Public Space, Information Accessibility, Technology, and Diversity at Oslo University College

anthrocomics — Fri, 04 Feb 2011 19:38:50 +0000

This study was conducted to assess the friendliness and accessibility of localities and information services in terms of social and cultural diversity, at the campus of Oslo University College. The main research questions were as follows:

Does the use of public spaces at the campus of Oslo University College by students and employees produce and reproduce differences between people or create forms of fellowship?
What is the relationship between the accessibility of information technology (IT) and the quality of study, work, and social relations?

Inclusion

anthrocomics — Fri, 04 Feb 2011 19:28:21 +0000

Technology

anthrocomics — Fri, 04 Feb 2011 19:00:51 +0000

The increasing use of technology (e.g., IT solutions, Web conferences, chat rooms, and on-line education) has posed a challenge to the development of relationships between students and employees. On-line services are making work and study easier, but often at the cost of establishing and maintaining social and personal relationships.

The main impression is that the technologization of education must be more finely adjusted so as to meet the specific needs of students. Although on-line solutions do save time, it is also vitally important to take the time to maintain personal relationships and to engage in personal meetings and conversations. Interacting with other people turns out to be an important aspect of an individual’s well-being while at work and study and, thus, has an influence on the quality and efficiency of work and study. The students and employees also mentioned that the administration staff should be encouraged to be more flexible regarding non-IT based solutions.

Stereotypes

anthrocomics — Fri, 04 Feb 2011 18:56:24 +0000

I’m so fed up with people thinking of me in terms of inclusion all the time. I mean all the time.

They seem to be more interested in that subject than I am.

(Girl wearing a hijab, 23 years old)

A pattern of stereotypes is not neutral. It is not merely a way of substituting order for the great blooming, buzzing confusion of reality. It is not merely a short cut. It is all these things and something more. It is the guarantee of our self-respect; it is the projection upon the world of our own sense of our own value, our own position and our own rights. The stereotypes are, therefore, highly charged with the feelings that are attached to them. They are the fortress of our tradition, and behind its defenses we can continue to feel ourselves safe in the position we occupy.

(Walter Lippmann)

Language

anthrocomics — Fri, 04 Feb 2011 18:46:45 +0000

Language seems to be the biggest issue and one of the main barriers to everyday study for international students. Although most of the students were satisfied with the courses taught in English, all of them experienced difficulties when it comes to of the practicalities surrounding the study, making contact with administration and finding out information about what is going on at the college in general. Based on the responses of the international students, one area in need of improvement appears to be the university college’s delivery of bilingual services.

HOME