scholarly journals E–deliberation and local governance: The role of computer mediated communication in local democratic participation in the United Kingdom

First Monday ◽  
2005 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joss Hands
Keyword(s):  
United Kingdom ◽  
Local Government ◽  
Web Sites ◽  
Local Governance ◽  
Computer Mediated Communication ◽  
Mediated Communication ◽  
Democratic Deliberation ◽  
The United Kingdom ◽  
Government Web Sites ◽  
Computer Mediated

This paper focuses on the use of local government Web sites in the United Kingdom to encourage and facilitate democratic deliberation. The question addressed is to what end, and on whose terms, citizens are being encouraged to engage local government via computer–mediated communication. After an initial investigation into the legislative framework of local e–democracy, this paper examines opportunities available for citizens to deliberate by examining 469 local government Web sites. This information is then reviewed in the context of empirical evidence on the practices and attitudes of those responsible for the management and upkeep of the specific sites under question. It appears that while interaction is being encouraged, it is limited and tends towards an individualistic liberal model.

The Open University of Israel

2011 ◽  
pp. 1546-1553
Author(s):  
Zippy Erlich ◽  
Judith Gal-Ezer
Keyword(s):  
Web Sites ◽  
Teaching Methods ◽  
Computer Mediated Communication ◽  
Education Institution ◽  
Jewish Studies ◽  
Open University ◽  
Distance Teaching ◽  
Mediated Communication ◽  
Study Materials ◽  
Computer Mediated

The Open University of Israel (OUI) is a distance education institution with open admissions that offers academic studies to students throughout Israel. Its home-study method allows its students to pursue higher education whenever and wherever convenient. The OUI offers over 500 courses in life sciences, natural sciences, mathematics, computer science, social sciences, management, Jewish studies, education, humanities, psychology, communications, music and art, and more, and has about 38,000 students all over Israel and abroad. The OUI has traditionally taken advantage of existing technologies and has integrated state-of-the-art technology into its courses. For several years, the OUI has been integrating computer-mediated-communication (CMC) technologies into its course Web sites to improve its distance teaching. These new teaching methods expand and enrich the written textbooks that are the basis for teaching at the OUI. The incorporation of technological teaching methods is fully adapted to the written study materials that are prepared by experts in their fields. Below, we will present the OUI and its distance learning methods, which include the integration of the CMC technologies.

Multitasking CMC to Study Connected Organizations

2011 ◽  
pp. 309-324 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. Patrick Biddix
Keyword(s):  
College Student ◽  
Structural Analysis ◽  
Web Sites ◽  
Computer Mediated Communication ◽  
Digital Data ◽  
Mediated Communication ◽  
Computer Mediated ◽  
Rapid Diffusion ◽  
Mixed Approach ◽  
The Individual

The rapid diffusion of computer mediated communication (CMC) is redefining how individuals relate in contemporary ‘networked’ organizations. This chapter discusses the utility of pairing two forms of digital data collection, network analysis and electronic interviewing, to explore the structure and meaning of communication at the individual and organization level. Research methods are reviewed independently, and then presented together for consideration as a mixed approach. To demonstrate utility and challenge, a structural analysis of hyperlinks among college student group Web sites is paired with electronically conducted interviews. Howard’s (2002) network ethnography is discussed as a conceptual framework. Unique challenges and suggested ways of overcoming them are also presented.

Cultural Cognitive Style and the Web

2008 ◽  
pp. 1717-1733
Author(s):  
Anthony Faiola ◽  
Sorin Adam Matei
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Style ◽  
Web Sites ◽  
Computer Mediated Communication ◽  
Online Information ◽  
Mediated Communication ◽  
Internet Users ◽  
Computer Mediated ◽  
Technological Developments ◽  
Web Designers ◽  
The Web

Several technological developments have altered our world in the last half-century. Among these were the new information processing and distribution platforms supported by computer-mediated communication (CMC). In 2005, Forrester Research found that 50% of Internet users were non-English speakers, and this number would increase to 66% by 2006. For many designers and Web usability researchers, addressing this situation seem limited to translating Web interfaces or content. Although early studies in usability testing have identified considerable cultural differences among users (D’Andrade, 1984; Evers & Day, 1997), a need exists for a more rigorous investigation from a cross-cultural perspective into how Web sites are designed. The authors hold that the cultural cognitive styles of Web designers ultimately affect the performance and preferences of online users. As a result, specific attention should be paid to the impact of the Web designers’ culturally shaped cognitive style on the design and development of online information.

Cultural Cognitive Style and the Web

2011 ◽  
pp. 143-159
Author(s):  
A. Faiola ◽  
S. Matei
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Style ◽  
Web Sites ◽  
Computer Mediated Communication ◽  
Online Information ◽  
Mediated Communication ◽  
Internet Users ◽  
Computer Mediated ◽  
Technological Developments ◽  
Web Designers ◽  
The Web

Several technological developments have altered our world in the last half-century. Among these were the new information processing and distribution platforms supported by computer-mediated communication (CMC). In 2005, Forrester Research found that 50% of Internet users were non-English speakers, and this number would increase to 66% by 2006. For many designers and Web usability researchers, addressing this situation seem limited to translating Web interfaces or content. Although early studies in usability testing have identified considerable cultural differences among users (D’Andrade, 1984; Evers & Day, 1997), a need exists for a more rigorous investigation from a cross-cultural perspective into how Web sites are designed. The authors hold that the cultural cognitive styles of Web designers ultimately affect the performance and preferences of online users. As a result, specific attention should be paid to the impact of the Web designers’ culturally shaped cognitive style on the design and development of online information.

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