an article by Philip Cooke (Western Norway University of Applied Sciences, Bergen, Norway) and JinHyo Joseph Yun, Xiaofei Zhao and YoungDuk Kim (Techno Jungang Daero, Daegu, South Korea) published in International Journal of Knowledge-Based Development Volume 10 Number 3 (2019)
Abstract
The world economy is changing dynamically with the expansion of information technology (IT). The change is not only happening at the technology industry level itself; other industries are also being disrupted with the appearance of smart factories, autonomous cars, smart e-commerce, and the like.
This paper preliminarily analyses the economic effects and concrete aspects of the quaternary economy, the knowledge-based part of the economy, which typically includes services such as information technology, information generation and sharing, media, research and development, as well as knowledge-based services.
First, it analyses the economic effect of the quaternary economy on the USA, UK, and Israel in addition to the technological base of the quaternary such as Internet of Everything and financialisation effects.
Second, it investigates the concrete aspects of the quaternary economy in five main areas including interactive or crossover innovation in artificial intelligence, appearance of cybersecurity from firewalls to cyber warfare, precision agriculture and smart farming, smart grid, electric vehicles and pilotless planes, and precision medicine.
Third, the paper discusses the governance of the quaternary economy along with thin globalisation and relevant regulatory issues of the digital culture of our time.
Showing posts with label information_technology. Show all posts
Showing posts with label information_technology. Show all posts
Wednesday, 30 October 2019
Wednesday, 21 November 2012
An investigation of students’ perception of Bluetooth security
an article by Margaret Tan and Kathrine Sagala Aguilar (Nanyang Technological University, Singapore) published in Information Management & Computer Security Volume 20 Issue 5 (2012)
Abstract
Purpose
Various research investigations have found that students’ awareness of information security issues continues to be poor and this is indeed a concern especially when students use information technologies pervasively to communicate, to socialise as well as to work on academic assignments. As it is important to understand students’ behaviours towards information security and safety in the digital cyberspace, the purpose of this paper is to investigate their awareness and perception, in particular, of Bluetooth security threats and risks, and whether they are able to take preventive measures to protect themselves from such security vulnerabilities. Bluetooth technology is used in this study as it is a widely used form of wireless networks that facilitates computing resources to be connected any time anywhere; however, it has security weaknesses like any other digital networks.
Design/methodology/approach
A field survey was conducted to collect the empirical data from students at a local university. The survey instrument/questionnaire was developed based on various literatures on Bluetooth applications, Bluetooth security vulnerabilities, and users’ usage and perception on computer security and safety.
Findings
The results show that most students do not take precautions to mitigate against security vulnerabilities; however, there is a difference on students’ perceptions based on their academic major or domain knowledge, for instance, engineering students have demonstrated significant awareness of security risks compared to students from the business and social science colleges. It is therefore not surprising to note that engineering students are more cautious users of Bluetooth, hence are more secure users of technologies.
Practical implications
The findings provide useful information for academic institutions to understand students’ behaviour towards security risks especially in terms of identity theft, unsecured systems and inadequate security practices. Indeed, the findings of this study highlight or emphasize the importance of promoting security awareness to student cohorts especially on the use of mobile computing applications such as Bluetooth or wireless. Perhaps, universities should design curriculum to incorporate the study of information and cyber security so as to inculcate a culture of cyber safety as well as to prepare these prospective employees as more secured users when they enter the workplace. Indeed, considering the increasing number of users who tend to be naïve on security vulnerabilities, this research adds a critical message also to manufacturers and software developers to design more robust security features so as to minimize security breaches.
Originality/value
This paper provides further evidence to the body of research investigations on information and computing security threats and students’ perceptions and behaviour towards security risks and vulnerabilities. More important, this paper confirms that most students are not secure users, and it seems they not very capable of protecting themselves from security threats.
Hazel’s comment:
And if students are not capable of protecting themselves then they are likely to be passing malware on to others they communicate with – including their careers advisers!!
Abstract
Purpose
Various research investigations have found that students’ awareness of information security issues continues to be poor and this is indeed a concern especially when students use information technologies pervasively to communicate, to socialise as well as to work on academic assignments. As it is important to understand students’ behaviours towards information security and safety in the digital cyberspace, the purpose of this paper is to investigate their awareness and perception, in particular, of Bluetooth security threats and risks, and whether they are able to take preventive measures to protect themselves from such security vulnerabilities. Bluetooth technology is used in this study as it is a widely used form of wireless networks that facilitates computing resources to be connected any time anywhere; however, it has security weaknesses like any other digital networks.
