. Editors: Susana Finquelievich and Mariana Salgado In the last decades studies and experience have shown that users matter in regards to technological innovation. Books such as "The Co-Construction of Users and Technology ", analyzes the creative capacity of users to shape technology in all phases, from design to implementation. Lately, citizen´s labs are also trying to integrate individuals and communities to technological innovation. They try to combine the old collaboratory concept launched in the 1990s in academic environments, or virtual laboratories, where scientists collaborate though networking, with the concept of citizens´networks, in which citizens collaborate in a digital environment for various uses, and that, according to the Spanish antropologist Artur Serra, have become freshly popular through social networks such as Facebook otr Twitter. Individuals, groups and community have actively participated in the process of technological innovation and are increasingly aware of their capacity for making and changing technologies. Internet - based social networks, open source software, content creation, redesign by use, citizens´participation in living labs, are just a few examples of people actively enlarging the original uses of information and communication technologies (ICT). The goal of this special issue is to examine, using a variety of multidisciplinary approaches, the mutual interaction between ICT and users. The authors are welcome to reflect on the hypothesis that any understanding of users must take into consideration the multiplicity of roles they play, and that the conventional distinction between users and producers is mainly formal and artificial. Contributing knolwledge about the process in which individuals and communities appropriate and makes information and communication technology functional for their own specific purposes is the goal of this special issue of JOCI. The objective is to advance on the subject of how communities utilize technology, meanwhile creating innovative uses. The papers should consider how users consume, modify, domesticate, design, reconfigure, and resist technological development, as well as in which ways users are changed by ICT. Some of the key issues to be reflected upon are: - Case studies about technology appropriation and modification of ICT changes by communities. - Alternative-use hunters: analysis of the processes through which experts perceive the changes by communities or individuals and incorporate them into the goods or services. - Citizens´labs, living labs - Theoretical contributions about these processes. Abtracts details 500 word abstracts of submissions to this special issue (both academic papers and field notes) should be sent to sfinquel(a)gmail.com and mariana.salgado(a)gmail.com by May 30, 2010 and include the author's affiliation and contact information. Full paper submissions are due by July 1, 2010. Full Paper Details: Field notes should be between 500 and 1500 words, written for an informed but non-technical audience and describing community projects in progress (project descriptions, technical specifications, etc). Academic papers should be no longer than 8000 words, and include a 100 word abstract and a 25-word biography of the author including affiliation and e-mail address. They should analyze or describe a social, cultural, or economic aspect of community participation in ICT innovation. The Journal of Community Informatics uses the APA reference style. Dra. Susana Finquelievich Investigadora del CONICET Directora del Programa de Investigaciones sobre la Sociedad de la Información, Instituto de Investigaciones Gino Germani, Universidad de Buenos Aires Presidente de LINKS, Asociacion Civil para el Estudio y la Promocion de la Sociedad de la Informacion sfinquel(a)gmail.com sfinquel(a)fibertel.com.ar http://www.links.org.ar Guatemala 4253, 3er Piso B 1425 Buenos Aires, Argentina Celular: (011) 15 4176 7884 Desde el exterior, from abroad: 54 9 11 41767884

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Web Site Analysis Methdology
by Andrew Herman 18 Apr '10

18 Apr '10

Colleagues I have a doctoral student who would like to do some comparative web site analysis in her dissertation. She is coming to this rather late in her doctoral work and I am looking for some overviews of different approaches, i.e hypertextual, semiotics, rhetorical, visual, links, etc. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated by the both of us. Thanks for your assistance in advance. AH Andrew Herman, Ph. D. Associate Professor and Chairperson Department of Communication Studies Graduate Program in Cultural Analysis and Social Theory Wilfrid Laurier University Waterloo, Ontario N2L 3C5 CANADA 519 884-1970 x3693

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Reminder: CFP: Online Videogames: New Space of Socialization
by Maude Bonenfant 17 Apr '10

