The Journal of Digital Media & Interaction is an international open-access journal, published 2 times a year.
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Web3 Technologies in Contemporary Digital Ecosystems
Copyright (c) 2025 Ana Patrícia Oliveira, Liliana Vale Costa, Salomé Azevedo
Artificial intelligence at the service of investigative journalism
When we talk about investigative journalism, we try to understand a series of steps that aim to search evidence, findings and everything that can be used in social and legal contexts and that attest a certain piece of information is true and not false. The role of the investigative journalist is often placed at the base of the fourth estate, or as an intellectual powerhouse that contrasts with the forces that rule the governance system of most nations. The journalist's experience and performance is integrated in the concept that everything is questionable and subject of analysis. This premise attests to an increased responsibility in the investigation and treatment of these matters which, to a large extent, are discussed in the public regime. We are often faced with the role of the investigative journalist being minimized, even being made inferior, as the governments and companies that financially support this practice do not intend to invest in what could one day take away their position. Given the decreasing level of monetization of this practice, we decided to develop the idea of ​​a tool to make the practice of investigative journalism more democratic, through the automation of the most strenuous processes of the investigative process, opting for tools that help the journalist to think, inquire and visualize the links of the investigation in a pragmatic way based on image design. This desire to make the practice of investigative journalism faster and less dependent on funding from large groups - the aim is to outline a more advanced reality in the practice of investigative journalism - an idea that could also be applied to other types of professionals, such as private investigators and historians.
Viral narratives around the 'Sailor Moon made me gay' controversy on Facebook
Social media viral narratives create stereotyped and simplified representations of situations, events or individuals and can reflect the users’ emotions, feelings, identities or discourses. This article is a case study of the controversy “Sailor Moon made me gay”, which arose from the viralization of a humanities master’s thesis of the same name by a Tecnológico de Monterrey graduate in Mexico. Using a mixed method qualitative and quantitative content analysis of the comments from the four Facebook posts with the most engagement, five main thematic categories that fed the viral narratives were identified: mockery, sexuality, criticism of the research, criticism of institutions, and interest in the thesis. Driven mainly by mockery, the main narrative involved a literal interpretation of the title of the thesis, homophobic discourse, dismissal of the importance of the work’s findings, anger because of the author’s scholarship and the interpretation of the phenomenon as a sign of educational decline and Mexico’s downfall. These findings can aid researchers and institutions in understanding what is the social perception of pop culture and marginalized identities research.
Copyright (c) 2025 Daniel Eugenio Salinas Lara, Raúl Alejandro Treviño González, Mariana Reyes Abundes
Fostering Media Literacy through Digital Content Creation
In the contemporary educational landscape, digital citizenship and media literacy constitute essential competencies for preparing students to engage critically and consciously with digital media. This study describes an experimental educational initiative conducted at the Buck Festival in Foggia, aimed at developing digital competencies and multimedia expression skills among middle school students. Drawing upon the Theory of Change framework proposed by McDougall & Rega ​(2022)​ the project identifies the interventions required to foster transformative learning, whereby students acquire not only technical skills but also civic awareness and autonomous expression capabilities. The project’s primary objective was to actively engage students in creating digital content, including podcasts, blogs, and web TV reportage, connected to festival events. The adopted methodology, both experiential and collaborative in nature, employed focus groups with guiding questions to gather data on students’ perceptions regarding the project’s educational impact. Preliminary findings indicate enhanced digital competencies and civic engagement, aligning with the transformative perspective proposed by the Theory of Change. Future research directions encompass a longitudinal analysis of the same student cohort and comparative studies with other educational institutions to assess the model’s applicability across different contexts and evaluate the effectiveness of the educational pathway.
Copyright (c) 2025 Guendalina Peconio, Michele Ciletti, Giusi Antonia Toto
From paper to digital: Journey into imagination with Alba Digital Stories
In a context where creativity and critical understanding of media are crucial, the Alba Digital Stories project explores digital storytelling as an innovative educational approach to media literacy. Using the ToonTastic app, preschool children develop storytelling and digital literacy skills in a playful and collaborative environment. Integrated into the DigComp 2.2 framework, the project promotes creative expression and critical analysis of media, encouraging children to share stories and interact consciously in the digital landscape. Final interviews revealed that while 10 out of 15 children found digital drawing more intuitive and rewarding than drawing on paper, all were excited to see their characters and scenarios come to life in digital format. The teachers observed how the use of the tablet enhanced the children's ability to explore aesthetic details and turn mistakes into new creative opportunities. This approach not only encourages individual creativity, but also allows the children to experiment as storytellers and little directors, developing confidence and skills in an environment that combines tradition and innovation.