Design/methodology/approach
A field survey was conducted to collect the empirical data from students at a local university. The survey instrument/questionnaire was developed based on various literatures on Bluetooth applications, Bluetooth security vulnerabilities, and users’ usage and perception on computer security and safety.
Findings
The results show that most students do not take precautions to mitigate against security vulnerabilities; however, there is a difference on students’ perceptions based on their academic major or domain knowledge, for instance, engineering students have demonstrated significant awareness of security risks compared to students from the business and social science colleges. It is therefore not surprising to note that engineering students are more cautious users of Bluetooth, hence are more secure users of technologies.
Practical implications
The findings provide useful information for academic institutions to understand students’ behaviour towards security risks especially in terms of identity theft, unsecured systems and inadequate security practices. Indeed, the findings of this study highlight or emphasize the importance of promoting security awareness to student cohorts especially on the use of mobile computing applications such as Bluetooth or wireless. Perhaps, universities should design curriculum to incorporate the study of information and cyber security so as to inculcate a culture of cyber safety as well as to prepare these prospective employees as more secured users when they enter the workplace. Indeed, considering the increasing number of users who tend to be naïve on security vulnerabilities, this research adds a critical message also to manufacturers and software developers to design more robust security features so as to minimize security breaches.
Originality/value
This paper provides further evidence to the body of research investigations on information and computing security threats and students’ perceptions and behaviour towards security risks and vulnerabilities. More important, this paper confirms that most students are not secure users, and it seems they not very capable of protecting themselves from security threats.
Hazel’s comment:
And if students are not capable of protecting themselves then they are likely to be passing malware on to others they communicate with – including their careers advisers!!
Sequential attrition of secondary school student interest in IT courses and careers
an article by Catherine Lang, (Swinburne University of Technology, Hawthorn, Australia) published in Information Technology & People Volume 25 Issue 3 (2012)
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to present results of interviews with Australian students in junior, middle and senior secondary-school. It also aims to provide a current insight into the declining diversity of the information technology (IT) student cohort that is not captured in the existing literature. Educational psychology theories of self-efficacy shed light on the development of like and dislike towards aspects of IT, it also seeks to consider the career choice decision-making theories and models to understand the cost-benefit dimensions of career choice in young people in the twenty-first century. Socio-cultural factors that condition young women for their expected role in society also apply to career choice and build a theoretical framework for the research.
Design/methodology/approach
Qualitative research methodology of semi-structured focus group interviews were conducted with students of both genders from three different year levels. The interviews were analysed using a meta matrix approach aligned with themes suggested in the literature.
Findings
This research found that IT rarely entered their schematic repertoire of possible future careers, a schematic repertoire strongly influenced by parental opinion and habitus at all stages of education. While it would appear that there is a deficit in student knowledge of what an IT career involves beyond that of the most stereotypical portrayal of a programmer, this deficit of knowledge is evident in both genders. This research found a pattern of factors specific to Information Technology that encouraged some males to choose this career path and a pattern of inhibiting factors that had a stronger negative impact on young women than young men.
Research limitations/implications
It is apparent from this study that the lack of women in IT is not necessarily a gender issue, but an issue embedded in the image of the IT discipline, an image of lower status than most other professional careers.
Practical implications
A positive implication is that there is little differentiation between the genders in IT use, despite greater confidence in technical ability residing with males.
Social implications
A lack of diversity in a workforce is detrimental to creativity and future design. IT professionals, industry and academics need to work together to engender greater interest in this discipline and increase their focus on parents of students.
Originality/value
This paper adds to current theory by suggesting that parents remain the primary influencers to student career and course choices. A second important contribution to current theory is the perpetuation of the poor image that students hold of the IT profession.
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to present results of interviews with Australian students in junior, middle and senior secondary-school. It also aims to provide a current insight into the declining diversity of the information technology (IT) student cohort that is not captured in the existing literature. Educational psychology theories of self-efficacy shed light on the development of like and dislike towards aspects of IT, it also seeks to consider the career choice decision-making theories and models to understand the cost-benefit dimensions of career choice in young people in the twenty-first century. Socio-cultural factors that condition young women for their expected role in society also apply to career choice and build a theoretical framework for the research.
