Call for Papers
 
 

The Network period in the evolution of computer technology is very much based on the convergence and integration of three main
technologies; computer technology, tele technology and media technology. Telecommunication technology is playing a more and more
dominant role in this convergence, especially internet and web technology. Embedded (ubiquitous) computer technology is making the
process invisible, and media technologies converge within itself (multimedia and cross media). The convergence process is enforced all the
time by smaller, cheaper, and more powerful components.

ICT and its applications are interacting with environments, roles, and processes which can also be modelled by converging circles. The
process of social and psychosocial change and ICT from a global perspective is described graphically in the convergence model in
figure 1 (Bradley 2006 Routledge) with concepts and their interrelations.
Both “convergence” and “interactions” are important features in the model. Read from the left hand side in the model for the titles of some
main tracks of the conference:

• Globalisation and ICT:. When technology, economy, norms/values and labour market are converging  on a global level, what are the
  hard questions?  When the geographical space in the future will be both global and beyond – including virtual reality (VR) what is the
  state of art in research? (see the list of key words under ´globalisation´)

• Information and Communication Technology (ICT), next cluster of circles to the left in the figure, what applications contribute to
  desirable goals in the society?

• When Work Environment, Home Environment, and Public Environment are converging and the work and public issues tend to merge
  into the private sphere of our homes – what main changes in peoples Life Environment occur?.

• If the Professional Role (Work Life), Private Role (Private Life) and Citizen's Role (Public Life) converge forming a Life Role, what are
  the main social-psychologial changes?

• Four circles representing Virtual Reality (VR) are marked with dotted lines and are surrounding the set of converging circles. These
  circles reflect our participation in cyberspace on various levels. To the left part in figure we could talk about Virtual Worlds on the
  global level. Within the concept of ICT, the steps taken by applied Embedded and ubiquitous technology make technology more
  hidden to the individual and society as a whole.
  Virtual Environments are already a common concept. Finally we could talk about Virtual Human Roles, which could in more
  extreme forms be another personality that you play e g avatars.The converging circles are forming a Life Role and new life styles are
  being shaped.

• Effects on humans become more multi faceted and complex. Research focusing upon the individual is crucial i. e. research on how
  the use of ICT interacts with and impacts identity, social competence, creativity, integrity, trust, dependency etc. A compass rose
  (card) for “Effects on Humans” (to the right) is used as a metaphor reminding us of the importance to keep the direction towards
  desirable human and societal goals and qualities at the development and use of ICT.

Figure 1: Convergence Model on ICT and Psychosocial Life Environment
(Source: Bradley, 2005, 2006)

ICT can provide tools for promoting sustainability (environmental, economic, and social sustainability) but can also be a threat for
sustainability. Sustainability as a guiding principle involves system perspective, holism, human aspects, bottom up approach, common
good, and equality. A change in focus regarding research and development is taking place.
Analysis and design increasingly address both the work process and management connected to the sphere of production life and people’s
life environment. Analysis and design of ICT and societal systems both at local level and globally become important. What research in the
field exists or is needed?

Community research in a broad sense comes to the fore - both physical and virtual communities. There is also a requirement to involve new
and additional actors at the deeper and broader integration of ICT in the society (children, elderly, and consumer organisations).
Educational programs on Community Informatics and Social Informatics are appearing in many academic institutions. Can a new
infrastructure of the society be identified? 

The effects of ICT on human beings as well as the interaction between ICT, individuals, and society are all within the focus of this
conference. Both analyses of interactions and effects are important. Changes in behaviour, perspectives, values, competencies, human
and psychological aspects and feelings are all of interest. Reflections on past, present, and future challenges – especially planning for
handling the latter - are encouraged.

Today, computer science and ICT-related disciplines are working more and more together with various behavioural and social sciences
including child psychology and developmental psychology. For this reason, the conference pays attention to societal changes, global and
more local organisational and institutional changes, changes in values and in lifestyles, as well as individual cognitive effects and
changes, motivational and emotional changes. It also appeals to solution-building in terms of desirable goals and actions for reaching a
Good Information Society.

In general all types of research strategies are encouraged, and especially cross-disciplinary and multi-disciplinary studies. Case studies,
broader empirical field studies, theoretical analyses, cross-cultural studies, scenarios, ethnographic studies, epistemological analyses may
all be presented.

Topics for this conference include, but are not limited to:
 

The Conference will be composed of several types of contributions:

- Submission Deadline (new date): 27 February 2012
- Notification to Authors (new date): 28 March 2012

- Final Camera-Ready Submission and Early Registration (1st call): Until 26 March 2012

- Late Registration (1st call): After 26 March 2012

- Conference: Lisbon, Portugal, 21 to 23 July 2012

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