digital storytelling, ToonTastic, pedagogy, children
Towards a Generic NFT-Driven Digital Twin Simulation Platform
A new approach to asset management and traceability emerges upon the integration of Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs) and Digital Twin (DT) technology. While NFTs are widely used in digital art and gaming, their potential for securing real-world assets in DT simulations remains under-explored. A generic NFT-driven DT simulation platform could transform asset management by enhancing traceability, optimizing operations, and fostering sustainability within and across industries. In livestock management, DTs can model individual animals in real time, capturing data on health and growth. Linking this data to NFTs ensures ownership and provenance, improving traceability and accountability. Similarly, in manufacturing, DTs can identify inefficiencies, reducing waste and energy use. It is pressing to improve decision-making and operational efficiencies throughout distinct contexts. A Systematic Literature Review (SLR) was conducted following PRISMA. The goal was to build a solid, unbiased foundation for our research, contribute lasting value to the community, and identify where our work can make the most impact. From an initial set of 114 papers, the authors screened and classified the most relevant. This led to a final selection of 8 papers for full-text reading and in-depth analysis. They are presented in detail and compared in order to depict the current state of the art in the field. Results reveal a significant gap concerning the topic, particularly highlighting the absence of simulation environments that align with the previous proposal presented by the authors: a comprehensive NFT-driven and DT simulation platform that transforms NFT-based asset management from static ownership records to dynamic, provides simulation operational tools, enables real-time monitoring, predictive maintenance, and performance optimization for real-world assets.
Copyright (c) 2025 Bernardo J. R. Figueiredo, Marco P. M. Ferreira, João Matos, Marco P. J. P. Cova
The healthcare sector increasingly explores Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT) and Health Web 3.0 Decentralized Applications (DApps) as promising solutions for patient-centric data management, data sovereignty, and privacy-preserving systems. Despite significant research at the intersection of blockchain and healthcare, current efforts predominantly address isolated technical challenges—focusing narrowly on specific mechanisms such as confidentiality, privacy, or individual smart contract vulnerabilities. Even cybersecurity assessments typically examine discrete attack vectors rather than comprehensive threat landscapes. This fragmented approach limits our ability to build trustworthy systems and delays real-world adoption, as stakeholders lack frameworks to holistically evaluate security posture. This study addresses this gap by conducting a comprehensive threat modeling analysis of Health Web 3.0 DApps, taking into account the complex and interconnected security challenges inherent in blockchain-based healthcare systems. We employ a multi-framework approach integrating LINDDUN threat modeling methodology, OWASP Top 10 Smart Contract Vulnerabilities catalog, and Threat Dragon analytical tool to systematically identify, categorize, and evaluate security risks across the entire application stack. Our analysis maps threats spanning smart contract design flaws, cross-chain interaction vulnerabilities, decentralized identity management weaknesses, unauthorized data access risks, and denial-of-service attack vectors. The primary contribution of this work is demonstrating the critical importance and practical value of holistic threat modeling in blockchain healthcare systems. Our findings reveal interdependencies between seemingly isolated vulnerabilities and show how comprehensive security assessment enhances data privacy protection, smart contract integrity, and overall application resilience. This research provides stakeholders with a systematic methodology for deriving trust in blockchain healthcare solutions, advancing both regulatory compliance and user confidence in decentralized medical data management systems.
Copyright (c) 2025 Ricardo Gomes, Daniela Dinis, João Oliveira, Marisa Maximiano, Vítor Távora, Carlos Machado Antunes, Manuel Dias, Ricardo Correia Bezerra
Trust, Privacy and Authenticity in Scientific Data Sharing
Efficient and secure sharing of scientific data remains a key challenge in the Open Science framework, especially in terms of data authenticity, provenance and privacy. Traditional digital repositories improve access but often lack decentralized mechanisms that guarantee integrity and traceability. Blockchain technology provides a potential solution through tamper-proof records and distributed consensus, while Zero Knowledge Proofs (ZKP) can enhance privacy protection. This study explores how blockchain and ZKP can be integrated for decentralized scientific data management. A systematic literature review reveals limited application of these combined technologies in Open Science, highlighting a research gap and the need for solutions that support transparent, secure and privacy-preserving data sharing in accordance with FAIR principles.
