Rocci Luppicini

Handbook of Research on Technoethics

Over the last 30 years, an amassing body of work has focused on ethical dimensions of technology in a variety of contexts impacting society. The emerging field of technoethics is based on the premise that it is of vital importance to encourage dialogue aimed at determining the ethical use of technology, guarding against its misuse, and forming common principles to help guide new advances. The Handbook of Research on Technoethics traces the emergence of the new interdisciplinary field of technoethics by exploring its conceptual development, important issues, and key areas of current research. Compiling more than 40 authoritative articles from leading researchers on the ethical dimensions of new technologies, this comprehensive handbook is an invaluable addition to library reference collections and will provide a wealth of insights to academics, students, and practitioners in a variety of fields affected by technology and its ethical implications.

Handbook of Research on Technoself: Identity in a Technological Society

Rocci Luppicini is an assistant professor in the Department of Communication at the University of Ottawa (Canada). He is a leading expert in technology studies (TS) and technoethics. He has published material in a number of areas including virtual learning communities and practice (Quarterly Review of Distance Education), research methodology on online instruction (Journal of Distance Education), instructional design (Canadian Journal of Learning and Technology), educational technology (Educational Technology and Society), and design research (International Journal of Technology and Design Education). He has authored and edited several books including, Online Learning Communities in Education (IAP, 2007), the Handbook of Conversation Design for Instructional Applications (IGI, 2008), and Trends in Canadian Educational Technology and Distance Education (VSM, 2008), and the co-edited Handbook of Research Technoethics (IGI, 2008). He is currently working on a publication in technoethics entitled, Technoethics and the Evolving Knowledge Society: Ethical Issues in Technological Design, Research, Development, and Innovation (2009). Rocci Luppicini (University of Ottawa, Canada)

Technoethics and the Evolving Knowledge Society: Ethical Issues in Technological Design, Research, Development, and Innovation

Technoethics and the Evolving Knowledge Society: Ethical Issues in Technological Design, Research, Development, and Innovation examines human processes and practices connected to technology embedded within social, political, and moral spheres of life. This innovative publication engages readers in critical debates connected to the ethical dimensions of a technological society.

Technoethical Inquiry into Ethical Hacking at a Canadian University

Business and academic organizations are in a constant pursuit of efficient and ethical technologies and practices to safeguard their information assets from the growing threat of hackers. Ethical hacking is one important information security risk management strategy they use. Most published books on ethical hacking have focused on its technical applications in risk assessment practices. This paper addressed a scarcity within the organizational communication literature on ethical hacking. Taking a qualitative exploratory case study approach, the authors explored ethical hacking implementation within a Canadian university as the case study in focus, applying technoethical inquiry theory paired with Karl Weicks sensemaking model as a theoretical framework. In-depth interviews with key stakeholder groups and a document review were conducted. Findings pointed to the need to expand the communicative and sociocultural considerations involved in decision making about ethical hacking organizational practices, and to security awareness training to leverage sensemaking opportunities and reduce equivocality.

The Use and Abuse of Digital Democracy: Case Study of Mybarackobama.com

The field of technoethics explores the ethical challenges that technology poses to the different spheres of society. Recently, scholars have begun to explore the ethical implications of new digital technologies and social media, particularly in the realms of society and politics. A qualitative case study was conducted on Barack Obama’s campaign social networking site, my.barackobama.com, in order to investigate the ways in which the website uses or misuses digital technology to create a healthy participatory democracy. For an analysis of ethical and non-ethical ways to promote participatory democracy online, the study included theoretical perspectives such as the role of the public sphere in a participatory democracy and the effects of political marketing on the public sphere. The case study included a content analysis of the website and interviews with members of groups on the site. The study’s results can be found further in the article.

