Understanding the Perception of Information System Niche: Conceptualization, Measurement, and Validation

The number of niche technologies is growing, and they are getting noticed. However, the usage dynamics of such systems have not been explored. This study introduces the “niche” information systems (IS) construct to differentiate between mainstream and niche technologies and to illustrate how such differences potentially influence a person’s IS usage behavior. We posit that niche-ness is perceptual, and a measurement to gauge an individual’s niche perception in the domain of systems usage is desired. Resting on Optimal Distinctiveness theory, the study develops a novel conceptualization and operationalization of niche technology perceptions, focusing on social networking systems. Our main contribution includes the examination of the typology of the perceived niche, which results in the development and validation of an eight-item instrument for perceived technology niche through three studies. In addition, by placing the construct in a nomological network in a fourth study, we demonstrate that the perceived technology niche construct is related to IS continuance intention.

The Team-Based Learning (TBL) methodology articulated with the TBL Active platform in Accounting learning in the technical course in Administration

The current article constitutes in an excerpt from the Mater’s Degree research entitled as “The use of the Team-Based Learning (TBL) Methodology allied to technology: Perceptions over the learning of basic accounting in the Technical Course in Administration”. The question that guided the development of this Master's research was: can the Team-Based Learning (TBL) active methodology allied to digital technology provide collective learning of basic accounting concepts in the Technical Course in Administration? Based on this inquiry, the main purpose of the study presented in this article was to evaluate the contributions of the use of the TBL methodology, combined with the free platform TBL Active, which was created to assist in the application of this active methodology, in learning the basic concepts of Accounting in the technical course in Administration. The approach adopted was the quali-quantitative one since this study combined qualitative and quantitative methods in an intervention research. The development of this research took place in a public school, in the technical course in Administration, placed in the countryside of São Paulo/Brazil. Therefore, the participants were set as a class of 34 students. The observation and application of surveys were used as data collection tools. The main results showed the occurrence of collective learning of Accounting. Other than that, when comparing the individual answers to the collective answers, it showed significative successes. The active participation and the significative learning of the given content were achieved by means of the Team-Based Learning Methodology.

Perceptions of Technology Experiences and Development among Family Caregivers and Technology Researchers: A Qualitative Study (Preprint)

BACKGROUND Caregiving is highly stressful and associated with poor mental and physical health. Technologies, including mobile and e-health applications, have been developed to address caregiver needs. Yet, there remains a paucity of research that examines the technology perceptions of informal caregivers, especially from a sex, gender and diversity perspective. OBJECTIVE To address this gap and inform the development of future caregiving technologies, this study aimed to (1) examine how family caregivers perceive the use of technology in assisting with their caregiving routines, (2) explore the sex, gender and diversity influences on these perceptions and (3) understand how these perceptions and needs are reflected within the current technology development process. METHODS Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 16 informal caregivers of individuals with a range of chronic medical conditions and eight technology researchers involved in caregiving technology projects. RESULTS Three main themes with subthemes were developed: the first main theme is Caregivers see a need for technology in their lives and consists of three subthemes: Caregiving is a challenging endeavor, Technology is multi-faceted, and Caregiver preferences mediate technology use. The second main theme is Relationships play a vital role in mediating technology uptake and comprises two subthemes: The caregiver-care recipient dynamic shapes technology perceptions, and Caregivers rely on external networks for technology information. Finally, the third main theme is Barriers are present in the use and adoption of technology and comprises two subthemes: Technology may not be compatible with personal values and abilities, and Technology that is not tailored towards caregivers lacks adoption. CONCLUSIONS The findings bring to light the multi-faceted role technology can play in aiding caregiving, while at the same time drawing attention to the pitfalls and drawbacks of these technologies perceived by caregivers. Bringing in technology researchers to the study provides a more holistic understanding of technology in caregiving from its initial development to eventual uptake by caregivers.

Solutions focused on High-Level Assistive Technology: Perceptions and Trends observed from a Systematic Literature Mapping

This work presents the results achieved from the application of the Systematic Literature Mapping (SLM) methodology on the theme: Development of High-Level Assistive Technology (AT) Solutions. The article details the execution of this research technique to map the state-of-the-art on the proposed theme. Based on the obtained results, the paper proposes a taxonomy of the works, characterizing them according to the type of proposed solution and functionalities available in the applications. Additionally, the article highlights the architectural and technological aspects found in these studies. Finally, the paper discusses the main trends perceived throughout this analysis, as well as identifies potential gaps to be explored as a sequence of this research.