Copyright (c) 2025 Joana Almeida, Rita Santos, Ciro Martins, Hélder Gomes, Cármen Guimarães, Fernando Costa, Pedro Colarejo, Afonso Monteiro, Liliana Costa
A Pragmatic Approach for Web3 Software Quality Assurance Based on International Guidelines
Ensuring software quality in the Web3 ecosystem presents unique challenges due to its decentralized architecture and evolving technical landscape. While international standards such as the SQuaRE (Systems and software Quality Requirements and Evaluation) framework offer structured approaches for quality assurance, they are often perceived as overly theoretical and not directly applicable to blockchain-based applications. This study aims to translate these standards into actionable practices suitable for Web3 environments, thereby supporting compliance and fostering stakeholder trust. Using the Design Science Research methodology, complemented by Lean Startup principles, a practical quality assurance guide was co-developed through collaboration between VOH.CoLAB researchers and the Exeedme project team and inspired by the practical experience in gaming and digital assets trading blockchain-based platforms. The resulting guide includes a structured framework comprising eight testing domains, 16 sub-domains and 108 targeted tests, with the domains addressing critical features of blockchain software, including, functional suitability, integration, security, performance, usability, portability, recoverability and resilience. This work contributes to the operationalization of international quality standards in decentralized technology, promoting more resilient and trustworthy blockchain applications.
Web3 software quality, Blockchain applications, SQuaRE framework, Quality assurance, Design Science Research
Copyright (c) 2025 Rodrigo Cerejo Antunes, Liliana Freitas, Pedro Dias, Luís Silva, Federico Guede-Fernandez, Salomé Azevedo
Integration of Citizen’s Card Digital Authentication in Hyperledger
This study investigates the integration of the Portuguese Citizen’s Card authentication with Hyperledger Fabric blockchain technology, addressing the challenge of bridging traditional government-issued digital identities with blockchain-based systems, particularly focusing on reducing barriers to Web3 adoption for users unfamiliar with decentralized technologies. The proposed solution leverages the Autenticação.gov Software Development Kit (SDK), developed by the Portuguese Agency for Administrative Modernization (AMA) to create a secure bridge between the Citizen’s Card authentication system and Hyperledger Fabric's permissioned blockchain framework. The study examines how this approach can facilitate the development of transparent, tamper-proof authentication systems suitable for critical applications such as e-voting and digital government services, and also feasible for on-premises systems. The findings suggest that integrating existing digital identity systems with blockchain technology can promote wider acceptance of decentralized solutions while maintaining security, privacy, and accessibility standards required for public sector applications.
Copyright (c) 2025 Carlos Machado Antunes, Marisa Maximiano, Vítor Távora, Ricardo Gomes, Manuel Dias, Ricardo Correia Bezerra
A Digital Twin for the Monastery of Sant Genís de Rocafort, Martorell, Barcelona: Experiences in Research and Dissemination
The Monastery of Sant Genís de Rocafort (Martorell, Barcelona) has been the subject of archaeological excavation for over a decade. This work has uncovered Romanesque structures and some earlier elements, significantly enhancing our understanding of this monument, which is listed as a BCIN (Cultural Asset of National Interest), and its history. However, the site’s location and accessibility challenges have limited the opportunity for certain audiences to visit and learn about it. In this context, the research team has developed a digital twin of the monastery, a three-dimensional recreation that offers significant potential both for heritage dissemination and basic archaeological research. This project has enabled precise documentation of the structures and created an accessible resource that brings the monastery to a wide range of audiences while also allowing us to experiment with different reconstruction hypotheses. The process of creating the digital twin has raised a series of methodological and conceptual challenges, such as the selection of technological tools and decisions about how to present the site’s narrative. This article reflects on the experience gained throughout this process, exploring the implications of these decisions for both archaeological research and cultural dissemination.
