Showing papers on "The Internet published in 1970"

Consumer Perception of E-Service Quality: From Internet Purchaser and Non-Purchaser Perspectives

Abstract: This exploratory study expands the knowledge concerning service quality dimensions in the context of Internet commerce, from the differing perspectives of two groups: Internet purchasers and Internet non-purchasers. Six primary service quality dimensions perceived by Internet purchasers were uncovered: reliability, access, ease of use, personalization, security, and credibility while seven dimensions were discovered for Internet non-purchasers: security, responsiveness, ease of use, reliability, availability, personalization, and access. When examining the relative importance of each dimension affecting overall service quality assessment, the "reliability" factor was found to be the most important dimension for Internet purchasers while Internet non-purchasers consider "security" as their most critical concern. Introduction The Internet commerce industry has gone through an initial period of focusing on new customers to the present stage of both retaining and attracting customers. Instant price comparisons on the Web, brought by powerful search engines, make non-price competitive advantages, such as service quality, ever more critical in retaining and attracting customers (Griff & Palmer, 1999; Jarvenpaa & Todd, 1997; Uu & Arnett, 2000). What brings online customers back, primarily, is a sense of loyalty that comes from an Internet company. (1) offering better service than anyone else (Hoff, McWilliams & Saveri, 1998). To offer better services, it is necessary for Internet companies to investigate what existing and potential customers expect for service quality. In the context of Internet commerce, existing customers are those who have utilized the Internet as a channel to purchase products and services. Potential customers, for Internet commerce industry as a whole, are generally those who have utilized the Internet as a source to search for information about desired products and services but have never purchased through the Internet (i.e., they prefer to purchase through traditional channels), For purposes of this study, these two types of consumers are coined "Internet purchasers" and "Internet non-purchasers" respectively. The ideal action for Internet companies is to improve and maintain all service quality attributes that satisfy both existing and potential customers' needs and wants. However, given that both large and small online companies have limited resources, priorities must be set among alternative service attributes in making investment decisions based on a company's business strategies. If online companies can understand the similarities and differences of key service quality dimensions perceived by Internet purchasers and Internet non-purchasers, different service offering strategies can be applied to retain existing Internet customers and attract potential customers. Therefore, it is necessary to understand both Internet purchasers' and non-purchasers' perceptions of service quality attributes related to Internet purchasing. Nevertheless, no empirical attention has been given to examining the service quality attributes in the context of Internet commerce from the perspectives of Internet purchasers and Internet non-purchasers. This article, therefore, intends to expand the body of knowledge relating to the service quality construct within the Internet commerce context. Three specific research questions are investigated: * What are the key underlying dimensions of service quality within the framework of Internet commerce as perceived by Internet purchasers and nonpurchasers? * Are there any differences between the two groups' perceptions of service quality dimensions? If any, what are they? * Which service quality attributes most significantly impact the overall service quality as assessed by Internet purchasers and non-purchasers? Conceptual Background Internet Purchasers Versus Internet Non-Purchasers Internet purchasers and non-purchasers are somewhat interchangeable. …

Emerging Value Propositions For M-Commerce

Abstract: The proliferation of mobile Internet devices is creating an unparalleled opportunity for e-commerce to leverage the benefits of mobility. Mobile e-commerce, commonly referred to as m-commerce, is the ability to purchase goods anywhere through a wireless Internet-enabled device. Current e-commerce providers, engaged through mobile devices, will find advantage in developing unique m-commerce value propositions founded upon the specific dimensions of: ubiquity, convenience, localization, and personalization. A consumer orientation that provides value-for-time functions to create a new value curve may achieve a competitive advantage over traditional e-commerce models replicated for mobile business. Therefore, this paper investigates the value propositions, that engender a productive mobile e-commerce strategy to provide recommendations for managerial decision-making in this emerging wireless environment. Introduction In the new decade, the call for information technology will be information, any time, any place and on any device. Accordingly, e-commerce is poised to witness an unprecedented explosion of mobility, creating a new domain of mobile commerce. Mobile commerce, or m-commerce, is the ability to purchase goods anywhere through a wireless Internet-enabled device. Mobile commerce refers to any transaction with monetary value that is conducted via a mobile network. It will allow users to purchase products over the Internet without the use of a PC. "Within five years, individual e-commerce services will be primarily delivered by wireless and the wireless terminal will become the window of choice to the transactional e-world," says Neil Montefiore, executive of Singapore mobile operator M1 (Hoffman, 2000, p.20). This proliferation of wireless capability has created an emerging opportunity for e-commerce businesses to expand beyond the traditional limitations of the fixed-line personal computer. The magnitude of the mobile Internet revolution will pressure current e-commerce business models, create apertures for new mobile Internet companies, engender a stream of change among established e-commerce paradigms, and lead to a reconfiguration of value propositions in many industries (Evans & Wurster, 1997). However, m-commerce is still not without its limitations. The problems it must overcome include: uniform standards, ease of operation, security for transactions, minimum screen size, display type and bandwidth, billing services, and the relatively impoverished web sites. Due to current technological limitations, limited service availability, and varying mobile consumer behavior patterns, business strategies developed for m-commerce applications will find it necessary to emphasize differing characteristics than traditional e-commerce strategies (Barnett, Hodges & Wilshire, 2000; Datamonitor, 2000). Successful m-commerce providers will understand that consumers are unwilling to spend long periods "surfing' on these inherently less user-friendly wireless devices (Albright, 2000). Wireless users demand packets of hyper-personalized information, not scaled-down versions of generic information. Therefore, technology-focused wireless Internet business models will be replaced by models which best integrate the unique characteristics of wireless m-commerce. As such, the long-term success of e-commerce may be partially dependent upon the successful development of effective consumer-oriented m-commerce business strategies. "Mobile commerce is per se not included in the traditional e-commerce market models. M-commerce will be able to increase the overall market for e-commerce, because of its unique value proposition of providing easily personalized, local goods and services anytime and anywhere" (Durlacher, 2000, p. 12). Despite tremendous interest in the melioration of m-commerce there is little, if any, research that examines how to develop a comprehensive consumer-oriented mobile e-commerce strategy. …

