Digital Technology Innovations in Education in Remote First Nations

Using a critical settler colonialism lens, we explore how digital technologies are being used for new education opportunities and First Nation control of these processes in remote First Nations. Decolonization is about traditional lands and creating the conditions necessary so Indigenous people can live sustainably in their territories (Simpson, 2014; Tuck & Yang, 2012). Remote First Nations across Canada face considerable challenges related to accessing quality adult education programs in their communities. Our study, conducted in partnership with the Keewaytinook Okimakanak Research Institute, explores how community members living in remote First Nations in Northwestern Ontario are using digital technologies for informal and formal learning experiences. We conducted an online survey in early 2014, including open-ended questions to ensure the community members’ voices were heard. The critical analysis relates the findings to the ongoing project of decolonization, and in particular, how new educational opportunities supported by digital technology enable community members to remain in their communities if they choose to, close to their traditional lands

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Supporting the digital professor: information, training and support

Journal of Applied Research in Higher Education ◽

10.1108/jarhe-09-2019-0236 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽

Author(s):

Shanna Coles ◽

Florence Martin ◽

Drew Polly ◽

Chuang Wang

Keyword(s):

Technology Integration ◽

Adaptive Learning ◽

Digital Technology ◽

Online Survey ◽

Teaching Method ◽

Demographic Variable ◽

Digital Technologies ◽

Content Type ◽

Collaboration Tools ◽

Training And Support

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to provide insight into institutions of higher education (IHE) on how to support faculty in the integration of digital technologies. The research explores faculty interest in types of digital technology information and training, and the types of support faculty are likely to participate in related to digital technology integration. The association of demographic factors of primary teaching method, and experience teaching online or hybrid is provided.Design/methodology/approachA sample of 247 faculty from 53 institutions in the USA completed an online survey related to information, training and support for digital technology integration. The analysis included exploring the descriptive ratings overall and by demographic variable and conducting the one-way multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) with reported effect sizes and Scheffe post-hoc tests.FindingsFrom a list of digital technologies that included the LMS, Collaboration Tools (social media and online meeting tools), Audio-Visual Tools (video creation and podcasts), and Technology Trends (mobile learning, games and adaptive learning), faculty ranked LMS highest in interest for training and information. Faculty who have taught hybrid are most interested in collaboration tools and trend tools. For support type, faculty ranked web resources slightly higher than other types of support.Practical implicationsIHE units involved in faculty development can use the findings to plan faculty support initiatives for future institutional needs.Originality/valueThis paper gathers insight from faculty on their preferences for information, training, and support for integrating digital technologies.

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The hype factor of digital technologies in AEC

Construction Innovation ◽

10.1108/ci-01-2020-0002 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽

Author(s):

Petra Bosch-Sijtsema ◽

Christina Claeson-Jonsson ◽

Mikael Johansson ◽

Mattias Roupe

Keyword(s):

Digital Technology ◽

Online Survey ◽

Digital Technologies ◽

Future Trend ◽

Information Modeling ◽

Content Type ◽

Current State ◽

Current Usage ◽

Building Information ◽

Aec Industry

Purpose This paper aims to focus on 11 digital technologies (i.e. building information modeling, artificial intelligence and machine learning, 3D scanning, sensors, robots/automation, digital twin, virtual reality, 3D printing, drones, cloud computing and self-driving vehicles) that are portrayed in future trend reports and hype curves. The study concentrates on the current usage and knowledge of digital technologies in the Swedish architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) industry to gain an insight in the possible expectations and future trajectory of these digital technologies. Design/methodology/approach The study applies an abductive approach which is based on three different types of methods. These methods are a literature and document study which focused on 11 digital technologies, two workshops with industry (13 participants) and an online survey (N = 84). Findings The paper contributes to a current state analysis of the Swedish AEC industry concerning digital technologies and discusses the trajectory of these technologies for the AEC industry. The paper identifies hype factors, in which the knowledge of a digital technology is related to its usage. From the hype factors, four zones that show different stages of digital technology usage and maturity in the industry are induced. Originality/value The contribution of the paper is twofold. The paper shows insight into opportunities, the current barriers, use and knowledge of digital technologies for the different actors in the AEC industry. Furthermore, the study shows that the AEC industry is behind the traditional Gartner hype curves and contributes with defining four zones for digital technologies for the Swedish AEC industry: confusion, excitement, experimentation and integration.