Copyright (c) 2025 Isidre Ot Padilla, Esther Travé Allepuz, Pablo Del Fresno Bernal, Josep Socorregut Domènech
Cultural Heritage in the Digital Age: Innovative Approaches to Preservation and Promotion
Copyright (c) 2025 Ana Carla Amaro; Erik Champion, Carmen Silva
Virtual Dress, Real Responsibilities: Considerations of 3D CAD Patternmaking to Develop Substitute Garments for Historic Dress Research and Display
This paper explores how 3D reconstructions of historic dress can be utilized as an aid for the development of real substitute garments and digital visualization for display. While 3D reconstruction is presently implemented in other museology fields, the flexible nature of dress suggests a need for an alternative approach, in addition to ethical considerations from the practitioner’s involvement. This is demonstrated through the development of a substitute skirt for an 1887-1890 Japanese Western-style ceremonial court dress (taireifuku), originally made for and worn by the Meiji Empress. The skirt of the original ensemble is missing and its appearance remains unknown, requiring a substitute skirt to support the original garments when mounted. Following an object-based research approach and advice from experts in dress history and conservation, the author conceptualized a substitute skirt with the assistance of 3D CAD patternmaking software. The result was used as a visual and pattern aid to develop the real substitute skirt that was used with the real taireifuku for two public displays. Furthermore, further utilization of the virtual reconstruction was demonstrated through the author’s development of additional skirt concepts, adapting them for a digital display which was exhibited with the real artefact.
Simulacrum or Simulation of Heritage: The Abade Case Study
Archaeology has undergone significant developments in recent times and is constantly adapting to the changing demands of modern society. As the contemporary world experiences constant and rapid change, the use of information technology resources is not merely a passive and complementary element of research, but an active and dynamic component in shaping the field. This article acknowledges the importance of this relationship and aims to explore the role of technology in enhancing archaeological research. Firstly, we will discuss the importance of computer simulation in archaeology as a novel way of "thinking the past" and as a training "metaphor site" for new professionals. Secondly, we argue that this new approach to archaeological science is not only a methodological advantage for predictive theses, but also an experimental platform for archaeological practice among sites. Thirdly, we bring up the potential of agent-based models and expert systems in the study of complex human and non-human systems, and in the construction of archaeological knowledge through an artificial inference engine. Finally, we provide an archaeological case study with the Abade Artificial Archaeological Site project (AAAS). In the following section, we provide a detailed account of this extensive project and demonstrate the potential applications and implications of virtual models and computer simulations in archaeology and beyond.
Digital Marketing in the Promotion of Cultural Heritage: The Case of the City of Ammaia
The rapid advance of digital technologies and media has required cultural institutions to adapt to this new reality. However, many remain unaware of this requirement or face limitations in terms of resources and technical knowledge, which makes it difficult to digitise their activities and define an integrated digital marketing and communication strategy. As this is still a recent reality that requires organisations to adapt, it is necessary to carry out studies that support decision-makers in their decision-making processes and contribute to furthering scientific knowledge in this area, especially with regard to smaller cultural institutions or those located in sparsely populated territories. Thus, the main objective of this study is to analyse the digital marketing and communication strategy of a cultural institution in Portugal, namely the Cidade de Ammaia Foundation. Based on this case study, a mixed methodology was adopted, which included analysing data available online, in particular on the Google and Bing search engines, as well as on the Google Business Profile platform, and conducting a semi-structured interview. The results indicated that although the City of Ammaia Foundation is present on some digital channels, it has not devised a digital marketing and communication strategy, mainly due to a lack of technical knowledge and relevant background information that hinders its realisation.
Copyright (c) 2025 Maria Gorete Ferreira Dinis
Playing with Diplomatic Culture: A Comparative Study of Esports Policies in South Korea and Brazil
This article proposes an analysis of public policies aimed at electronic sports (esports) as a tool for cultural diplomacy in South Korea and Brazil. Its objective is to determine whether esports are used by these states as a foreign policy resource to achieve absolute gains in the international sphere, based on a qualitative analysis of data obtained from South Korean and Brazilian legislation on the subject. The corpus consists of 50 documents addressing this theme, retrieved from the official websites of the South Korean and Brazilian governments. Among the main findings, the South Korean government's consolidated approach to esports stands out. In contrast, Brazil lacks a public policy consensus regarding the subject. However, some international public prestige gains are achieved, even though the state's foundations regarding esports remain incipient. This study presents originality by exploring potential connections between the field of International Relations and the universe of electronic sports, a growing expression of contemporary youth culture.
