the effects of a wireless on-line community network on social capital
Across the developed world there has been a noticed decrease in Social capital. This decrease has also been noted in third level students. In finding ways to combat this decrease technology particularly Computer Mediated Communication and On-line Community Networks have been suggested as possible ways to do so. Examining the day to day activities of students it was noted that wireless and mobile technology may facilitate greater communication and engagement (elements of social capital) in the student community. A group of class representatives were given access to wireless technology and an on-line community network. It was established that usage of these did increase communication and engagement. A positive relationship between usage of the network and social capital was also found.
social capital computer mediated communication engagement socio technical capital online community network pda wireless network