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Settler Colonialism and First Nations e-Communities in Northwestern Ontario

The Journal of Community Informatics ◽

10.15353/joci.v10i2.2662 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 10 (2) ◽

Author(s):

Brian Beaton ◽

Peter Campbell

Keyword(s):

First Nations ◽

Settler Colonialism ◽

First Nation ◽

Local People ◽

Community Leaders ◽

Positive Development ◽

Northwestern Ontario ◽

Community Approach ◽

Telecommunication Infrastructure ◽

Local Resilience

Across Canada First Nation community leaders are adopting the e-Community approach for their local broadband development. E-Community is fueled by the desire of First Nations to own, control, and manage their local infrastructure and online services. The paper develops the concept of the importance of locally owned and managed telecommunication infrastructure supporting First Nation e-Community and local resilience. The First Nations e-Community framework provides choices for local people to remain in their communities and contribute to the growth and positive development in these challenging environments. The First Nations' struggle against settler colonialism to access their lands and resources by the colonial governments and their corporate partners continues today. Strong, resilient First Nations are now in a position to influence and support outcomes that benefit themselves, the lands and others in a positive manner.

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Virtual community inclusion of individuals with serious mental illness: Mapping digital technology usage and community participation patterns in the virtual era (Preprint)

10.2196/preprints.28123 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Carmit Noa Shpigelman ◽

Amir Tal ◽

Yaara Zisman-Ilani

Keyword(s):

Mental Illness ◽

Serious Mental Illness ◽

Digital Technology ◽

Technology Use ◽

Positive Emotions ◽

Online Survey ◽

Virtual Community ◽

Digital Technologies ◽

Community Inclusion ◽

Community Activities

BACKGROUND Despite the growing interest in developing and using mHealth (mobile health) and digital technologies in mental health, little is known about the scope and nature of virtual community inclusion. OBJECTIVE The overarching goal of this study was to understand and conceptualize virtual community inclusion of individuals with serious mental illness (SMI). Specific objectives were: (1) Mapping the prevalence, trends, and experiences related to mHealth and digital technology use among individuals with SMI; (2) Comparing patterns of technology use by individuals with and without SMI; and (3) Examining whether use of mHealth and digital technologies predicts recovery among individuals with SMI. METHODS An online survey of technology use and virtual participation was developed and distributed among adults with and without SMI via social media, national email discussion lists, non-profit organizations, and advocacy groups. RESULTS A total of 381 adults aged 18 years or older participated in the survey, 199 (52%) identified as having a SMI. Participants with SMI reported significantly greater access to technology and significantly fewer days of face-to-face participation in community activities compared with participants without SMI. Among participants with SMI, greater technology use was positively associated with positive emotions and significantly predicted recovery. CONCLUSIONS The present study is the first to explore, map, and conceptualize virtual community inclusion among adults with SMI. Our findings indicate a gap in the literature and research on community inclusion and participation and emphasize the need for virtual community inclusion, particularly during the time of COVID-19 and its future implications.

