title: Cultural and ethical implications of wearable technology uses

authors: Miller, Jadon

subjects: software engineering

abstract: For Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) practitioners, interacting with people is a fundamental part of our work. When running any kind of user study, it is important to critically consider any ethical or cultural biases that we (or our data or methods) may have. While this is not a new consideration, the introduction of wearable technology has introduced new aspects to user studies which may not have been apparent previously. In this paper, we present a wearable technology-based user study as a case study to highlight cultural and ethical considerations. Cultural considerations centre on both the cultural considerations that should be made towards participants and considerations for their data. Ethical considerations centre on the immediate impact on participants’ privacy and agency and the longer-term impact on their mental and physical safety. Finally, we suggest that in situations where cultural and racial disparities affect participant expectations and technical results, it is essential to proactively explore these factors.

text: Cultural and ethical implications of wearable technology uses For Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) practitioners, interacting with people is a fundamental part of our work. When running any kind of user study, it is important to critically consider any ethical or cultural biases that we (or our data or methods) may have. While this is not a new consideration, the introduction of wearable technology has introduced new aspects to user studies which may not have been apparent previously. In this paper, we present a wearable technology-based user study as a case study to highlight cultural and ethical considerations. Cultural considerations centre on both the cultural considerations that should be made towards participants and considerations for their data. Ethical considerations centre on the immediate impact on participants’ privacy and agency and the longer-term impact on their mental and physical safety. Finally, we suggest that in situations where cultural and racial disparities affect participant expectations and technical results, it is essential to proactively explore these factors.

year: 2024-02

title: Using Microsimulation to Maximise Scarce Survey Data: Applications for Catchment Scale Modelling and Policy Analysis

authors: Ramilan, Thiagarajah

subjects: farm survey

abstract: Microsimulation can be used to extend the use of scarce survey resources by creating simulated populations whose characteristics are close to those of the real population. The technique involves merging detailed survey observations with variables from more extensive data sets in order to create a simulated population. We illustrate how microsimulated data enable analysis of the economic and environmental impact of different policies on a catchment for which detailed farm level data was unavailable. Use of microsimulation for agri-environmental policy analysis is applicable to diverse problems from simulation of nitrogen trading to modelling of agent response to policy shocks. Scale flexibility is easily implemented since data can be aggregated or disaggregated to the preferred scale. Simulated catchment data allows better understanding of the effects of policies on different types of farm and should be extremely valuable to organisations that want to minimise the economic impact of environmental policies.

text: Using Microsimulation to Maximise Scarce Survey Data: Applications for Catchment Scale Modelling and Policy Analysis Microsimulation can be used to extend the use of scarce survey resources by creating simulated populations whose characteristics are close to those of the real population. The technique involves merging detailed survey observations with variables from more extensive data sets in order to create a simulated population. We illustrate how microsimulated data enable analysis of the economic and environmental impact of different policies on a catchment for which detailed farm level data was unavailable. Use of microsimulation for agri-environmental policy analysis is applicable to diverse problems from simulation of nitrogen trading to modelling of agent response to policy shocks. Scale flexibility is easily implemented since data can be aggregated or disaggregated to the preferred scale. Simulated catchment data allows better understanding of the effects of policies on different types of farm and should be extremely valuable to organisations that want to minimise the economic impact of environmental policies.

year: 2011

title: Enabling conditions for professional development of te reo Māori teachers

authors: Franken, Margaret

subjects: Māori language teachers

abstract: The paper outlines a professional development programme for secondary school teachers of te reo Māori (under the auspices of Te Hiringa i te Mahara) conducted by a language teacher educator and an expert in Māori bilingualism and biliteracy. While the principles underpinning the programme reflect a strong task-based
orientation, the programme approached development needs for the teachers from the point of view of understanding “enabling conditions” (Franken, Rau, Ngata & Parata, n.d.) for effective language learning and teaching (see also Ellis, 2005),
rather than understanding task based learning and teaching per se. The programme drew on the current practices of the teachers and made use of epistemology of Māori language and Māori language learning. The paper presents observations from monitoring data collected during the programme supporting the claim that such an approach to the professional development of language teachers promotes a strong knowledge base and pedagogical reasoning skills (Richards, 1998), and in particular for te reo Māori teachers, fosters a sense of their own professional identity.

text: Enabling conditions for professional development of te reo Māori teachers The paper outlines a professional development programme for secondary school teachers of te reo Māori (under the auspices of Te Hiringa i te Mahara) conducted by a language teacher educator and an expert in Māori bilingualism and biliteracy. While the principles underpinning the programme reflect a strong task-based
orientation, the programme approached development needs for the teachers from the point of view of understanding “enabling conditions” (Franken, Rau, Ngata & Parata, n.d.) for effective language learning and teaching (see also Ellis, 2005),
rather than understanding task based learning and teaching per se. The programme drew on the current practices of the teachers and made use of epistemology of Māori language and Māori language learning. The paper presents observations from monitoring data collected during the programme supporting the claim that such an approach to the professional development of language teachers promotes a strong knowledge base and pedagogical reasoning skills (Richards, 1998), and in particular for te reo Māori teachers, fosters a sense of their own professional identity.

year: 2009