title: Kid's Music Box: A Digital Music Organizer Designed with Children for Children

authors: Zhang, Edmond Yiwen

subjects: Children

abstract: This thesis is an investigation of software development for children aged six to ten years old. This is a challenging area; despite the trend for children to be exposed to computer technology at an earlier age, they often struggle to utilize it effectively. Children are not merely miniature adults; they have their own needs which are often not met by traditional software. In particular, this thesis focuses on the task of music management: a task that children take much interest in but for which they are given few tools. We address this with the design of a new music management system: the Kid's Music Box.

The development of Kid's Music Box is documented in four main parts: background research, requirements gathering, design and implementation, and evaluation. Background research identifies the strengths and weaknesses of conventional music organizers with respect to young users. Requirements gathering took the form of a focus group study, which aimed to overcome the distinct challenges of obtaining input from children. The design of Kid's Music Box builds on this work, by incorporating functionality, metaphors and design elements that suit the needs and capabilities of young children. Expert evaluations and formal evaluation from children users showed promising results, which concluded that Kid's Music Box is better than other organizers in terms of managing music for children.

text: Kid's Music Box: A Digital Music Organizer Designed with Children for Children This thesis is an investigation of software development for children aged six to ten years old. This is a challenging area; despite the trend for children to be exposed to computer technology at an earlier age, they often struggle to utilize it effectively. Children are not merely miniature adults; they have their own needs which are often not met by traditional software. In particular, this thesis focuses on the task of music management: a task that children take much interest in but for which they are given few tools. We address this with the design of a new music management system: the Kid's Music Box.

The development of Kid's Music Box is documented in four main parts: background research, requirements gathering, design and implementation, and evaluation. Background research identifies the strengths and weaknesses of conventional music organizers with respect to young users. Requirements gathering took the form of a focus group study, which aimed to overcome the distinct challenges of obtaining input from children. The design of Kid's Music Box builds on this work, by incorporating functionality, metaphors and design elements that suit the needs and capabilities of young children. Expert evaluations and formal evaluation from children users showed promising results, which concluded that Kid's Music Box is better than other organizers in terms of managing music for children.

year: 2007

title: The politics and public policies I hope for

authors: Weijers, Dan M.

abstract: The Trump administration in the United States demonstrates the power that politics can have over public policy. The recent leadership struggles in Australian political parties, the personality-based nature of most popular political discourse, and the childish point-scoring between political parties within our parliament demonstrate some of the disappointing aspects of politics. The current political situation is depressing and potentially dangerous. Surely we can do better!? In the talk I set out a naïve ideal proposal for a richly democratic wellbeing-centred political-policy process. I do not dare to dream that it would ever be implemented. Nevertheless, thinking about a candidate “ideal” system may provide some motivation and direction for improving the current system.

text: The politics and public policies I hope for The Trump administration in the United States demonstrates the power that politics can have over public policy. The recent leadership struggles in Australian political parties, the personality-based nature of most popular political discourse, and the childish point-scoring between political parties within our parliament demonstrate some of the disappointing aspects of politics. The current political situation is depressing and potentially dangerous. Surely we can do better!? In the talk I set out a naïve ideal proposal for a richly democratic wellbeing-centred political-policy process. I do not dare to dream that it would ever be implemented. Nevertheless, thinking about a candidate “ideal” system may provide some motivation and direction for improving the current system.

year: 2018

title: Ōpōtiki Mai Tawhiti Kapa Haka

authors: Maxwell, Te Kahautu

abstract: Te Matatini is the World Champion Competition. Ōpōtiki Mai Tawhiti; Pool performance on Day 1 of the Te Matatini National Kapa Haka Competition. Ōpōtiki Mai Tawhiti placed second in the pool and qualified for the Top 9 Finals on Sunday 24th February 2013. Overall in the Pool qualifiers ŌpōTiki Mai Tawhiti placed 5th out of 41.

text: Ōpōtiki Mai Tawhiti Kapa Haka Te Matatini is the World Champion Competition. Ōpōtiki Mai Tawhiti; Pool performance on Day 1 of the Te Matatini National Kapa Haka Competition. Ōpōtiki Mai Tawhiti placed second in the pool and qualified for the Top 9 Finals on Sunday 24th February 2013. Overall in the Pool qualifiers ŌpōTiki Mai Tawhiti placed 5th out of 41.

year: 2013-02-21