4 research outputs found
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The sum of its parts : investigating the component pieces of GenderMag
Previous work introduced the GenderMag method, a software inspection method used to help software creators identify features within their software that are not gender-inclusive. Inclusiveness of software (gender or otherwise) matters because supporting diversity matters—it is well-known that the more diverse a group of problem-solvers, the higher the quality of the solution. In this thesis, we investigate the two component parts of GenderMag: the customized cognitive walkthrough and the gendered personas. To investigate the cognitive walkthrough component, we analyze data collected from a field study that explores the experience of teams of software professionals using GenderMag. We pinpoint situations that we term “detours” during which teams were 6 times more likely to make errors on the cognitive walkthrough forms than they did outside of detours. To investigate the personas component, we present a lab study that investigates the tension between gendered personas and inappropriate stereotyping. We explore a new approach to personas: one that includes multiple photos (of males and females) for a single persona. Our results are encouraging about the use of personas with multiple pictures to expand participants’ consideration of multiple genders without reducing their engagement with the persona. Between the two studies, we find answers to the question: How does each component part of GenderMag contribute to (or detract from) its overall goal of helping to identify gender biases in software?Keywords: gender inclusiveness, computer scienc
Nurturing a Digital Learning Environment for Adults 55+
Being digitally competent means having competences in all areas of DigComp: Information and data literacy, Communication and collaboration, Digital content creation, Safety and Problem-solving. More than other demographic categories, adults 55+ have a wide range of levels of digitalization. Depending on their level of competences, individuals may join self-administered online courses to improve their skills, or they may need guidance from adult educators.
Taking into consideration the above situation and willing to address adult learners regardless of their initial skill levels, the proposed educational programme is carefully designed for both: self-administrated and educator-led training. It comprises five totally innovative courses that can be separately taught or can be integrated into a complex programme delivered by adult education organizations. These courses are the result of an ERASMUS+ project “Digital Facilitator for Adults 55+”.
Chapter 1 introduces the methodology for designing attractive and engaging educational materials for adults’ digital skills improvement. The methodology clarifies the inputs, the development process and the expected results. An ample explanation of the five phases of the 5E instructional strategy is presented to help adult educators build a sequence of coherent and engaging learning stages. With this approach, learners are supported to think, work, gather ideas, identify their own skill levels and needs, analyse their progress, and communicate with others under the guidance of educators.
Following up on the proposed methodology, in Chapter 2 researchers from Formative Footprint (Spain), TEAM4Excellence (Romania), Voluntariat Pentru Viata (Romania) and Saricam Halk Egitimi Merkezi (Turkey) developed five course modules in line with the DIGCOMP - Digital Competence Framework for Citizens. These modules address the competence areas of information and data literacy, communication and collaboration, digital content creation, safety, and problem-solving. Each course module comprises digital textbooks, videos, interactive activities and means for evaluation developed using the 5E instructional model strategy.
Understanding that accessibility is one of the main components of lifelong learning education, Chapter 3 of the manual provides an overview of the integration of educational materials, tools, instruments, video tutorials as well as DIFA55+ web app in the digital educational ecosystem.
Finally, the authors formulate recommendations for usability and transferability that go beyond individuals, ensuring that educational materials are user-friendly and effective while making it easier to apply successful pedagogical approaches in other complementary educational contexts or projects.Grant Agreement—2021-1-RO01-KA220-ADU-000035297, Digital Facilitator for Adults 55