Copyright (c) 2025 Ian Bacellar, Tarcízio Macedo
Low-cost mobile 3D scanning of heritage objects to facilitate long-distance research collaboration - a technical note
While three-dimensional visualization has become a common tool in various cultural heritage applications, the emphasis has been on high fidelity representation, essentially the generation of digital twins or digital reconstructions. Overlooked appears to be the utility of 3D in research collaboration where one of the researchers has access to the original, potentially fragile object while the others are based in remote locations. This paper describes the application of a low-cost, mobile and swiftly executable 3D scanning process and discusses the benefits of this for remote collaboration of three-dimensional objects of material culture.
Copyright (c) 2025 Dirk H.R. Spennemann, Sharnie Hurford
Promoting Knowledge: Higher Education and Rural Ethiopia through a Podcast Journey
This study has two goals. The first is to raise higher education students’ awareness of accounting-financial practices aligned with Sustainable Development Goals. The second is to promote economic growth by training farmers in emerging countries—in this case in rural Ethiopia. The study focuses on the use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs), specifically to record several podcasts on optimal agricultural practices, budgeting, sales strategies, and nutrition. Simultaneously, professors developed a case study on a project finance for an NGO working in rural Ethiopia. Subsequently, through seminars, students in four Spanish universities worked on solving this case after reading relevant research articles and listening to the podcasts. The research also involved a survey to measure students' commitment to economic development as well as critical reflection and improvement of systemic learning competences. In a second phase of the project, conducted in rural Ethiopia, farmers listened to the podcasts. This phase aimed to assess the effectiveness of podcasts in transmitting information in rural areas. Such effectiveness is crucial to the project's sustainability, as it reduces the need for external trips in potential crisis situations
Higher Education for Development; Information and Communication Technologies; Europe; NGOs; Rural Ethiopia
Copyright (c) 2024 Marie-Anne Lorain, Mercedes Vázquez-Furelos, Elena Urquía- Grande, Alberto Martinez da Silva
Older Adults’ Safety and Security Online: A Post-Pandemic Exploration of Attitudes and Behaviors
Older adults’ growing use of the internet and related technologies, further accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic, has prompted not only a critical examination of their behaviors and attitudes about online threats but also a greater understanding of the roles of specific characteristics within this population group. Based on survey data and using descriptive and inferential statistics, this empirical study delves into this matter. The behaviors and attitudes of a group of older adults aged 60 years and older (n=275) regarding different dimensions of online safety and cybersecurity are investigated. The results show that older adults report a discernible degree of concern about the security of their personal information. Despite the varied precautions taken, most of them do not know where to report online threats. What is more, regarding key demographics, the study found some significant differences in terms of gender and age group, but not disability status. This implies that older adults do not seem to constitute a homogeneous group when it comes to attitudes and behaviors regarding safety and security online. The study concludes that support systems should include older adults in the development of protective measures and acknowledge their diversity. The implications of the results are discussed and some directions for future research are proposed.
El cuerpo es el texto: inteligencia artificial, textualidad, corporeidad y ciudadanía algorítmica
En las últimas décadas, la inteligencia artificial (IA) ha pasado a desempeñar un papel cada vez más central en una amplia gama de campos, desde la industria a la sanidad o la educación, aporta ndo cambios profundos y a menudo controvertidos. El uso de la IA en la educación, en particular, va acompañado de un complejo conjunto de retos y posibilidades. Las tecnologías de IA permiten elaborar y personalizar el aprendizaje, respondiendo a las necesidades individuales de los estudiantes y promoviendo entornos interactivos sin precedentes (Luckin et al., 2016). Sin embargo, la integración de estas tecnologías ha planteado importantes cuestiones, no solo de carácter técnico, sino también filosófico, ético y social, que inciden en aspectos profundos del conocimiento y del aprendizaje humano.
Inteligencia artificial, innovación, educación, textualidad, corporeidad y ciudadanía algorítmica.
Copyright (c) 2024 Monica Di Domenico, Lucia Campitiello, Fabrizio Schiavo, Alfredo Di Tore
Estrategias Efectivas en Programas de Alfabetización Mediática contra la Desinformación Digital
In the digital age, misinformation represents a growing challenge to information integrity and democracy, exacerbated by the rapid spread of fake news on digital platforms. This study examines the effectiveness of media literacy education programs implemented in Europe and Latin America, targeting different groups such as youth, the elderly and vulnerable communities. Through a mixed methodological approach, including literature review, content analysis and questionnaires to journalists, key factors in the design and implementation of literacy initiatives were identified. The findings highlight the effectiveness of adapted methodologies, such as social network simulations for young people and face-to-face workshops for older adults, in improving critical skills in the face of misinformation. However, challenges remain in the inclusion of marginalized communities and in the technological training of journalists, who consider algorithmic literacy essential to confront information manipulation. This article concludes that media literacy programs, combined with regulatory frameworks and inter-institutional collaboration, are fundamental tools for building an informed and resilient citizenry in the face of the risks of the digital society.