Design/methodology/approach
Qualitative research methodology of semi-structured focus group interviews were conducted with students of both genders from three different year levels. The interviews were analysed using a meta matrix approach aligned with themes suggested in the literature.
Findings
This research found that IT rarely entered their schematic repertoire of possible future careers, a schematic repertoire strongly influenced by parental opinion and habitus at all stages of education. While it would appear that there is a deficit in student knowledge of what an IT career involves beyond that of the most stereotypical portrayal of a programmer, this deficit of knowledge is evident in both genders. This research found a pattern of factors specific to Information Technology that encouraged some males to choose this career path and a pattern of inhibiting factors that had a stronger negative impact on young women than young men.
Research limitations/implications
It is apparent from this study that the lack of women in IT is not necessarily a gender issue, but an issue embedded in the image of the IT discipline, an image of lower status than most other professional careers.
Practical implications
A positive implication is that there is little differentiation between the genders in IT use, despite greater confidence in technical ability residing with males.
Social implications
A lack of diversity in a workforce is detrimental to creativity and future design. IT professionals, industry and academics need to work together to engender greater interest in this discipline and increase their focus on parents of students.
Originality/value
This paper adds to current theory by suggesting that parents remain the primary influencers to student career and course choices. A second important contribution to current theory is the perpetuation of the poor image that students hold of the IT profession.
Tuesday, 13 November 2012
Narratives of ICT and Organizational Change in Public Administration
an article by Katarina Giritli Nygren (Campus Sundsvall Holmgatan 10 Sundsvall 850 60, Sweden) published in Gender, Work & Organization Volume 19 Issue 6 (November 2012)
Abstract
In the last decade the implementation of computerised technology and advanced information systems in public administration has gathered speed.
The purpose of this article is to explore the ways in which these changes might be gendered by analysing different narratives of digitalisation and organisational change in public administration.
The empirical findings indicate that resistance to information and communication technology is explained away by managers as reflecting women’s low computer maturity, while the narratives of the case-workers themselves reflect their resistance to deskilling and simplified work specifications, as well as their experience of a shift in the work object – from working with human beings to working with electronic information.
The findings indicate that the increased use of information technology genders resistance to degradation as a feminised fear of technology and low computer maturity.
Abstract
In the last decade the implementation of computerised technology and advanced information systems in public administration has gathered speed.
The purpose of this article is to explore the ways in which these changes might be gendered by analysing different narratives of digitalisation and organisational change in public administration.
The empirical findings indicate that resistance to information and communication technology is explained away by managers as reflecting women’s low computer maturity, while the narratives of the case-workers themselves reflect their resistance to deskilling and simplified work specifications, as well as their experience of a shift in the work object – from working with human beings to working with electronic information.
The findings indicate that the increased use of information technology genders resistance to degradation as a feminised fear of technology and low computer maturity.
Wednesday, 22 August 2012
Critical thinking in E-learning environments
an article by Raafat George Saadé and Danielle Morin (Concordia University, John Molson School of Business, Montreal, Canada) and Jennifer D.E. Thomas (Pace University, Ivan Seidenberg School of CSIS, New York) published in Computers in Human Behavior Volume 28 Issue 5 (September 2012)
Abstract
One of the primary aims of higher education in today’s information technology enabled classroom is to make students more active in the learning process.
The intended outcome of this increased IT-facilitated student engagement is to foster important skills such as critical thinking used in both academia and workplace environments.
Critical thinking (CT) skills entails the ability(ies) of mental processes of discernment, analysis and evaluation to achieve a logical understanding. Critical thinking in the classroom as well as in the workplace is a central theme; however, with the dramatic increase of IT usage the mechanisms by which critical thinking is fostered and used has changed.
This article presents the work and results of critical thinking in a virtual learning environment.
We therefore present a web-based course and we assess in which parts of the course, and to what extent, critical thinking was perceived to occur. The course contained two categories of learning modules namely resources and interactive components. Critical thinking was measured subjectively using the ART scale. Results indicate the significance of “interactivity” in what students perceived to be critical-thinking-oriented versus online material as a resource.
