Ways of walking: understanding walking's implications for the design of handheld technology via a humanistic ethnographic approach

It seems logical to argue that mobile computing technologies are intended for use “on-the-go.” However, on closer inspection, the use of mobile technologies pose a number of challenges for users who are mobile, particularly moving around on foot. In engaging with such mobile technologies and their envisaged development, we argue that interaction designers must increasingly consider a multitude of perspectives that relate to walking in order to frame design problems appropriately. In this paper, we consider a number of perspectives on walking, and we discuss how these may inspire the design of mobile technologies. Drawing on insights from non-representational theory, we develop a partial vocabulary with which to engage with qualities of pedestrian mobility, and we outline how taking more mindful approaches to walking may enrich and inform the design space of handheld technologies

SOCIAL MEDIA: THE IMPACT ON SPIRITUAL FORMATION AMONG GENERATION Z FRESHMAN COLLEGE STUDENTS

The purpose of this study was to understand the impact of social media on the spiritual formation of Generation Z freshmen college students. Social media app usage has become prevalent within society, and Gen Z members are the first to grow up their entire lives with Internet access. Christian universities must understand the impact of social media apps on incoming freshman students, as they develop spiritual formation strategies aimed at the college population. In addition, the students’ own perceptions of how they are being impacted is important to identify, in order for them to make the necessary changes towards spiritual growth. The data collection instrument used was an online survey, distributed via email to freshmen students. Out of 300 eligible freshmen students, 134 completed the survey. The survey asked questions about spiritual formation activities and social media app usage. Data analysis of the survey is reported in the results portion of this study. The findings of this study were that social media technology has altered the spiritual formation process of Gen Z students at the university, as they are not able to be fully present during spiritual formation activities, with Bible reading, quiet time, and prayer life being significantly impacted by these apps. Additionally, the social media app Instagram was found to have the greatest impact on student spiritual formation, over the three other most popular apps (Facebook, YouTube, Twitter) at the time of this study

Communicating Effectively: An Exploration of Communication Methods between Parents and Teachers with Mixed Methods

This explanatory sequential mixed-methods study explored the communication preferences of parents and teachers through traditional and new technology-based communication modes. Parents (n = 34) and teachers (n = 6) were selected from a public elementary school in the northeastern United States. Participants were administered Likert-type scales on the perceived connectedness of communication modes, as well as the Parental Academic Support Scale, Importance of Supportive Behaviors Scale, and Satisfaction of Communication Tools Scale. The survey contained four open-ended questions on home-school communication preferences. Survey results indicated that parents (M = 17.61, SD = 4.14) and teachers (M = 18.33, SD = 2.25) reported greater perceived connectedness with traditional communication modes, as opposed to parents’ (M = 13.38, SD = 5.19) and teachers’ (M = 13.17, SD = 2.48) perceptions of newer modes. Additionally, results revealed that parents (M = 13.79, SD = 3.66) and teachers (M = 15.50, SD = 1.22) perceived stronger connections to warmer and richer modes, as opposed to parents’ (M = 17.21, SD = 5.66) and teachers’ (M = 16.00, SD = 2.28) perceptions of colder and leaner modes as defined by Social Presence Theory and Media Richness Theory. However, the survey indicated that participants have a strong preference for using e-mail, a cold and lean mode, for all communication. Subsequent interviews and artifact reviews provided insight into the benefits and drawbacks of each mode and strategies for use, determining that preference was driven by convenience. This research contributes to literature surrounding parent-teacher communication modes and strategies

Intergenerational Interactions and the Psychological Health of Internet Users in Later Life

Intergenerational interactions have the potential to benefit older adults psychologically and remains an area warranting further investigation. The growing prevalence of internet use and intergenerational programmes has increased the opportunities for accessing intergenerational interactions in the familial and non-familial settings respectively. This thesis sought to elucidate older adults’ experiences of intergenerational interactions in both realms. Part 1 comprises a systematic review considering the impact of internet-mediated familial intergenerational contact on older adults’ psychological health. Based on the 20 included studies, the five broad areas related to remote familial intergenerational contact are: social connections and isolation, broader psychological well-being, sense of self and meaning, emotions and safety. Owing to limitations of the literature and the review, these findings are preliminary and merit further research. Part 2 comprises an empirical qualitative study exploring older internet users’ experiences of non-familial intergenerational interactions and intergenerational programmes, with a focus on their psychological well-being. Semi-structured interviews were conducted and analysed inductively in a process guided by the reflexive thematic analysis approach. Findings illustrated that participants were able to form social connections, reconnect with their younger selves, fulfil their passion for learning, contribute to others and occupy their time meaningfully through intergenerational programmes. Future research should continue to study factors influencing the usefulness of intergenerational programmes for this increasingly heterogeneous population. Part 3 comprises a critical appraisal of issues related to this research process. Reflections about conducting qualitative research and research more generally will be discussed, with an emphasis on subjectivity and practicality