Consumer Attitudes towards Multi-Channel Retailers' Web Sites: The Role of Involvement, Brand Attitude, Internet Knowledge and Visit Duration

Abstract: The study examines how different consumers evaluate online shopping sites set up by bricks-and-mortar retailers. In particular, it examines how differences in consumers' information processing abilities and motivation as well as in their predispositions towards a site's material affect their attitudes towards that site and the amount of time they spend at the site. The postulated relationships are depicted in the form of a path diagram. The sites assessed were two electronic shopping sites belonging to well established casual wear multi-channel retailers. Findings suggested that attitudes towards a retailer's brand (predisposition) transfers to attitudes towards the retailer's shopping site. The characteristics of the web site were found to moderate the impact of involvement, Internet knowledge and Internet experience, on both attitudes towards a site and the visit duration. Introduction The revenue generated from Internet shopping is increasingly rapidly in terms of both its share of all retail sales and its overall value (Economist 2/26/00; 6/2/00). Sales from multi-channel retailers (catalogue and/or physical stores that also sell on-line) dominate this outlet, and they are expected to increase their dominance as the Internet matures (Economist 8/21/99). Businesses recognized, however, that use of the Internet should not be restricted to sales -- functions such as "building brand awareness" and "providing marketing information" are also relevant (www.yankeegroup.com). These trends and issues, alongside the changing nature of consumers' online shopping habits, reduce the importance of traditional distribution channels to retailers (e.g., Quelch & Klein, 1996; Hoffman, Novak & Catterjee, 1995; Hamill & Gregory, 1997). The role of the Internet, in particular, of electronic commerce web sites, has been recognized as a marketing tool for attracting and maintaining customers (Dreze & Zufryden, 1997; Vrolijk, Huizingh & Hoekstra, 1998; McMurdo, 1998; Dholakia & Rego, 1998; Hofacher & Murphy, 1998; O'Keefe, O'Connor & Kung, 1998). Settles (1995) has claimed that one of the most important elements of a web site's value to customers is the provision of pre-purchase sales information. Web site technology can allow consumers to view different product features, assess possible product attribute combinations and/or compare competitive offerings. However, the attractiveness and appeal of a web site is not the same to all customers (Settles, 1995). Nevertheless, despite the emphasis placed on the marketing potential of the Internet and the need for well-designed web sites, very little is known of consumer differences regarding their attitudes towards a web site. Specifically, there is very little academic research on the impact of consumer behavior on online shopping at web sites set up by bricks-and-mortar retailers (Katros, 2000). Based on the above, the main objective of this study is to examine consumers' attitudes towards a multi-channel retailer's web site. Drawing from research in psychology (Petty & Cacioppo, 1986; Chaiken, Liberman & Eagly, 1989) and advertising (MacInnis & Jaworski, 1989), the study concentrates mainly on the differences between individuals in terms of motivation, ability to process information and attitudes towards the brand. Literature Review and Model Development While consumer Internet research has considered the virtues of the medium and its potential uses (Berthon, Pitt & Watson, 1996), innovation diffusion and consumer Internet adoption (Gupta & Rabikar, 1997; Keeling & McGoldrick, 1997; Keeling, Fowler & McGoldrick, 1998; White, Abels & Murnane, 1998), and how, with certain product categories, consumer buying can be modeled (Liang & Huang, 1998), it is still limited in scope. A popular Internet research topic is web site effectiveness, where researchers have focussed on web site design features and content (Dreze & Zufryden, 1997; Vrolijk et al. …

