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special disability & ICTs issue
by Gerard Goggin 21 Jun '06

21 Jun '06

Just out - including some great papers by AoIR members ... gg 'Disability, Identity, and Interdependence: ICTs and New Social Forms', special issue of 'Information, Communication & Society' (9.3, June 2006) edited by Gerard Goggin, University of Sydney, and Christopher Newell, University of Tasmania Now available on the journalsonline.tandf.co.uk web site at http://journalsonline.tandf.co.uk <http://journalsonline.tandf.co.uk/link.asp?id=N377R026510V>. Featured article: Introduction <http://journalsonline.tandf.co.uk/link.asp?id=L5X44237000140LU> p. 283 Brian D. Loader Conquering the minds, conquering Iraq: The social production of misinformation in the United States – a case study <http://journalsonline.tandf.co.uk/link.asp?id=W573W2W0643358QG> p. 284 Amelia Arsenault, Manuel Castells Editorial comment: Disability, identity, and interdependence: ICTs and new social forms <http://journalsonline.tandf.co.uk/link.asp?id=N5435G83R6377243> p. 309 Gerard Goggin, Christopher Newell The disability divide in internet access and use <http://journalsonline.tandf.co.uk/link.asp?id=HM468763R067722M> p. 313 Kerry Dobransky, Eszter Hargittai The critical space between: Access, inclusion and standards in information technologies <http://journalsonline.tandf.co.uk/link.asp?id=M750605K074126MQ> p. 335 Deborah Stienstra Public space as ‘context’ in assistive information and communication technologies for people with cognitive impairment <http://journalsonline.tandf.co.uk/link.asp?id=H628424M41215356> p. 355 Barbara Adkins, Dianne Smith, Karen Barnett, Eryn Grant Disability and the promises of technology: Technology, subjectivity and embodiment within an order of the normal <http://journalsonline.tandf.co.uk/link.asp?id=X47571G22554557M> p. 373 Ingunn Moser Where do you want to sit today? Computer programmers' static bodies and disability <http://journalsonline.tandf.co.uk/link.asp?id=V553633HN72L34U6> p. 396 Michele White //////////////////////////////////////// Dr Gerard Goggin ARC Australian Research Fellow Editor, 'Media International Australia' Department of Media and Communications The University of Sydney NSW 2006 e-mail: gerard.goggin(a)arts.usyd.edu.au p: +61 2 9036 6424 f: 61 2 9351 5444 m: 0428 66 88 24 http://www.arts.usyd.edu.au/departs/media/?page=staff&id=gerard.goggin

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The Education Summit - The Future of American Competitiveness
by Dr. W. Reid Cornwell 20 Jun '06

20 Jun '06

All AOIR members are invited to attend The Education Summit October 2 - 4 2006 Vail Cascades Resort 1300 Westhaven Dr. Vail, Colorado 81657 One of the most important events of the year, Education Summit 2006 is an invitation-only conference bringing together 200 of the best and brightest leaders in Business, Education and Government to formulate a new direction for the education system. Education Summit 2006 is the first of five annual conferences organized to capture the collective will and intelligence of Leaders who can set the pace for innovation vital to our national interest in education. The agenda is designed to facilitate a realistic appraisal of the current education system; a review of what current and near-future assets, innovations, research, policies and methodologies are available for reform; and the construction of a forward-thinking plan based on the best available quantitative and qualitative information our nationally-recognized panelists and participants can provide. While the goals of the Summit are ambitious, there will also be ample time for fun, networking and enjoyment of the beauty of Vail, Colorado at the peak of Fall color. Come join us October 2 - 4 in Vail. If you are interest in attending click here: http://education-2006.org/request.cfm or call me at the number below _____ Dr. W. Reid Cornwell The Center For Internet Research P.O. Box 6369 Breckenridge, CO 720.212.0719 (phone) 970.485.5109 (mobile) <mailto:wrc@tcfir.org> wrc(a)tcfir.org http://tcfir.org

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Neighborhood Forums, Baltimore example?
by Steven Clift 20 Jun '06