17 Apr '10

Version en français au bas CALL FOR PAPERS THE ONLINE VIDEOGAME: NEW SPACE OF SOCIALIZATION Bilingual colloquium (French/English) October 28 , 29 and 30, 2010 Montreal, Quebec, Canada To play is a vital function for the development of individuals. Play is an activity of socialization which enables learning of the rudiments of social interaction. Since the middle of the twentieth century, our societies have placed more value on the playful practice at all ages. As such, playing is more and more present in numerous spheres of society. Huizinga (1938) and Caillois (1958) assert moreover that any playful activity is social, by definition, and gets its real meaning when it is practised in groups. For Gadamer (1960), the charm of playing lies primarily in the fact that it exercises a fascination in the player. Online videogames gather more and more followers worldwide as this phenomenon becomes more important from day to day. It is no longer necessary to question play as a way to spend time. Through the intervention of videogames, play has also become a way to develop social networks, learn new communication skills and tools, a way to learn a foreign language, a place to keep or develop friendships, an opportunity to participate in an online community, or even a way to be exposed to new cultures. Online videogames have become a media of socialization, that is to say, devices of mediation and mediatization which allow people to share large-scale information thanks to its network of exchanges and meetings. Such spaces of socialization arouse interactions convenient to the construction of the “self” and to the renewal of the representations of others and the world. Online videogames can facilitate socialization and be a carrier of values which are not necessarily different than those found in society. Online videogames can also be a place that facilitate values that are not necessarily present in society in general. Indeed, the experience as much as the manners and representations in videogames contribute to the moulding of cognitive modes, to the development of both technical and social skills and, in a more general way, to the reconfiguration of one’s relationship to the world. From this perspective, it is imperative to explore the modes of socialization shaped by online videogames and to question the various forms of instrumentalization, of domination, of exclusion, as well as forms of dependence and addiction which this kind of community can facilitate. The criteria from which the players give a value and organize their relations into a hierarchy with other players is potentially defined by the customs and contexts of online videogames. The observations, the descriptions, and the analysis of the manners and representations that are connected to the experience of online videogames become essential as a generation is subject to building their social referents partially through playful cyber universes. This type of study is justified all the more as players become imbedded in innovative modes of socialization, rehabilitation, social reintegration, and learning, not only in school and at home, but also in their workplace. This colloquium aims to make inventory of the researches within game studies, while online videogames are becoming more and more popular. Topics may include (but are not limited to) the following themes: • Forms of socialization in online videogames • Communicational stakes in online videogames • Questions of ethics and aesthetics in online videogames • Innovations and types of appropriation in online videogames • Questions of law, economy, and politics in online videogames • Design of games and the communications tools in online videogames • Therapeutic and educational customs in online videogames SUBMISSION GUIDELINES: The persons interested to participate in this colloquium have to submit an abstract treating of the higher presented theme (max. 3000 characters, included spaces), as well as a short biographic note. Abstracts should be sent to: recherchehomoludens(a)gmail.com. CALENDAR Abstract deadline : April 28, 2010 Notification of Acceptance: May 17, 2010 Full Paper deadline: August 27, 2010 Colloquium dates : October 28, 29 and 30, 2010 INVITED SPEAKERS: Mia Consalvo, PhD; Nicolas Ducheneaut, PhD; Sébastien Genvo, PhD; Miguel Sicart, PhD; Bart Simon, PhD; T.L Taylor, PhD. ORGANIZING COMMITTEE : The colloquium is organized by the research group Homo Ludens (Université du Québec à Montréal), with the collaboration of Technoculture, Art and Games (Concordia University) Charles Perraton, professor at the Department of social and public communication (Université du Québec à Montréal) Magda Fusaro, professor at the Department of management and technology (Université du Québec à Montréal) Coordination : Maude Bonenfant, postdoctoral researcher, Technoculture, Art and Games (Concordia University) recherchehomoludens(a)gmail.com ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- APPEL À COMMUNICATION LE JEU VIDEO EN LIGNE : NOUVEL ESPACE DE SOCIALISATION Colloque bilingue (français/anglais) 28, 29 et 30 octobre 2010 Montréal, Québec, Canada Jouer est une