Communication Technology and New Media Commons^™

When Social Media Fails: Exploring Alternative Technologies For Effective Communication In Disasters, Safianu Omar, Jean-Paul Van Belle

African Conference on Information Systems and Technology

Effective communication plays a critical role in disaster management, encompassing both data gathering and information dissemination. This study examines the utilization of alternative technologies for communication during disasters, aiming to address the vulnerabilities of relying solely on social media platforms. To answer the research questions, a qualitative methodology employing an inductive approach was used to gather and analyze data from literature and officers working in disaster management organizations. The research findings reveal the efficacy of employing SMS, emails, phone calls, and other supporting technologies as viable alternatives for disaster communication. These approaches have demonstrated their reliability to overcome challenges posed …

Adoption Of Ict To Support Rural Small-Holder Farmers : A Systematic Review, Abdus Salaam Seat, Shaun Pather

African Conference on Information Systems and Technology

Access to Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) are slowly becoming more available to rural communities given a number of innovative approaches over recent years such as the implementation of Community Networks (CNs). Consequently, ICTs are able to become more meaningful in support of livelihoods of these communities, such as in agriculture production. Potential benefits to smallholder farmers include increase yields and reduced effort. However, there is very little evidence of smallholder farmers integrating ICTs into their livelihood activity. In this paper a Systematic Literature Review is used to explore the challenges faced in this sector. A total of 83 articles …

Privacy And Security Information Awareness And Disclosure Of Private Information By Users Of Online Social Media In The Ibadan Metropolis, Nigeria, Funmilola Olubunmi Omotayo, Joy Oluwabukola Olayiwola

The African Journal of Information Systems

The purpose of this paper is to investigate information privacy and security awareness among online social media (OSM) users in the Ibadan metropolis, Nigeria. Building upon the social exchange theory, some factors that could influence the disclosure of private information on social media were identified. Findings from the analysis of data of 255 respondents revealed that most were aware of information privacy and security measures available on OSM, and the risks associated with the disclosure of private information on OSM. Privacy and security awareness, the perception of benefits associated with the use of OSM, the perception of risks associated with …

The Negative Impact Of Social Media's Algorithms On Society, Julia S. Tucker

Emerging Writers

The tools utilized by social media, including algorithms and curation of media feeds, contribute to media phenomenon such as filter bubbles and confirmation biases. These agents transfer from the digital world to the real world, negatively affecting our society, and changing our behaviors. Some examples include political polarization, imposter syndrome, and extremism. These attributes of social media also promote the spread of mis and dis- information, which can negatively impact our social and personal health.

Modelling Online Advertising Design Quality Influences On Millennial Consumer Attitudes In South Africa, Rodney G. Duffett Dr, Natassha V. Miller Ms

The African Journal of Information Systems

Millennials’ advanced knowledge and exposure to product experiences, and irrelevant placement of online advertising has led to an increase of online advertising avoidance. However, effective online advertising design may assist in establishing more positive sentiments towards digital forms of marketing communication. The study used the visual rhetoric theory as the theoretical basis to examine millennial consumer attitudes. The main research aims were to propose an online advertising design quality model, and to ascertain the influence of online advertising design quality on millennial consumer attitudes. The study employed a quantitative research design via an empirical online survey. Online advertising design quality …

Factors That Influence The Implementation Of Information And Communication Technology Inclusive Design Practices In Organisations, Faizel Ebrahim, Salah Kabanda, Guidance Mthwazi

African Conference on Information Systems and Technology

Inclusive design in information and communication technology (ICT) is the development of information and communication technology artifacts that are accessible and easy to use for as many people as possible. Human diversities must be considered when producing these inclusive design artifacts. It is not only important for abled people but also extends to people with disabilities, the elderly and anybody challenged with using these artifacts. Yet, few designers and developers adopt inclusive design methodologies in their practice. This study seeks to identify and understand the factors that influence the implementation of inclusive design practices in organisations. The methodology was based …

A Critical Assessment Of The Ict Regulatory Transparency Gap In Zimbabwe, Casper Chigwedere, Sam Jnr Takavarasha, Bonface Chenjerai Chisaka