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The relationship between student engagement, teacher proficiency, and technology

Mount Royal Undergraduate Education Review ◽

10.29173/mruer116 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 1 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Kristen Moore

Keyword(s):

Student Engagement ◽

Digital Technology ◽

Teacher Candidates ◽

Online Survey ◽

Digital Technologies ◽

Elementary Classroom ◽

Learning Activity ◽

Bachelor Of Education ◽

Teacher Proficiency ◽

The Relationship

The purpose of this research project was to see if there are any connections between student engagement and teacher proficiency when digital technology is being used in the elementary classroom. In order to determine if such a connection does exist, scholarly articles were reviewed and an online survey of students in the Bachelor of Education Program was conducted. Through scholarly review, it was determined that there is a direct connection between the proficiency of the teacher using the digital technology and the engagement of the students in the learning activity. If the teacher is highly proficient, then students are more likely to be engaged in the lesson. Through the online survey, teacher candidates answered questions about their own proficiency levels with specific digital technologies. From the findings of this project, it can be concluded that teacher proficiency is very important when it comes to engaging students through the use of digital technologies in the classroom. Professional development in this area would be useful for both teacher candidates and practicing teachers, as the use of digital technology in the elementary classroom is increasing.

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Epilogue

Computers and Society ◽

10.1093/oso/9780198827085.003.0020 ◽

2019 ◽

Author(s):

Ronald M. Baecker

Keyword(s):

Digital Technology ◽

New Technologies ◽

Ethical Issues ◽

Moral Dilemma ◽

Digital Technologies ◽

High Tech ◽

Human Society ◽

Technology Innovations ◽

Investment Capital ◽

Start Ups

In the preceding pages, we have introduced, explained, and discussed a large and growing number of ways in which digital technologies are affecting our world. The pace of change is accelerating. Although there are concerns that semiconductor performance and miniaturization will soon no longer obey Moore’s Law (discussed in the Prologue), new technologies such as quantum computers will likely extend the continual improvement of hardware performance. New software approaches such as deep learning have dramatically improved increasingly critical artificial intelligence (AI) computations. Concerns about employment prospects as well as the fascination of computer science have greatly enlarged the talent pool of individuals studying this field or related disciplines and adopting careers involving digital technologies. Corporations now understand the importance of computing, and of investing in research and development. Finally, the astronomical returns yielded by high-tech ‘start-ups’ such as Apple, Google, Facebook, and Amazon have led to enormous pools of investment capital seeking new digital technology innovations. As a result, there are now many social, legal and policy, and moral and ethical issues regarding digital technology and its presence in human society. We have discussed these topics in depth in the preceding pages. To review, we shall now highlight the most important issues. We shall classify the issues under either a social, policy/legal, or ethical/moral heading, yet all three categories are closely related. A social issue is a statement about quality of life, and what kind of world we want to live in. A policy or legal choice is a statement about the way we are governed, and about the rules we adopt as societies to shape the world as we intend. An ethical or moral dilemma is a question that societies, organizations, and individuals must answer and support with appropriate actions and laws to create a world that is fair, just, and good. There are no easy answers. The eminent professor and historian of technology Melvin Kranzberg described this in what he called Kranzberg’s First Law: ‘Technology is neither good nor bad; nor is it neutral.’

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Position Paper: Turning the Corner with First Nations Telehealth

The Journal of Community Informatics ◽

10.15353/joci.v1i3.2035 ◽

2005 ◽

Vol 1 (3) ◽

Author(s):

Geordi Kakepetum

Keyword(s):

Health Care ◽

First Nations ◽

Medical Attention ◽

Community Members ◽

Northwestern Ontario ◽

Making A Difference ◽

The Government ◽

Government Of Canada ◽

Effective Use ◽

Critical Health Care

Keewaytinook Okimakanak Telehealth Services is an important contributing partner in the development and sustainability of community networks in remote First Nations across northwestern Ontario, Canada. In the past, community members were flown to the nearest hospital to receive medical attention or to consult with a specialist. Today, more and more of these trips are being avoided with the installation of the proper broadband infrastructure and the effective use of telemedicine tools. The "Turning the Corner with First Nations Telehealth" document highlights the achievements and impacts of these services on the communities participating in this pioneering work. As the Government of Canada and national Aboriginal organizations develop strategies to address the critical health care system, this paper describes the highlights of a community-based health care initiative that is making a difference in the lives of community members.