Results and opportunities that virtual environments present to foster critical thinking are discussed.
Highlights
► We investigated critical thinking in an online learning context (higher education).
► We examined the kinds of resources and activities that fosters/require critical thinking skills.
► Online interactive learning components are perceived to foster critical thinking.
► Design factors of interactive learning environments need to be addressed in online courses.
► Designers and teachers need to integrate more interactive components into the course activities.
Abstract
One of the primary aims of higher education in today’s information technology enabled classroom is to make students more active in the learning process.
The intended outcome of this increased IT-facilitated student engagement is to foster important skills such as critical thinking used in both academia and workplace environments.
Critical thinking (CT) skills entails the ability(ies) of mental processes of discernment, analysis and evaluation to achieve a logical understanding. Critical thinking in the classroom as well as in the workplace is a central theme; however, with the dramatic increase of IT usage the mechanisms by which critical thinking is fostered and used has changed.
This article presents the work and results of critical thinking in a virtual learning environment.
We therefore present a web-based course and we assess in which parts of the course, and to what extent, critical thinking was perceived to occur. The course contained two categories of learning modules namely resources and interactive components. Critical thinking was measured subjectively using the ART scale. Results indicate the significance of “interactivity” in what students perceived to be critical-thinking-oriented versus online material as a resource.
Results and opportunities that virtual environments present to foster critical thinking are discussed.
Highlights
► We investigated critical thinking in an online learning context (higher education).
► We examined the kinds of resources and activities that fosters/require critical thinking skills.
► Online interactive learning components are perceived to foster critical thinking.
► Design factors of interactive learning environments need to be addressed in online courses.
► Designers and teachers need to integrate more interactive components into the course activities.
Friday, 17 August 2012
“Two households, both alike in dignity…
In fair Verona, where we lay our scene …”
via The National Archives blog by Tim Callister
So starts Shakespeare’s classic tale, Romeo and Juliet. Most of us are familiar with this tale of star-crossed lovers and I want to use it as an analogy for another relationship between two key parts of every business that often struggle to work together.
With a little less drama, this is a relationship I see every day that has the potential to cause significant disruption to most organisations*. This can go unnoticed and unchecked for some time until it comes to reviewing / refreshing information management systems.
Continue reading
via The National Archives blog by Tim Callister
So starts Shakespeare’s classic tale, Romeo and Juliet. Most of us are familiar with this tale of star-crossed lovers and I want to use it as an analogy for another relationship between two key parts of every business that often struggle to work together.
With a little less drama, this is a relationship I see every day that has the potential to cause significant disruption to most organisations*. This can go unnoticed and unchecked for some time until it comes to reviewing / refreshing information management systems.
Continue reading
Tuesday, 14 August 2012
An innovative information hiding technique utilizing cumulative peak histogram regions
an article by Faruq A. Al-Omari (Yarmouk University, Irbid, Jordan), Osama D. Al-Khaleel and Ghassan A. Rayyashi, (Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan) and Sameh H. Ghwanmeh, (WISE University, Amman, Jordan) published in Journal of Systems and Information Technology Volume 14 Issue 3 (2012)
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to develop an innovative information hiding algorithm.
Design/methodology/approach
The proposed algorithm is based on image histogram statistics. Cumulative-peak histogram regions are utilized to hide multiple bits of the secret message by performing histogram bin substitution. The embedding capacity, otherwise known as payload, and peak signal to noise ratio (PSNR), as well as security, are the main metrics used to evaluate the performance of the proposed algorithm.
Findings
According to the obtained results, the proposed algorithm shows high embedding capacity and security at comparable PSNR compared with existing hiding information techniques.
Originality/value
The simplicity, security, random distribution of embedding pixels, and on-demand high capacity are the key advantages of the proposed approach.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to develop an innovative information hiding algorithm.
Design/methodology/approach
The proposed algorithm is based on image histogram statistics. Cumulative-peak histogram regions are utilized to hide multiple bits of the secret message by performing histogram bin substitution. The embedding capacity, otherwise known as payload, and peak signal to noise ratio (PSNR), as well as security, are the main metrics used to evaluate the performance of the proposed algorithm.
Findings
According to the obtained results, the proposed algorithm shows high embedding capacity and security at comparable PSNR compared with existing hiding information techniques.