Testing the Applicability of Porter's Generic Strategies in the Digital Age: A Study of Korean Cyber Malls

Abstract: Although traditional strategic management theory evolved in the context of brick and mortar firms operating in a physical space, we propose that Porter's (1980) generic strategy framework is still applicable, albeit in need of some modification, to competition in the digital age. This study tests that assertion in a sample of Korean online shopping malls. In particular, it explores the following research question Do Porter's (1980) generic strategies explain performance differences across business-to-consumer (B2C) firms? Our results suggest that Porter's generic strategies ore applicable to e-business and that they indeed explain performance differences across firms. Contrary to conventional wisdom, but consistent with the logic of business in the digital realm,, the cost leadership strategy, exhibited the lowest performance. Firms pursuing a hybrid cost leadership/differentiation strategy, exhibited the highest performance, interesting when a sub-sample of all firms pursuing the hybrid strategy was analyzed for performance differences by firm type (pure plays vs. clicks-and-brick), pure plays exhibited superior performance. Our findings suggest that cost leadership and differentiation can be combined at the same time, and must be combined to be successful in e-business. ********** The inexorable worldwide spread of the Internet and unprecedented rates of adoption of computer and telecommunication technologies by firms in North America, Western Europe, and selected parts of Asia continue to erode the relevance of traditional strategic weapons such as geographic location and favorable physical resources. The Internet now allows firms located anywhere in the world to project their influence in distant markets without creating a physical presence. Likewise, computer and telecommunication technologies are making the possession of heretofore advantageous physical resources increasingly irrelevant. How is the new information age different from the machine age of the last 100 years? Managers and scholars alike are struggling to understand how economic and business rules have changed and should change. Many have claimed that the old concepts will not be applicable in this new environment. As scholars, we ask whether existing strategy frameworks, models, and tools are applicable in this new age. Traditionally, one of the main streams of strategy research examines the relationship between strategy type and firm performance (Carter et al, 1994: Dess & Davis, 1984; Kim & Lim, 1988; McDougall & Robinson, 1990; Miller, 1987: Porter, 1980). These strategy types, sometimes called generic strategies (Porter, 1980), archetypes, or gestalts (Robinson & Pearce, 1988), simplify a myriad of possible strategies into a limited set of strategy types. We do not know, however, whether these strategy types can be applied to e-businesses (Smith et al, 1999). This paper asks whether we can use conventional generic strategy concepts to understand, explain, and predict firms' strategic behaviors and performance outcomes in the Internet age. While enthusiasm for e-business, especially B2C business, has waned since the Internet boom period of the late 1990s, business activity on the Internet continues to grow. Although current management theories evolved in the context of brick and mortar firms, we propose that Porter's (1980) generic strategy framework is still applicable, albeit in need of some modification, to competition in the digital age. This study tests that assertion using data from a sample of Korean online shopping malls. In particular, the study explores the following research questions: 1. What strategy types are found among e-business firms? Will they resemble Porter's (1980) generic strategy types? 2. Will we find performance differences among Internet business firms using different strategy types? 3. Will we find differences in the strategy-performance relationships of pure online firms (pure plays) and firms with both online and off-line operations (clicks and bricks)? …

Youth as e-citizens: engaging the digital generation

Abstract: The growth of the Internet has dramati- cally altered the ways in which individuals use the media, and youth are at the fore- front of these changes. iGeneration Y, the nearly 60 million individuals born after 1979, represents the largest generation of young people in the nationis history, and the first to grow up in a world saturated with networks of information, digital devices, and the promise of perpetual connectivity. Although teens overall spend less time online than do adults (for a variety of reasons, including busy school and after-school schedules and the need to share Internet access with others), they are much more involved in the interactive and communications aspects of the Internet.