African Conference on Information Systems and Technology

Effective ICT regulation is expected to level the playing field for both investors and consumers through regulatory transparency, independence, pro-competitiveness, consistency, competency and accountability. It is necessary to create an effective regulatory environment that fosters sectoral growth and inspires confidence as an impartial institution. This paper assesses the level of regulatory transparency in developing countries using evidence from the Zimbabwean regulatory framework. The study employs a Qualitative methodology, and Heeks’(2002)Design Reality Gap (DRG) under an interpretivist paradigm. Data collection used in depth interviews with purposively selected stakeholders and analysed using Nvivo (release 1.6.1 (1136)) and thematic analysis shaped by DRG …

A Wellbeing@Ksu Journey: Mapw Portfolio, Meghan Cooper

Master of Arts in Professional Writing Capstones

A process narrative and samples and complete works from my time in MAPW and as a GRA within the health and well-being departments at KSU. The portfolio showcases my journey as a communicator and professional writer and how it has impacted my current career.

Digital Staff Trainings Tools For Rural Public Libraries In Georgia: Challenges, Trends, And Recommendations, Jenny Herring

The Southeastern Librarian

For many public libraries, particularly those in rural areas, a lack of funding, staff time, and distance from training locations create barriers to providing training and development to their staff. While stud-ies exist on issues facing rural libraries and on the use of digital training tools in libraries, few studies have combined the two topics. The purpose of this study is to examine the use of digital staff training methods at rural public libraries and includes describing the formats and content of that training. The sampling method will target library administrators and trainers, reached through Georgia Public Library Service’s listservs …

Finding In-Store Help: The Role Of Recommendation Agents On Shoppers’ Mobile Devices, James Coyle, Yi-Fan Chen

Atlantic Marketing Association Proceedings

No abstract provided.

External Actors In Forming National Ict Policy In Malawi: A Cause For Concern In Low-Income Countries?, Gregory Kunyenje 4928781, Wallace Chigona

The African Journal of Information Systems

The paper examines external actors in the formulation of national Information and Communication Technology (ICT) policies. It questions how external actors overtly or covertly influence formulation of national ICT policies following that, of the nearly 84% of the countries in Africa that have formulated national ICT policies, most of which have been influenced by external actors. The paper uses Bourdieu’s Theory of Practice to analyze the effects of external actors’ influences in developing countries by using Malawi as a case study. Document analysis is used to analyse external actors’ influences in policy documents, the minutes of policy actors’ meetings, and …

The Impact Of Mobile Technology On Micro And Small Enterprises In Zimbabwe In The Post-Hyperinflation Economic Era, Gamuchirai B. Perekwa, Tania Prinsloo, Jp Van Deventer

The African Journal of Information Systems

This paper investigates the impact of mobile technology on Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs) in the developing world in the post-hyperinflation era. Data was collected from a multi-staged sample of 114 MSE owners within the capital province of Zimbabwe, namely Harare. The data was collected and analysed using descriptive quantitative survey methods, which comprised of hard-copy questionnaires, structured interviews and online questionnaires.

The findings suggest that mobile technology has incremental, transformational and production influence on MSEs in Zimbabwe. The findings show that mobile technology amplifies communication and relations with customers, MSE’s productivity and MSE’s revenues. Mobile technology is also spurring …

The Jjie Virtual World Journalism Project: Experimenting With Virtual Worlds As An Emerging Journalism Platform, Claire M. Bohrer

Symposium of Student Scholars

Although immersive journalism in the virtual world was pioneered by journalist and documentary filmmaker Nonny de la Peña years ago, traditional journalists are just now discovering its potential as an alternative platform to report the news. This study explores the singularities of immersive journalism in virtual worlds using the "Marginalized Youth Voices Amplified on Virtual Worlds" project, which a journalism professor at a southern public university received a grant to develop. The grant came from an Online News Association Challenge Fund for Innovation in Journalism Education, and has been involved in efforts to produce 3D-scenario machinimas (action videos inside virtual …

Habermas In The African E-Village: Deliberative Practices Of Diasporan Nigerians On The Internet, Farooq A. Kperogi

Farooq A. Kperogi

This chapter examines a many-to-many, collaborative, transnational, diasporic sphere of public discourse called the Nigerian Village Square, which over the years has functioned as an arena for the vigorous exchange of ideas among Nigerians both at home and in the diaspora and as a veritable locus for the initiation of online petition drives to change or influence state policies in the homeland. It is the reinvention, in an electronic form, of the deliberative content of the “village square” in the pre-colonial African social formation where “people from all corners [met] at the Village Square after a hard day's work to …