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The Leading Digital Technology Companies and Their Approach to Sustainable Development

Sustainability ◽

10.3390/su13126612 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 13 (12) ◽

pp. 6612

Author(s):

Peter Jones ◽

Martin Wynn

Keyword(s):

Sustainable Development ◽

Circular Economy ◽

Digital Technology ◽

Digital Technologies ◽

Digital Transformation ◽

Qualitative Approach ◽

Sustainable Future

The increasingly stellar attraction of the digital technologies and the growing, though not universal, consensus of the need to build a sustainable future, are two powerful trends within society. The aim of this article is to offer an exploratory review of how the leading companies within the digital transformation market have addressed sustainable development. As such, the article’s originality and value lie in offering a review of current corporate thinking within that market. The study adopts an inductive, qualitative approach based on an examination of published company reports, and identifies six major sustainability themes being actively promoted and supported. The article concludes that the current sustainability objectives of the technology companies are driven as much by commercial reality as any altruistic motives, and that support and promotion of the circular economy may offer the best opportunity for digital technologies to meaningfully impact sustainable development.

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Combating IPV With Community Leaders in Honduras: An Evaluation of an IPV Training Program Among Teachers and Health Professionals

Violence Against Women ◽

10.1177/10778012211008995 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 107780122110089

Author(s):

Chunrye Kim ◽

Joel A. Capellan ◽

Hung-En Sung ◽

Eduardo Rafael Orellana

Keyword(s):

Training Program ◽

Health Care Professionals ◽

Partner Violence ◽

Intimate Partner ◽

Educational Opportunities ◽

Safety Planning ◽

Community Members ◽

Community Based ◽

Confidence Levels ◽

The Impact

Intimate partner violence (IPV) among women in Latin America, including Honduras, is serious. To help IPV victims, a community-based educational program has been implemented. This study aims to examine the impact of IPV training among teachers and health care professionals ( n = 160) on increases in IPV knowledge, attitudes, and self-efficacy when dealing with IPV victims using a pretest and posttest design. We found that the treatment group who received IPV training showed significantly lower justification for IPV, higher gender equality attitudes, and higher IPV knowledge as well as higher confidence levels in identifying IPV victims and safety planning for victims. We concluded that the IPV training program using the community-based approaches has the potential to help IPV victims in Honduras. More efforts should be made to increase the educational opportunities the community members can receive.

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Applications of Robotics, AI, and Digital Technologies During COVID-19: A Review

Disaster Medicine and Public Health Preparedness ◽

10.1017/dmp.2021.9 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 1-23

Author(s):

Zhuo Zhao ◽

Yangmyung Ma ◽

Adeel Mushtaq ◽

Abdul M. Azam Rajper ◽

Mahmoud Shehab ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Artificial Intelligence ◽

Technology Adoption ◽

Digital Technology ◽

Digital Technologies ◽

Rapid Diagnosis ◽

Quick Response ◽

Virus Spread ◽

Future Directions ◽

Public Areas ◽

Potential Impact

Abstract Many countries have enacted a quick response to the unexpected COVID-19 pandemic by utilizing existing technologies. For example, robotics, artificial intelligence, and digital technology have been deployed in hospitals and public areas for maintaining social distancing, reducing person-to-person contact, enabling rapid diagnosis, tracking virus spread, and providing sanitation. In this paper, 163 news articles and scientific reports on COVID-19-related technology adoption were screened, shortlisted, categorized by application scenario, and reviewed for functionality. Technologies related to robots, artificial intelligence, and digital technology were selected from the pool of candidates, yielding a total of 50 applications for review. Each case was analyzed for its engineering characteristics and potential impact on the COVID-19 pandemic. Finally, challenges and future directions regarding the response to this pandemic and future pandemics were summarized and discussed.

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