E-Tailing: An Analysis of Web Impacts on the Retail Market

Abstract: The Web has been changing the retail market in many ways. Following a new market framework, this paper analyzes the unique characteristics of the Web for retail applications, examines its market effects, and presents two perspectives for business response strategies. The Web can either be used as a marketing tool, which is integrated into traditional business strategies, or can be viewed as a new marketplace, which demands new business design. Differences between these two views will have strategic and implementation implications for both traditional and startup retailers as they adapt to Web marketing. Finally, we propose some research issues and challenges that should be addressed to better our understanding and promote the success of this new marketplace. ********** A Web Market Framework Electronic retailing, which involves the selling of goods and services to the consumer market via the Internet, is also called e-tailing, e-retailing and electronic commerce (EC) in the business-to-consumer (B2C) market. The emergence of this electronic retail market has been rapid. Dramatically expanding reach (people/ location) and range (variety) of information, the World Wide Web can create benefits for both marketers and consumers. For consumers, the Web can provide access to a wide range of products and services with low cost (Bakos 1997), extensive and tailored information, at-home convenience for product comparisons, enhanced interactivity (Cross & Smith 1995), and facilitate the formation of virtual communities (Internet users with common interests) (Armstrong and Hagel 1996). Marketers can benefit from lower real estate-related expenses (Schlauch & Laposa 2001), improved market research (Burke 1996; Murphy et al. 2001), new retail models, increased sales, and enhanced consumer relationships. During the past few years numerous e-tailing startups have appeared, seeking new market opportunities. However, market development has not been as successful and rapid as expected. Troubled with a lack of profitability, many e-tailers, such as valueamerica.com, pets.com, living.com and furniture.com, were forced to close their businesses. Unfortunately, these are not isolated cases, as other e-tailers may soon face this same fate. Researchers have examined various aspects of B2C interactions to help businesses realize the potential benefits of e-tailing. To understand online consumers, Wolfinbarger and Gilly (2001) examined consumer motivations for online shopping, and Bellman et al. (1999) addressed the personal characteristics that predict online buying behavior. To understand business techniques, Web-based strategies are examined (Graham 2000; Griffith & Krampf 1998); marketing techniques, such as interactive marketing and database marketing, are researched (Jackson & Wang 1995); the future of virtual shopping is analyzed (Burke 1997; Pellet 1996); new business models are reviewed (Werbach 2000; Gulati & Garino 2000); and Web-based information systems (WIS) that facilitate online businesses, are emphasized (Isakowitz 1998; Wang & Head 2001). Before utilizing the above detailed research findings for strategic advantage, businesses first need to understand the basic Web impacts on the retail market. To understand the opportunities and threats of this evolving retail marketplace, we present a new Web market framework, shown in Figure 1. This framework outlines the Web characteristics that impact the retail market, the market effects from utilizing the Web, and the business response strategies. The framework shown in Figure serves to organize the discussion of this paper. [FIGURE 1 OMITTED] Characteristics of the Web for Retail Applications Studying the characteristics of new media technology provides a structured context for understanding its social effects and a basis for media comparison (Williams et al. …

Determinants of governance structure for the electronic value chain: Resource dependency and transaction costs perspectives.

Abstract: This paper investigates boundary decisions that determine governance structures, particularly intermediaries and external contractors, for executing the primary functions of procurement, sales, and information technology support functions in the value chain model. Utilizing data from 113 firms doing business on the Internet, the findings indicate that firm resources have a significant impact on decisions to outsource or internalize electronic value chain functions. Specifically, firms with a greater reliance on sales intermediaries were found to deploy fewer technical e-commerce resources than firms less dependent on sales intermediaries. Moreover, the number of intermediary procurement functions was positively related to investment in web-based human resources. The results also suggest that firms experiencing lower levels of transaction frequency utilize more types of Internet sales methods. ********** With the advent of Internet-based electronic commerce, firms are searching for new business models to achieve organizational effectiveness. New technologies often do not lead to improved performance because managers lack a framework for deciding the optimal business model given their particular internal and external circumstances (Fisher, 1997; Janssen & Sol, 2000). Thus, research is needed that focuses on resources and capabilities and their impact on governance decisions for firms pursuing Internet-based commerce (Williamson, 1999; Barney, 1999). This study applies well-established paradigms from strategic management, marketing, and organizational economic literature to examine strategic and structural issues related to electronic commerce. Critical to the strategic objective of maximizing firm performance is the appropriate choice of corporate governance mechanisms for interorganizational relationships within the value chain. In light of new information technology, firms need to reassess boundary decisions that determine governance structures. In particular, a focus is needed on the primary functions of procurement, sales, and information technology support functions in the value chain. Although research suggests that the divergent resource requirements of this newly evolved information systems technology necessitate different governance structures, optimal boundary choices have not been empirically investigated (McWilliam & Gray, 1995; Tsang, 2000). In response to this void, this study examines how firm resources and exchange attributes impact interorganizational governance structures for specific value chain functions. First a discussion of the literature related to channel functions and governance structures is provided, followed by hypotheses regarding the effects of various exchange attributes on governance structures. Next, the methods used to test the hypotheses are presented and the results are provided. Lastly, a discussion of the theoretical and managerial implications is offered. Literature Review Channel Functions There are four basic types of companies that use the Internet in the core of their business: (1) e-commerce companies that sell goods over the Internet; (2) content aggregators who gather and display content from multiple sources; (3) market makers that act as intermediaries or conduct electronic markets; and (4) service providers who furnish Internet based services (Afuah & Tucci, 2000). This study focuses on market makers that act as intermediaries within the primary activities of procurement (supply) and sales (demand). Channel functions related to procurement include purchasing through multi-party, interactive, or dynamic pricing online markets. Selling channel services by intermediaries include selling through hubs, online auctions, use of competitive bidding, or the management of dynamic pricing systems. We also investigate information technology support services for website design and commerce support. …