Media literacy, Disinformation, Digital education, Critical skills, Algorithmic journalism
Literacia dos fãs da série brasileira As Five na rede social X
Este artigo tem como objetivo analisar de que modo as pautas sociais exploradas no universo ficcional de As Five (Globoplay, 2020 - 2024) estimulam o pensamento crítico e o debate de ideias dos fãs da série brasileira na rede social X. Para a discussão desta questão foram monitoradas as postagens publicadas pelos telespectadores interagentes durante as três temporadas da produção do Globoplay. Conforme pontuam Lopes (2009), Baccega (2003) e Fischer (2017) e Borges e Sigiliano (2020) a dramatização de questões sociais estimula a formação de sujeitos críticos, ampliando o modo como percebem e compreendem o mundo em que estão inseridos. Conclui-se que as escolhas criativas e enquadramentos técnico-estéticos de As Five pautam as discussões dos telespectadores interagentes, reforçando o caráter pedagógico da ficção seriada. A mobilização dos fãs no X se desdobra também na inserção desses temas na agenda das políticas públicas, tais como o combate ao preconceito, a ampliação da representação de grupos minoritários, e no aprofundamento do debate sobre a educação sexual e o burnout.
Copyright (c) 2024 Daiana Sigiliano, Gabriela Borges
Podcasts and Inclusive Narratives. New Spaces to Foster Citizenship Through Words
This article outlines a research-action project that uses podcasts as an educational tool within the field of diversity and inclusion, titled “Narrazioni di genere e altre identità. Costruire comunità inclusive” (“Gender Narratives and Other Identities: Building Inclusive Communities”). The podcast was chosen for its versatility and unique narrative characteristics, engaging students and teachers in reflecting on identity and diversity through individual and collective memories. The approach integrates the pedagogy of memory and storytelling as tools for critical literacy, emphasizing marginalized stories while fostering media literacy. The article introduces “Chiamami così” (“Call me this way”), a podcast series featuring stories of diversity and belonging within marginalized communities. The project explores various dimensions of diversity, creating a platform for dialogue and reflection. Through testimonials, interviews, and reportage, “Chiamami così” leverages the potential of podcasts to provide rich, innovative perspectives on inclusion and community, aiming to establish a shared and inclusive language.
Copyright (c) 2024 Luca Bravi, Alberto Baldi
Critical Thinking and Transilience: Possible Answers to Invisible Poverty
The contemporary era is characterised by a plethora of paradoxical phenomena, which are readily discernible through a critical gaze. Although individuals have access to an unlimited quantity of content, the speed at which they are created impairs its effective comprehension. Despite the public intention of digital platforms and social networks to facilitate the democratisation of knowledge among users, they frequently result in the proliferation of disinformation and the fragmentation of content. This has a particularly adverse impact on the most vulnerable social groups, who often lack the requisite interpretative, analytical and contextualising skills. The cultivation of critical thinking and transilience are educational commitments of the present era. They are essential for the assessment of information reliability and the enabling of autonomous and aware participation in democratic processes. The current abundance of information has accentuated cultural poverty, particularly among social groups that are already subject to invisible forms of poverty. This is because the information deluge has deprived these groups of the importance of recognizing the value of information. Through an analysis of the aforementioned issues, the contribution presents the necessity to equip citizens with cognitive and digital tools to orient themselves in the digital swarm.
transilience - critical thinking - invisible poverty – digital platform – disinformation - experience
Copyright (c) 2024 Agnese Rosati, Edoardo Renzi, Keren Ponzo
Deconstructing the Value-Neutrality of Technology:
It is often argued that technology is neutral. Even in the academic world there is still debate today whether it incorporates intrinsic moral values ​​or whether, instead, it all depends on the use that is made of it. In this article this concept will be examined starting from the classification made by Luciano Floridi, in an attempt to dispel this mirage. It will be also discussed why and how Media Education should consider this assumption and include it in its repertoire as a first principle that guides every other reflection and transmittable skill in favor of a conscientization and literacy which it aims to achieve.