Moral, Ethical, and Social Dilemmas in the Age of Technology: Theories and Practice

Rocci Luppicini is an associate professor in the Department of Communication at the University of Ottawa (Canada) and acts as the editor-in-chief for the International Journal of Technoethics. He is a leading expert in technology studies (TS) and technoethics. He has published over 25 peer reviewed articles and has authored and edited several books including, Online Learning Communities in Education (IAP, 2007), the Handbook of Conversation Design for Instructional Applications (IGI, 2008), Trends in Canadian Educational Technology and Distance Education (VSM, 2008), the Handbook of Research on Technoethics: Volume I &II (with R. Adell) (IGI, 2008,2009), Technoethics and the Evolving Knowledge Society: Ethical Issues in Technological Design, Research, Development, and Innovation (2010), Cases on Digital Technologies in Higher Education: Issues and Challenges (with A. Haghi) (IGI, 2010), and Education for a Digital World: Present Realities and Future Possibilities (AAP, in press). His most recent edited work, the Handbook of Research on Technoself: Identity in a Technological Society: Vol I &II (IGI, in press), to be released in fall 2012, provides the first comprehensive reference work in the English language on human enhancement and identity within an evolving technological society. Rocci Luppicini (University of Ottawa, Canada)

Technoethics and the State of Science and Technology Studies STS in Canada

University degree programs in STS Science and Technology Studies represent a popular training ground for scholars and other professions dealing with advanced studies in science and technology. Degree programs in STS are currently offered at universities around the globe with various specializations and orientations. This study explores the nature of science and technology in Canada and the state of ethics within STS curriculum in Canada. STS degree programs offered under various titles at nine universities in Canada are examined. Findings reveal that ethical aspects of science and technology study is lacking from the core content of most Canadian academic programs in STS. Key challenges are addressed and suggestions are made on how to leverage STS programs within Canadian universities. This study advances the understanding of the developing field of STS in Canada from a technoethical perspective.

Socio-Technical Influences of Cyber Espionage: A Case Study of the GhostNet System

Technoethical inquiry deals with a variety of social, legal, cultural, economic, political, and ethical implications of new technological applications which can threaten important aspects of contemporary life and society. GhostNet is a large-scale cyber espionage network which has infiltrated important political, economic, and media institutions including embassies, foreign ministries and other government offices in 103 countries and infected at least 1,295 computers. The following case study explores the influences of GhostNet on affected organizations by critically reviewing GhostNet documentation and relevant literature on cyber espionage. The research delves into the socio-technical aspects of cyber espionage through a case study of GhostNet. Drawing on Actor Network Theory ANT, the research examined key socio-technical relations of Ghostnet and their influence on affected organizations. Implications of these findings for the phenomenon of GhostNet are discussed in the hope of raising awareness about the importance of understanding the dynamics of socio-technical relations of cyber-espionage within organizations.

Exploring the Challenges of Divorce on Saudi Women

The aim of this study is to identify the core issues and challenges that divorced Saudi women are facing in Saudi Arabia. A qualitative survey was administered to explore current issues faced by divorced Saudi women living in Saudi Arabia. Findings revealed a multitude of issues currently faced by divorced Saudi women linked to social, economic, psychological, and legal challenges. The discussion of core themes derived from the analysis provides an in-depth picture of challenges faced by divorced Saudi women. This research builds on the growing body of knowledge concerning the challenges of divorced Saudi women in contemporary society.

Exploring the Effect of mHealth Technologies on Communication and Information Sharing in a Pediatric Critical Care Unit: A Case Study

Communication and information sharing is an important aspect of healthcare information technology and mHealth management. A main requirement in the quality of patient care is the ability of all health care participants to communicate. Research illustrates that the complexity of communicating within the health care system hinders the quality of health care service delivery. Health informatics have been touted as a way to improve communication deficiencies, which has led to the exponential growth of health informatics integration. However, research still lags in understanding how health informatics affects patient care, health professional work routines, and the overall health care system. This study investigates the extent to which mHealth technologies influence communication information sharing patterns between interdisciplinary health care providers in the delivery of health care services. This study was conducted at Hamilton Health Sciences and through a sociotechnical approach, focuses on both the end users experiences with mHealth in daily work communication scenarios, and the extent to which mHealth use affects interdisciplinary communication. Results indicate that there are several mitigating factors which influence communication patterns using mHealth technologies, including: information sharing, mobility, ergonomic and system design.