Meeting in the Ether: A brief history of virtual worlds as a medium for user-created events

Abstract: Virtual worlds, shared graphical spaces on the Internet, are an exciting new medium of human presence for the 21st Century. This article explores the origins, evolution and future of the virtual world medium from their humble beginnings in multi-player games to their use in education, business, science and engineering. Our focus will be on the development of social virtual worlds including environments such as Habitat, Active Worlds and Second Life.

Comunidades Virtuais em Redes Sociais na Internet: uma proposta de estudo

Abstract: This paper deals with a model for the study of virtual communities as Internet social networks. It proposes a method of study for these phenomena. It starts from a conceptual definition of virtual communities and the interdisciplinary construction of the concepct of social network. Finally, based on this debate, the proposal is presented.

Reusing Implicit Cooperation. A Novel Approach to Knowledge Management

Abstract: The study described in this paper deals with information reuse obtained by implicit co-operation, particularly by recycling the contents of a proxy cache (shared memory). The objective is to automatically feed a Web server with large multimedia objects implicitly centred on community fields of interests. We show that the strategy of reusing previously downloaded information provides interesting advantages at a low cost; in particular, to reduce Web access time, to improve information retrieval, and to reduce Internet bandwidth use. Moreover, we use the conceptual frameworks of forgetting and collective intelligence to develop a model on which the operation of implicit cooperation is based.

Virtual Goods: Good for Business?

Abstract: Whilst 2008 saw the emergence of the virtual worlds sector, 2009 has to be called the year of the virtual good. With online destinations such as social networks seeing a creation of brand-new revenue steams and virtual worlds ‘giving the users want they want’, the virtual goods sector is one of the fastest growing areas of the Internet. In its most popular form, virtual goods relate to accessories for avatars–clothing, hair and other person-related apparel. These are purchased by users to customize their appearance and are popular across all types of virtual worlds, from kids and tweens right through grown-up worlds and also apply across all genres. There is an incumbent demand for users to want to change and control how they are seen in virtual worlds. But virtual goods don’t just include avatar appearance customization. Online communities are learning how to monetize all aspects of the user experience, including the ability, for example, to buy a bespoke user name or access specific areas inside a virtual world. On the SocNet side, virtual goods are being used to great effect with social/mini-games, providing ‘tools’ to complete a game faster/level-up.

Peranan Internet Sebagai Media Komunikasi

Abstract: Currently, the Internet not only become an alternative communication media, but even helped form a newcommunication patterns. Nevertheless, there has been no communication science theories that can accommodatecommunication through this internet. Meanwhile, theories of communication that already exist that can be used for runwayapproach to Internet research is the theory of the uses and gratifications which focuses on media, passive and activecommunicants. Meanwhile, supporters of reference is still a concept rather than a middle-range theory. This paper seeks toexplore existing concepts in communication via the Internet based on theories that have existed from the science ofcommunication

Impact of Internet Aided Self-Managed Teams On Quality of Work-Life and Performance