20 Jun '06

I am putting together an "e-citizens" panel for the International e-Participation and Local Democracy Symposium - Baltimore on August 3, 2006. I'd like to invite a local Baltimore neighborhood activist involved a very active online forum/e-list. Please send suggestions to: clift(a)publicus.net In related news, E-Democracy.Org received a planning grant to develop a proposal for online neighborhood forums in Minneapolis. Here are some example forums we are learning from: http://www.e-democracy.org/wiki/Example_neighborhood_forums If you know of other good examples or research resources, please add them to the wiki page. For details on our planning process, see: http://www.e-democracy.org/wiki/Minneapolis_neighborhood_forums Cheers, Steven Clift Board Chair, E-Democracy.Org . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Steven Clift - clift(a)publicus.net Web: http://publicus.net Blog: http://dowire.org/notes NGO: http://e-democracy.org Replies to slc@ may be missed. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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"The Automated Wal-Mart- A Thought Experiment"- Request for commentaries.
by Sandeep Krishnamurthy 20 Jun '06

20 Jun '06

Dear List Members, Some of you may be interested in an online thought experiment I am conducting titled- "The Automated Wal-Mart- A Thought Experiment". If you find the title intriguing, do check out- http://faculty.washington.edu/sandeep/automated or http://tinyurl.com/peoq8 I am currently soliciting short commentaries. I will post all entries on the site (unless they are incoherent beyond recognition). Hope to hear from you at sandeep(a)u.washington.edu. Thanks. Sandeep Krishnamurthy http://faculty.washington.edu/sandeep

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PhD Students - Institute of Communications Studies, University of Leeds
by Stephen Coleman 19 Jun '06

19 Jun '06

The Institute of Communications Studies at the University of Leeds is offering a fee-paid PhD studentship to conduct research in the area of the Internet and democracy under the supervision of Professor Stephen Coleman. The award will include full fees at the home/EU rate. Awards will be for three years, renewable annually subject to satisfactory progress. The selected candidate will be expected to live and work in Leeds and to accept a reasonable amount of teaching, research assistance or administrative work within the Institute. Additional payment will be made for such work on an hourly basis. Please apply by email to Professor Coleman (s.coleman(a)leeds.ac.uk) attaching a full CV, research proposal and covering letter. Applicants should be UK/EU nationals.

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web2.0 and civic engagement
by Kate Raynes-Goldie 19 Jun '06

19 Jun '06

Hello aoir-ers! I'm co-authoring a book chapter on the challenges and benefits of youth civic engagement using web2.0 technologies.. Basically the idea is that youth are increasingly expecting their online tools to be interoperable (ie that your flickr badge will plug into your blogger account)... This poses challenges for closed online communities (especially those focused around youth engagement, such as youthnoise and takingitglobal) who want to stay relevant by using the most up to date technologies but also don't want to potentially give up power or users by allowing integration with other services, or even using other services as replacements for their own (ie using flickr as a photogallery rather than building your own proprietary gallery) Does anyone have any relevant materials we could use to discuss any of these issues? I'm also curious what all your thoughts are! Thanks Kate

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IT and public policy positions in AU
by Jeremy Hunsinger 19 Jun '06