Technology Value-Neutrality; Conscientization; Media Education; Technological classification
Social Media for COVID-19 Era Information Collection, and Dissemination: A Case Study of Three Tertiary Hospitals in Ghana
The emergence of digital media platforms like social media has considerably influenced health information collection and dissemination. Through in-depth interviews, (N=27) health professionals were purposively sampled, to evaluate the effectiveness of social media use for health information collection and dissemination during the peak of COVID-19 in Ghana. The participants sampled for the study include; (n=2) Regional Public Health Officers;(n=10) Directors of Ghana Health Services;(n=10); and (n=5) Disease Control officers. The responses from the participants were analyzed using the qualitative condensed thematic approach. The findings of the study show that social media for public health information facilitates the retrieval of official information, disease detection, timely estimation, and prediction of disease incidence and severity. Regarding the challenges and constraints facing Ghana’s use of social media for COVID-19 public health information collection, this study identified the high cost of internet data and smartphones, and low budgetary allocation as the three critical limitations. Other challenges are fake news in the form of misinformation, and disinformation on social media platforms. The study recommends an increase in budgetary allocation and required infrastructural development, to enhance the application of social media in public health information collection and dissemination for public health management.
Navigating Between the Material and the Digital
The evolution of spatial representation in architecture has been transformed by the advent of computing. Digital platforms have enabled designers to accurately represent space in 2D and 3D dimensions, integrating visual and temporal elements. In education, physical-digital models have become effective pedagogical tools to represent and manipulate architectural spaces. In this context, it immerses students in design through technological environments, facilitating graphic exploration and mastery of digital tools. Students acquire skills to build 2D and 3D models, optimising spatial production and communication with digital systems. This work highlights the pedagogical advantages of physical-digital models in spatial education. They allow a synchronic and diachronic investigation of space, facilitating the comparison of scales and variables, and the drawing of conclusions. The methodology is structured in three blocks: CAD systems and construction of 2D objects, 3D modelling and printing, and concepts of infoarchitecture and post-production. The teaching combines theory and practice in workshops, promoting autonomous development. These models become research tools that enrich the understanding of architectural space, contributing to collective knowledge for generations to come.
Copyright (c) 2024 Marcelo Fraile-Narvaez
An Audiovisual Strategy to Raise Higher Education Students’ Awareness about Digital Skills Development
In today's modern world, digital skills have become crucial and recognized as an essential tool for citizens’ personal fulfilment, employability, active citizenship, and social inclusion. To address this topic, several initiatives have arisen. This study focused on developing an audiovisual strategy to be disseminated in social media, to raise higher education students’ awareness about digital skills development. In the first stage, the study analysed the social media platforms used by higher education students and their preferences for audiovisual content consumption. The findings revealed that students gravitate towards short, impactful videos that evoke emotions and tell compelling stories. Based on these insights, five short videos were created incorporating these elements and disseminated on Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok. Despite some challenges, such as the absence of paid video promotion in a saturated digital landscape, the videos demonstrated a degree of effectiveness in raising awareness among academic students about the digital skills sought by the labour market.
Diversity and Inclusion through Technology in the Teaching of Antitrust Law
Sustainable Development Goals try to foster several targets for a better planet. Universities play a key role in providing access to tertiary education. Our teaching experience focuses on two SDGs: number 4 on quality education and number 10 on reduction of inequalities with the objective to build an inclusive and effective learning environment for students within quality education. Antitrust law was selected as part of the legal course to be taught with an innovative methodology. Our methodology consists of using the SCORM package due to the benefits it brings to the learning process and its management. Exe-Learning has been used as a tool to create the SCORM package. Social inclusion of people with some type of disability is enhanced with the content editor, contributing to the University's goal of reducing inequalities in diversity. One of the ways to eliminate disparities for the most vulnerable people, including people with disabilities, has been achieved by implementing accessibility elements, for integration of students from other cultures through a script that includes a language translator. Finally, from the material perspective of the subject, the horizontal guidelines on sustainability agreements are taught, which clarify that antitrust regulations do not hinder agreements between competitors that pursue a sustainability objective
Education, Inclusion, Sustainability, Antitrust Law, Disabilities, Universal Design
Copyright (c) 2024 BRISEIDA SOFÍA JIMÉNEZ-GÓMEZ