Abstract: The impact of participation in an Internet aided self-managed (IASM) teams program on employee quality of work life attitudes, and on performance was studied among employees in a manufacturing firm for a 36-month period. The attitudinal results indicate that IASM teams improved participants' quality of work life. The performance results document a positive and substantial impact on employee productivity, efficiency, quality, and overall performance. However, implementation of IASM teams is a complex task that requires time and commitment of resources to reap potential rewards. In addition, the research findings suggest that using this program gives employees the authority to act and make decisions on their own, making their jobs more demanding and challenging at the same time. Introduction The development of the Internet and the information technology industries has forever changed the way that companies do business and create value. In light of the recent growth in "electronic commerce" (i.e., Internet or Web-based systems and the information technology (IT) industries), many private forecasts made just a year ago have been revised upward. In early 1998, forecasters were suggesting that business-to-business (B2B) e-commerce might rise to $300 billion by 2002 (Holtz, 1996, Kezsbom, 2000). Most forecasters now consider that estimate to be too low. For example, Forrester Research (Forrester, 1998) estimates that business-to-business e-commerce will rise to $1.3 trillion by 2003. Cyber Dialogue (Thompson-Jones, 1999) estimates that the value of off-line orders influenced by the Internet was approximately $51 billion. There were estimated 400 million people worldwide using the Internet in 2001. Projections called for 600 to 700 million internet users globally by 2003 (Thompson and Strickland, 2003). In addition, many organizations are using self-managed terms programs in conjunction with the internet as a tool to communicate effectively and to improve performance (Kezsbom, 2000; Alwang, 1998; Mays, 1999). Almost ten years ago, the idea of a team working together from remote locations was nonexistent. Today, technology, globalization, and the need for fast responses to marketplace demands have dramatically changed the way business is conducted. Approximately 137 million workers worldwide will be involved in some form of remote electronic work by 2003 (Solomon, 2001). In allowing employees to participate in problem-solving--giving them the authority to act and make decisions on their own--they develop a renewed interest in their organization's performance and therefore in improving their own performance. Management delegates authority to self-managing teams who execute the work faster and with fewer delays than were possible in the traditional organizational structure. Using the Internet as a tool to communicate effectively with each other and with teams in different locations (Kezsbom, 2000; Townsend, DeMarie and Hendrickson, 1996; Alexander, 2001), allows the decentralization of decision making and authority while simultaneously support centralized control (Harvey, 1999; Turban, Rainer and Porter, 2000). it is not an end in itself, but the means of achieving greater performance and improved employee quality of work life perceptions. With the increasing us of IASM teams in work organizations and the convergence of many high-technology fields, broad longitudinal teams in work organization and the convergency of many high-technology fields, broad longitudinal investigation is needed to provide insights into the understanding of its impact on the business environment. Therefore, this article discusses a longitudinal and experimental field study that compares changes in perceptions of quality of work life and performance for participants in an Internet aided self-managed teams program. Literature Review Internet technology provides automation, allows business to be conducted in different locations provides flexibility in manufacturing, and permits quicker delivery to customers. …

Metode dan Media Pembelajaran Bahasa Arab Berbasis Internet di Era Teknologi Informasi

Abstract: Information technology era necessitate changing of learning system, mainly on method and media Arabic language learning. Arabic language learning system nowadays criticized because its monotone, traditional, and not innovative compared with other language learning. This is because absolutism and lack of creativity of Arabic learning sta­keholders (lecturer, teacher, Kiai) to apply method and Arabic language learning media that appropriate with information technology advancement. internet- based Arabic language learning embarked because as most communicative learning media at information technology era because integrate internet and other information channel as tools to empower learning process to more creative, innovative, and competitive. .

Natura non facit saltum: promessas, alcances e limites no desenvolvimento do jornalismo on-line e da hiperficção

Abstract: The generalized and efficient use of multimidiality, interactivity and other potentialities of digital networks seems to have fallen short of the promises of the early 90´s. Seen as a new medium, characterized by the convergence of previous media formats and by high interactivity, Internet was then portrayed as a stage for revolutionary transformations. Some authors would go as far as announcing the slow but inevitable extinction of traditional media formats. In this essay, dealing with selected aspects of the creation of new languages and forms of expression in digital networks, we try to draw a parallel between the development of Online journalism and Hyperfiction in Internet. The essay attempts to circumscribe the specificities of the two discursive typologies and sketch some ideas in the confrontation of promises of ten years ago with present day reality. Some clues are suggested for further investigation of both types of experimentation in Internet.

"Internet Access as a New Human Right? State of the Art on the Threshold of 2020"

Abstract: The aim of this study is to analyze the role that the Internet plays in the enjoyment of human rights and answer the question of whether we may be in the process of recog-nizing a new right, namely the right to Internet access. The conclusions are built upon a quantitative and qualitative analysis of the Internet-related recommendations adopted by the UN treaty-based bodies in the period between 2007 and 2017. Moreover, the paper is supplemented by a brief overview of the relevant recommendations formulated under the mechanism of the Universal Periodic Review. Analysis of the content of rec-ommendations allowed them to be classified into two groups – the first one integrates recommendations that refer to the duty of non-interference, and the second concerns the duty to expand Internet infrastructure across the country. The article ends with a call for further investigation of the normative potential of Article 15(1)b of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, as this hitherto forgotten provision might shed a new light on the proposed right to Internet access.

Application of the lifeGuide: a think-aloud study of users' experiences of the 'internet doctor'

Abstract: The LifeGuide is an Internet-based set of resources that social scientists with no programming skills can use to design, develop and modify Internet-based health behavior interventions. ‘Think aloud’ interviews were conducted with a purposive sample of 26 adult participants. Participants were encouraged to share their views of the ‘Internet Doctor’, a website which provides tailored advice for the self-care of cold and influenza symptoms. Thematic analysis revealed that participants were generally complimentary about the content of the ‘Internet Doctor’, but many experienced problems navigating the website. Future Internet-based health interventions may need to address some of the issues identified in this study in order to promote optimal user engagement. The findings also have implications for the future development of LifeGuide.