Originality/value
The simplicity, security, random distribution of embedding pixels, and on-demand high capacity are the key advantages of the proposed approach.
Tuesday, 12 June 2012
The Effects of Home Computers on Educational Outcomes: …
Evidence from a Field Experiment with Community College Students
an article by Robert W. Fairlie (University of California) and Rebecca A. London (Stanford University) published in The Economic Journal Volume 122 Issue 561 (June 2012)
Abstract
There is no clear theoretical prediction regarding whether home computers are an important input in the educational production function. To investigate the hypothesis, we conduct a field experiment involving the random provision of free computers to low-income community college students for home use.
Although estimates for a few measures are imprecise and cannot rule out zero effects, we find some evidence that the treatment group achieved better educational outcomes than the control group. The estimated effects, however, are not large and are smaller than non-experimental estimates.
There is also some evidence that benefits from home computers increase with distance to campus.
an article by Robert W. Fairlie (University of California) and Rebecca A. London (Stanford University) published in The Economic Journal Volume 122 Issue 561 (June 2012)
Abstract
There is no clear theoretical prediction regarding whether home computers are an important input in the educational production function. To investigate the hypothesis, we conduct a field experiment involving the random provision of free computers to low-income community college students for home use.
Although estimates for a few measures are imprecise and cannot rule out zero effects, we find some evidence that the treatment group achieved better educational outcomes than the control group. The estimated effects, however, are not large and are smaller than non-experimental estimates.
There is also some evidence that benefits from home computers increase with distance to campus.
Thursday, 7 June 2012
2012 top ten trends in academic libraries
A review of the trends and issues affecting academic libraries in higher education by the ACRL (Association of College and Research Libraries) Research Planning and Review Committee
The ACRL Research Planning and Review Committee is responsible for creating and updating a continuous and dynamic environmental scan for the association that encompasses trends in academic librarianship, higher education, and the broader environment, e.g., economic, demographic, political; providing an annual environmental scan “snapshot.” The committee also is responsible for identifying the ACRL “top ten trends” for release every two years.
The list of the ten most important trends perceived covers:
Full text (HTML)
Full text (PDF 10pp)
The ACRL Research Planning and Review Committee is responsible for creating and updating a continuous and dynamic environmental scan for the association that encompasses trends in academic librarianship, higher education, and the broader environment, e.g., economic, demographic, political; providing an annual environmental scan “snapshot.” The committee also is responsible for identifying the ACRL “top ten trends” for release every two years.
The list of the ten most important trends perceived covers:
- communicating value
- data curation
- digital preservation
- higher education
- information technology
- mobile environments
- patron drive e-book acquisition
- scholarly communication
- staffing
- user behaviours and expectations
Full text (HTML)
Full text (PDF 10pp)
Monday, 21 May 2012
Gender issues in information and communication technologies (ICTs)
an article by Wieslaw Oleksy, Edyta Just and Kaja Zapedowska-Kling (University of Lodz, Poland) published in Journal of Information, Communication and Ethics in Society Volume 10 Issue 2 (2012)
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to present some of the findings (which were reported on more extensively in earlier work) regarding the visibility of gender issues in the literature on selected information and communication technologies (ICTs) with a view to make predictions about potential ethical issues that the application of these ICTs may bring about in the future. This paper is part of the larger research project called ETICA (Ethical Issues of Emerging Information and Communication Technologies), a collaborative project funded by the 7th Framework Programme of the European Union.
Design/methodology/approach
On the basis of the analysis of around 100 published sources, which dealt with various aspects of selected ICTs, conclusions have been drawn regarding gender issues and concerns that the applications of these ICTs may cause. The authors' analysis is theoretically informed by critical discourse analysis (CDA) which assumes that texts, both written and spoken, as well as other forms of symbolic representations, are indicative of social practices. Of particular methodological relevance was the survey of methods of text and discourse analysis presented in Titscher et al. and especially the application of keyword search as a way to measure the prominence of each investigated method. This approach to literature surveying proved very useful in selecting analytic material: only those published sources on the selected four ICTs have been included in the survey, for which the analysis of keywords, abstracts and indexes of terms indicated authors' interest in gender issues.
