Filomena Papa

Building scenarios of digital television adoption: a pilot study

This study applies a multidisciplinary approach to build scenarios on both digital television (DTV) adoption and use of T-government services by citizens. Usability and socio-economic aspects were investigated earlier by an Italian pilot study. Dataset derived from this study was later analysed using the UTAUT (Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology) model in order to identify those factors affecting the usage as statistically reliable variables for the next step. In fact, a micro-simulation model on the diffusion of DTV and T-government services was built in order to better understand the user behaviour at various stages in the adoption course of this new digital technology. Microsimulation is also capable of predicting the consequences of certain policies at different levels (i.e. business and governmental). The model shows how some DTV and T-government scenarios on the adoption by the citizens can be influenced by different policy strategies: switch-off date, public communication campaigns, taxes reduction.

Usability aspects, socio-relational context and learning performance in the virtual classroom: A laboratory experiment

This paper presents a virtual classroom laboratory experiment involving real users. The main aim was to test the effects of two multimedia system configurations with a different degree of interactivity on usability aspects, socio-relational context and learning performance. Results confirm the effectiveness of the multimedia system both in terms of technical and psychological features. No difference between the two configurations was detected for usability and socio-relational factors while learning performance increased in the less interactive configuration. This suggests that for a specific task and for specific learners, less interactive configurations are preferable as they require less technological and training resources. Results are also discussed in terms of the implications for the basic features of multimedia systems used in the virtual classroom and on the correct procedures for training teachers and learners in the use of the equipment.

Psychological factors in virtual classroom situations : a pilot study for a model of learning through technological devices

Multimedia Communication Systems (MMCS) are particularly promising for the realization of advanced virtual classroom situations, in which people spatially distributed can communicate in real time using text, voice, sound, still and moving pictures. They could provide the opportunity to improve flexibility of learning and cooperation in the learning team. On the other hand, there is evidence that the availability of MMCS in a distance learning situation does not ensure their use and adoption by the users. Among the barriers to the diffusion of these forms of distance learning, human factors, in particular psychological factors, may play a prominent role. On these topics further theoretical and experimental work is needed. In order to examine these topics a new tool has been implemented at Fondazione Ugo Bordoni (Roma): the distance learning laboratory (DLL). This tool is being utilized in an investigation concerning the use of virtual classroom situation realised using multimedia systems. The present paper...

Broadband Cellular Radio Telecommunication Technologies in Distance Learning: A Human Factors Field Study

Abstract: This paper presents a virtual classroom field experiment utilising broadband cellular radio telecommunication technologies and involving real users. The aim of the investigation was to experiment in the field cellular broadband systems in realising virtual classroom situations. In particular, we investigated learners’ performance and usability aspects of the multimedia tele-education system including ease of use, usefulness, telepresence and users’ satisfaction about the system. Results confirmed the effectiveness of the multimedia system in terms of both technical and psychological features. Some operational results and practical solutions were obtained as well. They included the basic features of multimedia systems used in virtual classroom and the correct procedures for training teachers and learners in the equipment use.

Fostering social interaction of home-bound elderly people: the easyreach system

This paper presents the EasyReach system, a tool that aims at getting the elderly and pre-digital divide population closer to new technologies by creating a simplified social enviroment that facilitates interaction, trying to allow them to (i) easily keep in contact with friends and relatives, (ii) share their lifetime expertise, and (iii) avoid isolation. The EasyReach tool creates for the elderly a special social TV channel accessed by means of their own TV set and a specialized remote control endowed with gesture recognition, video and audio capture capabilities. A hidden personal assistant reasons on user preferences in the background allowing better focalization on his/her social interests.

User experience of elderly people with digital television: a qualitative investigation

The paper introduces a qualitative investigation to explore and analyse user experience of elderly people (age range from 70 to 79) with digital television and, more in general, with future services made available by broadband ICTs

Engaging technology-resistant elderly people: Empirical evidence from an ICT-enabled social environment.

ABSTRACT This paper presents a qualitative investigation on user reactions, opinions, and sentiments about a TV-based technological solution developed within the EasyReach Project of the EU Ambient Assisted Living Joint Program to promote social interaction of less educated elderly people, that is, those individuals who, because of poor scholarization, low income, and, possibly, linguistic barriers, still find it difficult to use computers in order to improve their socialization. Experimental data were collected by extensive trials involving 40 real-end users. A methodology called “scenario engagement” was applied to get participants engaged in a live demonstration with the mediation of a facilitator who assisted elderly people to interact with the system. Results point out that the system can be effectively employed to foster social interaction, particularly when it is introduced in a collective use environment (e.g., Senior Center). Although the focus of the investigation was on information and communication technology-enabled social environments, the end users themselves strongly suggested to include in future system releases extra functions considered as essential opportunities for their potential digital lives: that is, medical or health services and bridges toward public administration.

Households technology adoption and use patterns: the case of digital terrestrial television in six Italian regions

ABSTRACT The paper explores the technology adoption and use patterns of households. Many theories are focusing on the adoption; however, some studies show that the adoption mechanisms in households are still unknown. Before any sound theoretical proposals could be made, additional exploratory studies in this field are necessary to discover the relations between use behaviour and adoption determinants. To demonstrate this, our exploratory study uses the case of digital terrestrial television (DTT) introduction in Italy. The study incorporates exploratory factor analysis to identify dimensions of DTT adoption and use. These dimensions were further investigated through their relations with demographic variables of primary decision-makers in households. We found that DTT adoption and use relate to household characteristics in a relatively complex way, but clear systematic use patterns are evident. These patterns can serve as an empirical evidence to further develop theories in this field.

Office Automation Effects -In a Public Administration

Human Factors analysis of an Office Automation system adopted by an Italian Public Administration is the object of this paper. The evaluation of social and psychological effects due to human-machine interaction is the main aim of the investigation. Access to the information, influence on the way of work, formal and informal relationships interconnections with other offices and external bodies, work and life quality are considered. In order to face those aspects a model of causal relationships between Office Automation and main organizational characteristics is performed. Starting from the model adequate questionnaires for data collection have been worded for the quantitative verification of the validity degree of the model.

Getting and Keeping Aged People Socially Included

EasyReach is an Ambient Assisted Living Joint Programme project aimed at fostering the social interaction of home-bound and less educated elderly people. The project proposed a web interfaced service, accessed through the EasyReach DTT Set Top Box and a special remote control, equipped with interactive multimedia and an inertial unit. Pilots were carried out in the Italian cities of Rome and Milan by engaging real end-users in the controlled development of tasks. In the pilot conducted in Rome and described in this paper, data were collected by using both group and personal interviews, video recording and non-participant observations. Scenario engagement with realistic tasks was properly arranged.