Nuevas dimensiones de Internet ¿Fuente de información o propaganda? La guerra en red y el periodismo

Abstract: The emergence of the new technologies of information, and among them the internet playing an important role, has proven to be a new media challenge for the journalists and the researchers in communication and documentation. From this perspective, the historic events that have occurred in the last decades have witnessed those technologic advances that compromise the journalist profession to be done under the code of ethics imposed. This article is focused on presenting the evolution of the so called netwar, starting with the Iraq invasion, which was the starting point of the repercussion of the internet; from now on, a new dimension of war is being discussed, the netwar. Examples of the use of internet are exposed both on the behalf of the journalists and from the citizen point of view searching new interpretations on weblogs, on webpages of official institutions or on the new pages of people who were pro or con the war. The second part of the article analyses the evolution of the Islamic terrorism and the impact that internet has globally, turning to be a big advantage in the conquest of both land and followers by radical groups such as the Islamic State. In this context, it is highlighted the essential role that a journalist has when comes to differentiate between good information that should be spread or a type of propaganda that is going to be in favor of the opposite side.

The Effect of Cyber Class in Medical Education

Abstract: The purposes of this study are to describe some of the basic and practical services available on the internet, and to evaluate the efficacy of lecture using the internet together with a traditional classroom lecture. Growing demands for better education and increasing amount of knowledge have brought up the need to use new methods in learning. Information and communication technology has given new opportunities and challenges in the field of education. Especially, the internet is creating information and communication spaces that are removing the traditional boundaries of time and location It offers new ways to learn and communicate in the field of medical education. Medicine is a very suitable area to use WWW-based teaching, because a great part of it is based on visually learned topics. The internet carries vast quantities of information in all different formats and modalities such as text, figures, video and audio. Teaching and learning are complex processes, and a wide variety of techniques and facilities are needed for each students and subject, which may vary at different times. The internet will not, and should not, replace traditional classroom lectures or tutorials, but it dose have the ability to add value to these traditional teaching techniques and to make the life of the student and teacher a litter easier, more varied and possibly more interesting. Preliminary results show that this kind of lecture is useful in teaching medicine, especially in self-oriented learning, but cannot replace totally a clinical teacher’s share in the learning process. Feedback from the users shows that this education is widely used and needed. The internet is likely to play more important roles in many aspects of medicine in the future.

Internet clinical trials: examining new disciplinary experiments in health care

Abstract: Internet-based clinical trials are the latest example of how technology is involved in altering the relationships between medical research institutions and society This has the potential to change drastically the creation, delivery and access to health care research An anthropology of science, technology and medicine is well-suited to examine the ways in which relationships (such as doctor-patient) are rearticulated in light of the deployment of new technologies in biomedicine This paper examines how internet-based clinical trials may create socio-technical networks that form new kinds of subjects Drawing on actor network theory, I discuss how the internet is co-opted for health research as an experimental disciplinary technology to constitute, normalize and shape the conduct of nomadic consumer-subjects for the purposes of developing new regimes of governing the health of populations

Ten years of activity on Computer-Aided Learning for electronics: needs, experiences, fields evaluation

Abstract: The paper presents a synthesis of our work on computer-aided learning in digital electronics, based on an exploratory learning environment and supported by a wide collection of computer-based pedagogical tools. In the last decade different implementations of this common environment were made. They are classified here in terms of pedagogical actions and skills to transmit versus the supporting technologies of courseware development and delivery media. Details are provided on the CD-ROM storage, Internet delivery and the use of streaming technology. A preliminary evaluation on the effectiveness and acceptance of the courses is provided

Currencies and Capitalisms on the Internet

Abstract: The internet is a particularly vibrant arena of economical development and transformation, because it brings together producers, distributors and consumers in a highly efficient manner. By doing so, it enables the exploration of innovative concepts without having to build costly new facilities. Thus the internet has become a living lab, which is used by people all over the world for creating and developing new economical forms. Anthropology offers a rich tradition for studying processes of production, distribution and consumption. In addition, anthropological studies on money offer interesting insights for thinking about uses of currencies on the internet. New forms of economical interaction create new kinds of currencies and money is multiplying on the internet. The aim of this paper is to outline some questions that can be raised by anthropological studies on economical forms and uses of currency. In order to understand virtual economies we need to think of what “the economy” actually means. Well-known economical forms are being replicated on the internet, but other kinds of economies are also being created that raise the question of how useful the mainstream idea of the economy is for studying them. Virtual economies often promote self-realization and creativity that have less to do with money than with being part of a vibrant community of people.

