Ecological Landscape Planning : A Gaming Approach in Education

An understanding of the complex problems of land use competition requires an appreciation of natural processes, cultural values, economic imperatives and political agendas. This integrated understanding is an important component of the study program for tertiary students about to complete their professional qualification in landscape architecture at the Queensland University of Technology. This paper introduces a repertoire of game templates as an initial step in formulating a conceptual framework for the curriculum/games designer to explore the potential of play in ecological landscape planning. The concepts of social action space, permissible action space and motivational action space are used to investigate the qualities of each template for further game design development. The abstraction of these concepts may assist the designer to move beyond the usability of games into viewing their value as a learning method

Writing with Pictures: Immersive Technology and 21st Century Professional Development

In The Language of New Media, Lev Manovich asks, “What kind of space is virtual space?” (254). This seemingly simple question will pose a number of challenges for writing centers as they develop services that transcend physical space. As writing center administrators integrate new media and technology into their operations, they must continue to invent and articulate theory that informs the development of virtual spaces. In Heuretics, Gregory Ulmer poses a related question: “What will research be like in an electronic apparatus?” (32). Ulmer explains that the notion of spatiality has changed since the development and widespread adoption of the computer (Heuretics 36). Indeed, it has, and the cultural and political landscape of the university has changed as well, as educational technology and virtual spaces are often at the heart of many academic institutions.University Writing Cente

Navigating the complex nexus: cybersecurity in political landscapes

Cybersecurity in politics has emerged as a critical and intricate realm intersecting technology, governance, and international relations. In this interconnected digital context, political entities confront unparalleled challenges in securing sensitive data, upholding democratic procedures, and countering cyber threats. This study delves into the multifaceted landscape of political cybersecurity, examining the evolving landscape of cyberattacks, their impact on political stability, and strategies for bolstering digital resilience. The intricate interplay between state-sponsored hacking, disinformation campaigns, and eroding public trust underscores the imperative for robust cybersecurity measures to safeguard political system integrity. Through an extensive exploration of real-world case studies, policy frameworks, and collaborative initiatives, this research illuminates the intricate network of technological vulnerabilities, geopolitical dynamics, and ethical concerns that shape the dynamic evolution of cybersecurity in politics. Amidst evolving digital landscapes, the imperative for agile and preemptive cybersecurity strategies is paramount for upholding the stability and credibility of political institutions

Global Marine Fuel Trends 2030

Global Marine Fuel Trends 2030 central objective is to unravel the landscape of fuels used by commercial shipping over the next 16 years. The problem has many dimensions: a fuel needs to be available, cost-effective, compatible with existing and future technology and compliant with current and future environmental requirements. In a way, one cannot evaluate the future of marine fuels without evaluating the future of the marine industry. And the future of the marine industry itself is irrevocably linked with the global economic, social and political landscape to 2030

Country overview Colombia

In Colombia, technological modernisation coexists with activities supported through obsolete technologies and conservative mindsets. The country is in a permanent struggle between tradition and innovation, and as the country is not a technology-creator, technology acceptance involves elements of fashion and psychological dependency from developed countries. Technology is intimately related to economic, political and military domination. The local application of information and communication technologies (ICT) to governance suffers these problems. Information Technology (IT) responds directly or indirectly to the interests of the global elite that created it. This report aims at providing an overview of the normative and institutional state of art of ICT-mediated citizen participation in Colombia. The first section provides an overview of the political and civic liberties framework in Colombia. In the second section the landscape of ICT mediated citizen engagement is mapped. In the third section, the report engages with implications of technology mediations for deliberative democracy and transformative citizenship.DFIDUSAIDSidaOmidyar Networ

When public policy ‘fails’ and venture capital ‘saves’ education:Edtech investors as economic and political actors

Educational technology (Edtech) investors have become increasingly influential in education; however, they remain under-researched. We address this deficit and introduce the grammar and landscape of Edtech investment into education research. We empirically examine venture capital Edtech investors and argue that they are economic and political actors. Investors construct the Edtech industry through their investment and advancing particular imaginaries. They legitimate their authority in education through narratives of expertise and measures of social impact. They consolidate the Edtech industry by constructing social networks to perform the political work of futuring. The analysis provides original insights into the power of Edtech investors in education and proposes a research agenda examining new relations between the education, technology, and finance industries

Wearing shades in the bright future of digital media: Limitations of narratives of media power in Egyptian resistance

Political engagement means more than reliance on a single medium, but requires collective human action. In making this argument, I consider how the media landscape, along with social and political contexts, have contributed to this process of shifting political power in Egypt. This background contextualizes the limitations of a dominant Hollywood narrative in U.S. media, not only telling a reductive tale of hero, victim and villain, but also privileging the role of social media as an anthropomorphic heroic sidekick. Mediated communication can be valuable as a vehicle for mobilization and as a site for political contestation, but it is the access to the production and reception of knowledge that matters. In essence, the critical issue in political resistance is power, not technology

Discover the Stories Behind the Beauty, Culture of Spectacular Scandinavia

Space is still available for an exciting Björklunden-sponsored exploration of spectacular Scandinavia led by Lawrence University geologist Marcia Bjornerud. The 14-day adventure — Aug. 22 – Sept. 5, 2013 — includes stops in Iceland, Norway and Sweden, where participants will discover how the geology, landscape and climate of the region shaped the history, technology and political philosophy of these naturally beautiful Nordic countries

The Impact of Brexit on the future of UK forensic science and technology

This article seeks to assess the prospects of UK forensic science and technology in a post-Brexit world by analysing four interlocking issues: Brexit itself, the evolution of national criminal justice organisational and funding priorities, the increasing interrelationship of science and technology in the forensic domain and the relatively disadvantaged place of forensic science and technology within the contemporary ‘scientific state’ paradigm. The results are generally pessimistic for the likely future of forensic science. This conclusion is reinforced by scepticism about the wisdom of proceeding with Brexit. The article is structured to identify the potential implications of British political decisions on its national forensic science landscape. Some aspects of the analysis are likely to have a wider resonance for international discourse about the future sustainability of forensic science and technology, however, particularly the interface between the globalisation of science and technology with justice

Every Data Point Counts: Political Elections in the Age of Digital Analytics

Synthesizing the investigative research and cautionary messages from experts in the fields of technology, political science, and behavioral science, this project explores the ways in which digital analytics has begun to influence the American political arena. Historically, political parties have constructed systems to target voters and win elections. However, rapid changes in the field of technology (such as big data, artificial intelligence, and the prevalence of social media) threaten to undermine the integrity of elections themselves. Future political campaigns will utilize profiling to micro-target individuals in order to manipulate and persuade them with hyper-personalized political content. Most dangerously, the average American voter does not understand how these technologies will influence elections. This research project simplifies the complex technological and sociopolitical landscape in order to educate the public on the issue. Even more important than understanding the problem is arming people with practical solutions to combat this intimidating problem. Therefore, this project utilizes the language of visual design to turn something complex and intimidating into something approachable and empowering. This academic and creative contribution aims to ensure that American elections remain free and fair