19 Jun '06

Carnegie Mellon University H. John Heinz III School of Public Policy and Management, Australia FACULTY AND ADMINISTRATIVE POSITIONS OPEN The Heinz School's branch in Adelaide, South Australia is hiring for faculty and senior management positions to support its growing operations. The Heinz School is one of the top seven public policy schools in the U.S. and is ranked the number one school in information technology within the public policy and management arenas. Carnegie Mellon, a top research university, boasts a national and international reputation-we are highly ranked in computer science, engineering and business, and one of the top twenty-five national universities. The Heinz School, Australia is an extremely entrepreneurial, rapidly growing institution. Executive Director Responsible for the overall operation of the Australia branch of the Heinz School including academic, financial, administrative and student activities. Oversees faculty, organizes hiring and review processes and provides direct oversight of administrative and programmatic activities. Creates and maintains relationships with industry and government organizations throughout the Asia-Pacific region to develop new programs, market the school, encourage collaboration on research and identify needs for executive education. Serves as key liaison with the South Australian and Australian Commonwealth governments. Exceptional communication skills are critical as the Executive Director prepares major reports, makes high level presentations to government and industry leaders, and communicates with a wide array of constituents including faculty, potential donors and professionals in the policy and non-profit arenas. Qualifications: master's or doctorate in public policy, management, or information technology. Previous experience in managing a large department or division, preferably in a university setting, but experience in the public, non-profit or private sectors is also valuable. Experience in strategic planning, financial analysis, marketing and academic program activities. Director, Administration and Programs Directly oversees the financial, administrative and programmatic activities of the Australian branch. Oversees functions of fiscal management, computing services, admissions, financial aid and international students, and career services. Ensures adherence to budget as well as to legislative and regulatory requirements. Interacts with the US campus on financial and legal issues and ensures compliance with university policies and procedures. Directs academic programs and interacts with students on a wide array of issues including academic, personal and others related to university enrollment. Qualifications: Excellent financial, analytic, management and interpersonal skills. Master's degree in public policy, management, or equivalent experience. Previous experience in a university setting desired. Research Track Faculty - Public Policy and Information Technology These non-tenure track positions teach the equivalent of four full- semester classes each academic year and conduct research. Public Policy positions For January 2007, we seek two research faculty to teach classes including Policy Analysis, Program Evaluation, Statistics, Operations Research, Economics. We are especially interested in individuals whose research areas include environmental policy, energy policy, trade policy and financial policy, with an emphasis on the Asian region. Information Technology positions For January 2007, we seek one research faculty member who can teach database management and an overview information technology class. For May 2007, an individual to teach programming and related classes (Java, object oriented analysis and design). For September 2007, an individual to teach classes related to distributed computing and enterprise architecture. Teaching Track Faculty - Public Policy These non-tenure track positions teach the equivalent of six full- semester classes each academic year. They are evaluated on teaching only and, as such, are not expected to conduct research. For January 2007, we seek one individual to teach classes in several of the following areas: Policy Analysis, Program Evaluation, Statistics, Operations Research and Economics. The faculty member will also be expected to lead student project classes. The Heinz School provides a competitive compensation package and is an equal opportunity employer. Please apply on-line. Send a cover letter, CV and list of three references to heinz-adelaideemployment(a)andrew.cmu.edu. jeremy hunsinger jhuns(a)vt.edu www.cddc.vt.edu wiki.tmttlt.com www.tmttlt.com () ascii ribbon campaign - against html mail /\ - against microsoft attachments http://www.stswiki.org/ sts wiki http://cfp.learning-inquiry.info/ Learning Inquiry-the journal http://transdisciplinarystudies.tmttlt.com/ Transdisciplinary Studies:the book series

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News & the Net: special issue of refereed journal online now
by Graham Meikle 19 Jun '06

19 Jun '06

New issue of Scan <http://scan.net.au/scan/index.php> available now Vol. 3 no. 1 June 2006 Edited by Chris Atton & Graham Meikle "Introduction: News and the Net: Convergences and Divergences" <http://scan.net.au/scan/journal/display_synopsis.php?j_id=7> Axel Bruns <http://scan.net.au/scan/journal/display.php?journal_id=69> offers a measured analysis of the Wikinews project, suggesting that the early evidence points to something of a missed opportunity. Bruns assesses Wikinews against some of the best available criteria for evaluating participatory news websites (including his own concept of gatewatching¹), and in the process provides a concise overview of the key characteristics of the most innovative online news projects, such as Slashdot and Indymedia. Greg Elmer, Zach Devereaux and David Skinner <http://scan.net.au/scan/journal/display.php?journal_id=72> apply some experimental software tools and research methods to the automated Google News portal. Uncovering the extent to which large commercial news providers are highly ranked in Google News searches, and the degree to which such news is re-purposed newspaper content, the authors¹ conclusion points to an extension of the reach and influence of the established news media in the online environment. Lee Salter <http://scan.net.au/scan/journal/display.php?journal_id=70> examines the pressures that impose limits on the kinds of participatory media democracy to which the Indymedia movement aspires. Salter adduces examples from around the world of government intervention in relation to the activities of Indymedia collectives, emphasising the need to consider such alternative Net news projects as embedded within spaces which are not only economically but also politically regulated. Trish Bolton <http://scan.net.au/scan/journal/display.php?journal_id=71> makes the case for a political economy perspective in assessing the Net¹s capacity to enable a more plural news environment. She notes how commercial business models are implicated in such much-cited examples of alternative online journalism as Crikey and the Webdiary forum started by Margo Kingston during her time at the Sydney Morning Herald. Bolton also points to the reality that many news blogs and alternative sites lack the resources to generate original reporting. Megan Boler <http://scan.net.au/scan/journal/display.php?journal_id=73> examines the media event in which Jon Stewart, the host of Comedy Central¹s The Daily Show, appeared as a guest on CNN¹s Crossfire and delivered a damning indictment of television journalism. Clips of Stewart¹s appearance have been downloaded millions of times, and the event was by some measures the most-cited media story in the blogosphere for 2004. Boler traces the Stewart event¹s iteration through the blogosphere, raising questions about the uses of satire in news commentary, and examining some key ways in which convergent media forms are being used to create new spaces and networks for political discussion. Taken together these papers offer a sobering corrective to anyone still inclined towards enthusiastic generalisations about the Net¹s potential. Arising from this work is a concern with missed opportunities and with the encroachment of the established news media on the possibilities of the Net. Dr Graham Meikle ------------------------- Lecturer, Department of Media, Division of Society, Culture, Media and Philosophy, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, 2109, Australia. tel: (61 2) 9850-6899 fax: (61 2) 9850-6776 email: <graham.meikle(a)mq.edu.au>