Not A Stitch Out Of Place: Assessing Students’ Attitudes Towards Multimodal Composition, Jeanne Law Bohannon

Faculty and Research Publications

This article traces a brief history of multimodal composition practices in the field of writing studies. It frames writing instruction through the theoretical lens of democratic pedagogy and presents the works of key composition scholars. The author then describes a mixed methods research study, conducted with first-year students on the STEM campus of a state comprehensive university. Students participated in a survey that asked their attitudes towards multimodal writing assignments, digital literacies, and learning outcomes. The author draws conclusions about the effectiveness of multimodal composition based on students’ responses and provides supplemental information on the types of assignments and examples …

Just Text Me, Allyson Hight

Symposium of Student Scholars

The changes that language, discourse, and media undergo on a daily basis directly affect how people relate and communicate. In my project, I researched how communication is changing and the ways that those changes affect how able and willing people are to connect with one another on a meaningful level. With recent changes in technology and discourse, people have smaller attention spans and less willingness to really get to know people. As many rely more and more on technology for information, they rely less and less on other people and “real” communication. People have smaller attention spans in most areas, …

The Immersive Medium: Art, Flow, And Video Games, Christopher M. Yalen

Oglethorpe Journal of Undergraduate Research

In this article, the question of whether or not video games could be considered art is explored, as well as what this means for video games as cultural products. Using an interdisciplinary approach, I suggest that there are some games we can consider “art”, and that these games are not only different aesthetically speaking, but are also different from a media-effects standpoint. The article consists of three main sections, an aesthetic review, a content analysis, and a pilot study. In the aesthetic review, I employ different perspectives from aesthetic philosophy in order to come up with criteria for what an …

Perfect Timing: The Rise Of Women’S Political Leadership During Cultural Shifts, Christie E. Pearce

Oglethorpe Journal of Undergraduate Research

America has fallen behind in women's leadership, especially in politics. In the approaching era, there will be more viable female political candidates than ever in the past, but will the public be prepared to elect a woman to high office? Studies suggest that mentalities toward female leadership have taken a shift in a positive direction. The idea of what an 'ideal' politician must offer is more feminine in the modern era than ever before. In the age of social media, female politicians have opportunities to reach more constituents through social media in a more effective way than has been offered …

Wikis: The Perfect Platform For Library Policies And Procedures, Melanie J. Dunn

The Southeastern Librarian

The term wiki, derived from the Hawaiian adjective “wiki wiki” meaning quick or fast, was coined by Ward Cunningham who created the original WikiWikiWeb for the Portland Pattern Repository (Leuf, 2001, 15). Touted by Cunningham as “the simplest online database that could possibly work” (Cunningham, 2002, June 27) “ wiki” is alternately used to refer to both a wiki website and the software used to create and maintain it and was designed to allow multiple users to collaborate in its development (Klobas 2006, 3). Wikipedia is perhaps one of the best examples, as well as the most recognized, of wikis. …

Social Media: Changing Advertising Education, Deborah A. Lester

Faculty and Research Publications

Creating an academic assignment that closely parallels an advertising agency's real world business experience is a challenge, but social media has destroyed many of the barriers that historically limited media options and completion of advertising plans. Because digital media is cost effective and easily used, commercials, videos, podcasts, and multimedia messaging can be filmed, edited, and broadcast, within the time frame of an advertising course This article presents an applied advertising project that incorporates YouTube, Flicker, MySpace, Face book, Twitter, Linkedin, Ning, Tagged, Google +, and other online social networking sites as the foundation for an integrated marketing communication strategy. …

Language Contact Between Korean And English In Online Communication, Jiyoung L. Daniel

Journal of Global Initiatives: Policy, Pedagogy, Perspective

Over the past decade, the use of the Internet has become an indispensable part of life in the new millennium. One of the most popular activities in the era of the Internet is online communication. Net-Lingo, which is a product of online communication, is a new language variety that differs from both writing and speech as traditionally understood (Crystal, 2001). Given that Net-Lingo is considered a language variety, I describe the salient linguistic characteristics of Korean Net-Lingo (KNL) and investigate the specific mechanisms that govern the observable linguistic characteristics. The globalization of the Internet is prompting different languages to come …

Consortia Efforts: The Colonial Academic Alliance Undergraduate Research Journal, Laura Burtle

Giving Undergraduate Research a Worldwide Voice: Institutional Repositories as Publishers

A presentation on CAA Undergraduate Research Journal, housed at Georgia State's institutional repository.