Findings
First, ICTs such as affective computing, ambient intelligence, and artificial intelligence, have been found to have the potential of positively affecting gender power relations and thus positively affecting gender balance in the areas of labour market related to ICT across EU countries and worldwide. Second, more research on the relationship between gender and ICT design, application and representation is needed, so as to enhance a better understanding of ethical issues resulting from unequal participation of women and men in all aspects of ICT production and implementation, which in itself is an ethical dilemma with which both the ICT business and legislators have to grapple.
Originality/value
The paper offers insight into the relationship between the level of attention devoted to particular ICTs by ICT researchers, as evidenced in the reviewed literature, and the likelihood of the application of a particular ICT in the future, which is looked at and assessed from a gender perspective.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to present some of the findings (which were reported on more extensively in earlier work) regarding the visibility of gender issues in the literature on selected information and communication technologies (ICTs) with a view to make predictions about potential ethical issues that the application of these ICTs may bring about in the future. This paper is part of the larger research project called ETICA (Ethical Issues of Emerging Information and Communication Technologies), a collaborative project funded by the 7th Framework Programme of the European Union.
Design/methodology/approach
On the basis of the analysis of around 100 published sources, which dealt with various aspects of selected ICTs, conclusions have been drawn regarding gender issues and concerns that the applications of these ICTs may cause. The authors' analysis is theoretically informed by critical discourse analysis (CDA) which assumes that texts, both written and spoken, as well as other forms of symbolic representations, are indicative of social practices. Of particular methodological relevance was the survey of methods of text and discourse analysis presented in Titscher et al. and especially the application of keyword search as a way to measure the prominence of each investigated method. This approach to literature surveying proved very useful in selecting analytic material: only those published sources on the selected four ICTs have been included in the survey, for which the analysis of keywords, abstracts and indexes of terms indicated authors' interest in gender issues.
Findings
First, ICTs such as affective computing, ambient intelligence, and artificial intelligence, have been found to have the potential of positively affecting gender power relations and thus positively affecting gender balance in the areas of labour market related to ICT across EU countries and worldwide. Second, more research on the relationship between gender and ICT design, application and representation is needed, so as to enhance a better understanding of ethical issues resulting from unequal participation of women and men in all aspects of ICT production and implementation, which in itself is an ethical dilemma with which both the ICT business and legislators have to grapple.
Originality/value
The paper offers insight into the relationship between the level of attention devoted to particular ICTs by ICT researchers, as evidenced in the reviewed literature, and the likelihood of the application of a particular ICT in the future, which is looked at and assessed from a gender perspective.
Tuesday, 10 April 2012
Move into the Cloud, shall we?
an article by Sharon Q. Yang (based at Moore Library, Rider University, Lawrenceville, New Jersey) published in Library Hi Tech News Volume 29 Issue 1 (2012)
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to discuss the latest information on cloud computing in a library context.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper adopts an investigative approach including literature review and vendor-provided information.
Findings
Cloud computing is both a trend and technology to deliver software and hardware as a service, not as a product. It involves a centralized data center, virtual server space, and secure transfer of data over the internet. The alleged advantages of cloud computing include low cost to own (CTO), agile updates, openness, zero initial investment, just to name a few. Lately library system vendors have begun to deliver cloud computing options. For instance, Ex Libris will release Alma in early 2012. It is an Integrated Library System with a discovery layer based on cloud computing. Amazon (Elastic Compute Cloud called Amazon EC2) and other vendors also offer virtual servers for cloud computing and charge customers by hours, usage, and capacity. If this trend continues for the next several years, it is just a matter of time before librarians will face the decision as to whether they should move into compute cloud.
Originality/value
The paper discusses this new trend, focusing on the pros and cons of moving into cloud computing for libraries.
Hazel’s comment:
The problem is, of course, that technology is moving so fast that the research is out of date before it is published.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to discuss the latest information on cloud computing in a library context.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper adopts an investigative approach including literature review and vendor-provided information.
Findings
Cloud computing is both a trend and technology to deliver software and hardware as a service, not as a product. It involves a centralized data center, virtual server space, and secure transfer of data over the internet. The alleged advantages of cloud computing include low cost to own (CTO), agile updates, openness, zero initial investment, just to name a few. Lately library system vendors have begun to deliver cloud computing options. For instance, Ex Libris will release Alma in early 2012. It is an Integrated Library System with a discovery layer based on cloud computing. Amazon (Elastic Compute Cloud called Amazon EC2) and other vendors also offer virtual servers for cloud computing and charge customers by hours, usage, and capacity. If this trend continues for the next several years, it is just a matter of time before librarians will face the decision as to whether they should move into compute cloud.