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2 children are born
by Barry Wellman 17 Jun '06

17 Jun '06

Each years in the making: Jeffrey Boase (mostly) & Barry Wellman, "Personal Relationships: On and Off the Internet." In _The Cambridge Handbook of Personal Relationships_, edited by Anita Vangelisti & Daniel Perlman. Cambridge U Press. A nice lit review in a 900 page book. Barry Wellman, Emmanuel Koku & Jeremy Hunsinger, "Networking Scholarship" in Joel Weiss, Jason Nolan & Jeremy Hunsinger, eds. _International Handbook of Virtual Learning Environments_. 2 vols. 1600 pages. $500. A rich compendium, including our article summarizing NetLab's scholarly network research. Barry _____________________________________________________________________ Barry Wellman Professor of Sociology NetLab Director wellman at chass.utoronto.ca http://www.chass.utoronto.ca/~wellman Centre for Urban & Community Studies University of Toronto 455 Spadina Avenue Toronto Canada M5S 2G8 fax:+1-416-978-7162 You're invited to visit -- and contribute to -- my new fun website "Updating Cybertimes: It's Time to Bring Our Culture into Cyberspace" http://chass.utoronto.ca/oldnew/cybertimes.php _____________________________________________________________________

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Boundaries & Learning Re: Korean students
by R.Mabry-Hubbard (UMC Student) 15 Jun '06

15 Jun '06

Han wrote: >> But please understand that they are undergraduate kids >> and this is a valuable learning process. As others have implied, the Korean students have us considering [as social scientist], the entire issue of boundaries. I think as future researchers, the students will probably learn a lot from this experience about formal, informal, and especially invisible boundaries of all social groups whether they are in Geospace or cyberspace. I hope their experiences will provoke class discussion about boundaries and how to avoid violating unknown cultural boundaries by first listening and observing (lurking) to understand the group's norms (etiquette) for welcoming and introducing potential new participants. IMHO, we as social scientist also have something to learn. We made assumptions based on the "face" of the message which led to imposing sanctions against the perceived "deviants" by filtering them out as spam. Aren't these the type of dynamics we are trying to understand about the Internet as a social world? The group's immediate reaction reminds me of the early and mid 1990's when AOL "newbies" were so vilified for not understanding netiquette. In the end, the newbies won by sheer numbers so there is no consensus on how to insert yourself into the existing conversation -- especially if you want to "change" or introduce a new topic to the existing participants. IMHO, this is a "teaching moment" for both the students and for ourselves as researchers. The group is for "internet researchers" but some of us apparently have very specific definition of what "internet research" posts are valid questions? What are the group's boundaries for topic discussions (rhetorical question only)? My two cents. Deana wrote: > .. that's the same reason why I quit using this kind of > assignment. My students never really read the messages > on the lists that I had them subscribe to. As for pedagogy, I would like to try this assignment. However, I would have my students lurk first and write a profile of the group they have selected to join. The profile would include some statements about the group's norms (netiquette) and identifying a strategy for "joining the conversation" and posting their research. I would also have them include a discussion of what would happen if they violated the group norms so their message is considered spam or "flame bait." This profile would be the pre-assignment before they are allowed to post. Then, of course, I would have them write a short "ethnographic" description of what happened when they joined the lists and posted. They actually become participant-observers doing field work. Because, I want them to be familiar with the IRB (legal ethics requirements for Americans researchers), I would like them to include some discussion of the ethics issue as a participant-observer researcher. Robin ------ Robin Y. Mabry Hubbard, MBA, EdS Rural Sociology Doctoral Student - Community Informatics Email: ryh352(a)mizzou.edu My Homepage: http://www.rrchubbard.org Murphy's Law: There is never enough time to do it right; but there is always time to do it over ~ Our Future arrived Yesterday! ~ [I am not inviting any postmodernist to my party!]

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