Use of Mobile Phone Technology in Education for Easy Accessibility of Information: Challenges and Prospects

Abstract: Information and communication technology has opened up such tremendous vistas for modern societies that any failure to master it would mean a life of permanent subordination. The evolution of Mobile phone makes it possible to work with distance learning, achieve a closer collaboration among teachers and students and also pave way for a new pedagogical approach where there is unparalleled ability to spread knowledge and disseminate information. This research adopted a survey design which sought information from respondents on the Use of Mobile phone Technology in Education for Easy Accessibility of Information. Three research questions guided the study. The population comprised five thousand, eight hundred secondary school graduate teachers in 265 public secondary schools in Anambra State. Disproportionate stratified-random sampling technique was adopted in selecting one thousand three hundred and sixty-five teachers for the study. A questionnaire entitled “Use of Mobile Phone Technology in Education” was developed by the researcher, validated by experts and used for data collection. Pearson’s Product Moment Correlation Co-efficient was used to obtain a reliability coefficient of 0.84. Data were collected and analyzed using mean and standard deviation. The findings revealed services obtained from the use of mobile phone ineducation to include making and receiving of voice calls, sending and receiving SMS, browsing the wireless application protocol sites, taking photos and recording videos, receiving local AM/FM stations, sharing and receiving multimedia messages/calls, connection to the internet & WWW etc. Challenges include lack of skilled ICT personnel, related infrastructure, reliable source of power supply, technologist for routine repairs among others. Based on the findings, recommendations include among others that government should organize workshops, seminars, and conferences for stakeholder and teachers to be trained on the use of mobile phone in education, adopt ICT international standard in Nigerian educational curriculum and provide reliable source of power and relevant infrastructures in the schools. Key word : Mobile Phone, Technology, Education, Challenges & Prospects

The Internet as a Moral Mediator. The Quest for Democracy

Abstract: Recently the impressive growth of the Web, and the Internet in general, has been considered as a promise that may both challenge and boost our representation of democratic institutions. It is well known that modern democracies are based on the possibility to control and even replace who rules by the force of the best arguments. More generally, the control of the government, and the effectiveness of democracy, is possible, if the citizens can access information. Hence, the promise of the Internet mainly relies on the fact that people may more freely access information, because it seems it cannot be controlled or manipulated by the political power. In the first part of this outline we will depict a cognitive framework to deal with the relationships between Internet and democracy. We shall show that Internet, as an information technology, can be considered as a cognitive and moral mediator; it can provide stories, texts, images, combined with sounds, so that the information fosters not only a cognitive, but also an emotional and moral understanding. In this sense, the Internet represents a kind of redistribution of the moral effort through managing objects and information to overcome the poverty and the unsatisfactory character of the options available. In the last part we will illustrate that Internet, as a moral mediator, may enhance democracy in two respects. First, it affords civic engagement and participation; second, it allows people to face different sources of information so that almost everyone can verify and test the information delivered by traditional media.

Aplicación e indicadores de inclusión social y sistema métrico de evaluación entre usuarios incluidos digitalmente que pertenecen a comunidades en estado de vulnerabilidad en Brasil

Abstract: This article aims ats evaluating the results of the process of digital inclusion among the supposedly included users of digital inclusion points, promoted by programs and projects of the Government and its partners, after having gone through qualification processes, workshops and other forms of mediation. The evaluation has as base the identification of variables that better explain the inclusion process and a multivariete analysis of these variables. Thus, factors had been identified that would allow to detect factors that have an impact in the inclusion process, such as the context of the user, his or her demographic profile, the social conditions, the use of and access to information and comunication technologies - ICTs, but also the evaluation, use and search of information by the user. An example is the search and employment of the information for the welfare of the community. In this study changes were detected to the degree in which explanations of variable or indicators are considered for the user to feel included, such as: sex, color/race, access to broadband Internet, infrastructure, available cellular telephone, available digital information in the Internet and social nets and a computer at home. The multivariate analysis selected that the determining factors of digital inclusion are in constant change, as the ownership of cell phone, a fixed telephone and computer at home. It was evidenced that the ones that say they are digitally included were people who believe that Internet changed their lives, know and use the Internet, participate in relationship sites, have the habit of reading the press and news in the WEB. In the study, the issues of schooling and range of income and geographic region continue to determine whether users feel included. Because of the universalization of cellular phones, this represents little to the included ones, which is different from having a computer at home. These results must be seen to the light of the research universe, of people of a disfavoured class, living in places with little telecommunications infrastructure, where the satellite is the most viable means to provide broadband Internet.