Originality/value
The paper discusses this new trend, focusing on the pros and cons of moving into cloud computing for libraries.
Hazel’s comment:
The problem is, of course, that technology is moving so fast that the research is out of date before it is published.
Monday, 7 November 2011
If Not Now, When?
an article by Adrian Sannier published in Educause Review Volume 46 Number 6 (November December 2011)
Abstract
The unprecedented challenges facing the educational system, combined with higher education’s ultural success at solving daunting challenges through the widespread application of information technology, have created the conditions for rapid change.
Full text (HTML)
Abstract
The unprecedented challenges facing the educational system, combined with higher education’s ultural success at solving daunting challenges through the widespread application of information technology, have created the conditions for rapid change.
Full text (HTML)
Monday, 17 October 2011
IT for a better future: how to integrate ethics, politics and innovation
an article by Bernd Carsten Stahl, (De Montfort University) published in Journal of Information, Communication and Ethics in Society Volume 9 Issue 3
Abstract
Purpose
The paper aims to explore future and emerging information and communication technologies. It gives a general overview of the social consequences and ethical issues arising from technologies that can currently be reasonably expected. This overview is used to present recommendations and integrate these in a framework of responsible innovation.
Design/methodology/approach
The identification of emerging ICTs and their ethical consequences is based on the review and analysis if several different bodies of literature. The individual features of the ICTs and the ethical issues identified this way are then aggregated and analysed.
Findings
The paper outlines the 11 ICTs identified. Some of the shared features that are likely to have social relevance include an increase in natural interaction, the invisibility of technology, direct links between humans and technology, detailed models and data of humans and an increasing autonomy of technology that may lead to power over the user. Ethical issues include several current topics such as privacy, data protection, intellectual property and digital divides. New problems may include changes to the way humans are perceived and the role of humans and technology in society. This includes changing power structures and different ways of treating humans.
Research limitations/implications
The paper presents a piece of foresight research which cannot claim exact knowledge of the future. However, by developing a detailed understanding of possible futures it provides an important basis for current decisions relating to future technology development and governance.
Practical implications
The paper spells out a range of recommendations for both policy makers and researchers/industry. These refer to the framework within which technology is developed and how such a framework could be designed to allow the development of ethical reflexivity.
Social implications
The work described here is likely to influence EU policy on ICT research and technology research and innovation more broadly. This may have implications for the type of technologies funded and broad implications for the social use of emerging technologies.
Originality/value
The paper presents a novel and important broad view of the future of ICTs that is required in order to inform current policy decisions.
Abstract
Purpose
The paper aims to explore future and emerging information and communication technologies. It gives a general overview of the social consequences and ethical issues arising from technologies that can currently be reasonably expected. This overview is used to present recommendations and integrate these in a framework of responsible innovation.
Design/methodology/approach
The identification of emerging ICTs and their ethical consequences is based on the review and analysis if several different bodies of literature. The individual features of the ICTs and the ethical issues identified this way are then aggregated and analysed.
Findings
The paper outlines the 11 ICTs identified. Some of the shared features that are likely to have social relevance include an increase in natural interaction, the invisibility of technology, direct links between humans and technology, detailed models and data of humans and an increasing autonomy of technology that may lead to power over the user. Ethical issues include several current topics such as privacy, data protection, intellectual property and digital divides. New problems may include changes to the way humans are perceived and the role of humans and technology in society. This includes changing power structures and different ways of treating humans.
Research limitations/implications
The paper presents a piece of foresight research which cannot claim exact knowledge of the future. However, by developing a detailed understanding of possible futures it provides an important basis for current decisions relating to future technology development and governance.
Practical implications
The paper spells out a range of recommendations for both policy makers and researchers/industry. These refer to the framework within which technology is developed and how such a framework could be designed to allow the development of ethical reflexivity.
Social implications
The work described here is likely to influence EU policy on ICT research and technology research and innovation more broadly. This may have implications for the type of technologies funded and broad implications for the social use of emerging technologies.
Originality/value
The paper presents a novel and important broad view of the future of ICTs that is required in order to inform current policy decisions.
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