More information at http://digitalarchive.gsu.edu/caaurj

The Social Production Of Knowledge In The 21st Century: Undergraduate Research In Scholarly Communication, Geri Bunker Ingram

Giving Undergraduate Research a Worldwide Voice: Institutional Repositories as Publishers

A presentation on undergraduate research at various universities, and its collection into OCLC.

http://www.oclc.org/gateway/

Student Scholarly Publishing: Obstacles And Opportunities, Tim Tamminga

Giving Undergraduate Research a Worldwide Voice: Institutional Repositories as Publishers

A presentation on the institutional repository system powered by Berkeley Electronic Press.

More information at http://www.bepress.com/ir/

Deadly Silence: An Assessment Of Emergency Alert Systems For Lincoln County, Georgia, Gretchen B. Keneson,

Georgia Journal of Public Policy

Rural counties have a predisposition to sustaining catastrophic losses during natural emergencies. These counties tend to have poorer economic conditions that exacerbate attempts at hazard mitigation. Emergency Alerts Systems (EAS) are the most efficient and effective ways to provide information of impending danger. This study will compare and contrast different EAS to determine which would accommodate the needs of a community. The most successful way for most counties to alert citizens is through the use of a combination of redundant systems. For pastoral Lincoln County, Georgia the optimal systems are an alert siren and auto call capabilities. Both of these …

The Process Of Successfully Integrating Communication Technologies Into Short-Term, Faculty-Led Study Abroad Programs: Reflections From The Field, Todd L. Goen, Jennifer R. Billinson, Linda D. Manning

Journal of Global Initiatives: Policy, Pedagogy, Perspective

As advances in communication technologies (CT) continue to shape modern life, it is critical study abroad professionals and faculty leaders contemplate the ways in which such technologies impact study abroad. This essay provides an argument for the value and utility of such contemplation through an in-depth examination of a short-term, faculty-led study abroad program and the three faculty who lead it. The authors provide reflective summaries of their own experiences with CT and study abroad and discuss the ways in which changes in CT resulted in changes to their own study abroad program including the integration of CT into academic …

Library Home Page Design: The Artist-Librarian Perspective, Virginia C. Feher

Georgia Library Quarterly

The article focuses on a library home page that is designed from the artist-librarian perspective. It cites the need to include promotional features on a page to advertise resources available from the Web site and sponsored events. It notes that the application of the basic principles of art such as emphasis, harmony and movement is important for a successful composition of the page. Also stated is the use of color on a home page which, according to the author, can result in a page that is vibrant while supportive of the delivery of information.

Save Gas Using Your Office Computer From Home, Steve Duckworth, Damon Armour, Jeff Heck

Georgia Library Quarterly

The article discusses the protocols used to establish remote computer connections from home. The Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) used in Windows 7 connecting to a Windows 2008 server reportedly allows the playing of high-definition video using Media Player. It is stated that commercial product connections which may bypass security infrastructure are risky because of the home computer's possible insecurity and that home devices used for business purposes may be legally searched by the state.

Ict Usage In Microfinance Institutions In Uganda, Joseph Kaumba Ssewanyana

The African Journal of Information Systems

Microfinance institutions (MFIs) are always often faced with high operating costs to provide financial services to the poor people and Small and Medium Enterprises. Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) has been found to promote the dual objective of microfinance - sustainability and outreach to the poor people. Using a quantitative survey and descriptive research approach, this paper has established the extent to which ICT has been used in the microfinance institutions in Uganda. Despite the barriers, ICT usage in MFIs has been on the rise; and different applications and technologies have been adopted by some MFIs to control costs, create …

Georgia Library News Now On Twitter

Georgia Library Quarterly

The article informs that the Georgia Public Library Services (GPLS) has created a Twitter account, Georgialibs. According to GPLS Webmaster Darin Givens, the GPLS Twitter feed will be useful communications tool for getting brief reminders about upcoming library events, conferences and workshops. Given adds that it will also be used for linking public library news items.