fonction vitale pour le développement des individus. Le jeu est une activité de socialisation qui permet d’apprendre les rudiments de l’interaction sociale. Nos sociétés, depuis le milieu du vingtième siècle, valorisent davantage la pratique ludique à tous les âges. Ainsi, le jeu est de plus en plus présent dans de nombreuses sphères de la société. Huizinga (1938) et Caillois (1958) affirment d’ailleurs que toute activité ludique est, par essence, sociale et prend tout son sens lorsqu’elle est pratiquée en groupe. Pour Gadamer (1960), l’attrait du jeu réside d'abord dans le fait qu’il exerce une fascination sur le joueur. Ainsi, les jeux vidéo en réseau réunissent-ils de plus en plus d’adeptes à travers le monde et ce phénomène prend de l’importance de jour en jour. Il n’est plus seulement question de jouer pour passer le temps, mais de développer un réseau social, des habiletés de communication et d’utilisation des différents outils liées à l’usage des jeux, parfois d’apprendre une langue étrangère, de conserver ou de développer des amitiés, de participer à une communauté en ligne, de s’ouvrir à de nouvelles cultures par l’entremise de la pratique vidéoludique, etc. Ces jeux deviennent de véritables médias de socialisation, c’est-à-dire des dispositifs de médiation et de médiatisation qui permettent de partager l’information à grande échelle grâce à son réseau d’échanges et de rencontres. De tels espaces de socialisation suscitent des échanges propices à la construction de soi et au renouvellement des représentations d’autrui et du monde. Le jeu vidéo en réseau peut favoriser la socialisation et être porteur de valeurs qui ne viennent pas nécessairement en contradiction avec celles de la société ou favoriser l’émergence de nouvelles valeurs. En effet, l’expérience (autant les usages que les représentations) des jeux vidéo contribue au façonnement des modes cognitifs, au développement des compétences techniques et sociales et, de manière plus générale, à la reconfiguration du rapport au monde. Voilà pourquoi il y a lieu de s’interroger sur les modes de socialisation mis en forme par les jeux vidéo en réseau et de questionner les différentes formes d’instrumentalisation (faux amis), de domination, d’exclusion et de dépendance que ce genre de communauté peut favoriser. Les critères à partir desquels les joueurs donnent une valeur et hiérarchisent leurs relations aux autres se trouvent peut-être transformés par l’usage et la forme des jeux vidéo en réseau. L’observation, la description et l’analyse des usages et représentations liés à l’expérience des jeux en réseau deviennent essentielles alors qu’une génération est sujette à construire ses référents sociaux en partie à travers les univers cyberludiques. Ce genre d’étude est d’autant plus justifié que les joueurs peuvent mettre en lumière, par leurs usages, des approches innovantes des modes de socialisation, de réadaptation, de réinsertion sociale et d’apprentissage, non seulement à l’école et à la maison, mais également en milieu de travail. Ce colloque se propose de faire l’état des lieux de la recherche dans le domaine des jeux vidéo en ligne alors que la popularité de ce type de jeux vidéo prend des proportions extraordinaires. Les thématiques suivantes seront abordées lors du colloque (mais d’autres thématiques pourront être abordées) : • Les formes de socialisation dans les jeux en réseau • Les enjeux communicationnels dans les jeux en ligne • Les questions d’éthique et d’esthétique dans les jeux en ligne • Les innovations et les types d’appropriation dans les jeux en ligne • Les questions de droit, d’économie et de politique dans les jeux en ligne • Le design de jeu et les outils de communication dans les jeux en ligne • L’usage thérapeutique, pédagogique et en milieu de travail des jeux vidéo en ligne PARTICIPATION AU COLLOQUE : Les personnes intéressées à participer à ce colloque doivent soumettre un projet de communication traitant du thème présenté plus haut (max. 3000 caractères, espaces compris), ainsi qu’une courte notice biographique. Le tout devra être envoyé par courrier électronique à : recherchehomoludens(a)gmail.com. CALENDRIER Date limite d’envoi des propositions de communication : 28 avril 2010 Notification d’acceptation ou de refus des propositions : 17 mai 2010 Remise de la version complète des communications : 27 août 2010 Tenue du colloque : 28, 29 et 30 octobre 2010 LES CONFÉRENCIERS INVITÉS : Mia Consalvo, PhD; Nicolas Ducheneaut, PhD; Sébastien Genvo, PhD; Miguel Sicart, PhD; Bart Simon, PhD; T.L. Taylor, PhD. COMITÉ ORGANISATEUR : Le colloque est organisé par le groupe de recherche Homo Ludens (Université du Québec à Montréal), avec la collaboration du Technoculture, Art and Games (Université Concordia) Charles Perraton, professeur au Département de communication sociale et publique (Université du Québec à Montréal) Magda Fusaro, professeure au Département de management et technologie (Université du Québec à Montréal) Coordination : Maude Bonenfant, postdoctorante au Technoculture, Art and Games (Université Concordia) recherchehomoludens(a)gmail.com

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