Digital Citizenship

The Digital World’s Environmental Impact

Introduction The production, consumption and disposal of the digital world has considerable environmental impacts. Hodgson (2015) states that global data centres are producing the same amount of emissions as aviation. E-waste and the ways in which to manage it are contestable. In 1998 electrical and electronic waste was estimated to be 6 million tonnes and …

Digital Citizenship

The Digital Divide

Introduction Conceptualising the diverse topic that exists in today’s world, this blog post will approach the digital divide with an outlook of hope that the widening gap will one day close. Starting with a brief understanding of how exactly the digital divide came about, explanations will then be brought forward to help further explore this …

SSRC Members

How can Learning Technologies Support Teaching of Social Research Methods?

Introduction While social research methods are arguably a core feature of social science degrees universally, It appears to be a common trend that such modules are generally unpopular and have a bad reputation among students in the social sciences (Bos and Schneider, 2009; Peffefer and Rogalin, 2012; Ryan et al, 2014; Lewthwaite & Nind, 2016).  …

Digital Citizenship

Expression and Rights in the Information Age

Introduction The web, world culture, world politics, and most interpretations of basic human rights all have one thing in common. The right to one’s own opinions, free thought, and the equal, unrestricted expression of such—in other words—free speech. Many of the most important functions of the world order are, in part, defined by freedom of …

Digital Citizenship

Textbook V’s Technology

Introduction Can the use of textbooks survive the introduction of technology in secondary schools in Ireland? Could textbooks be in danger of becoming something of history and are the teachers and schools prepared and trained enough to embrace these changes in the education process in Ireland. In recent years many schools across Ireland began to …

Digital Citizenship

Efficient New Build Homes

This blog will show how efficient new build homes today, otherwise known as ultra-efficient homes, which incorporates innovate construction. It can do this by using up to date technologies. This takes place early on from the foundation process to the key being turned in the door of the finished home.  The technologies used are efficient …

Digital Citizenship

Online Crime and Harassment: Protected and Rewarded

Introduction A truism it may be, the information age, as it has come to be known, has brought about changes of unprecedented proportions to societies all over the world. Through the commercialization of the synthesis between artificial intelligence, the internet, and modern developments in engineering, ‘smart’ technology has been harnessed by the common man, presenting …

Digital Citizenship

Are we becoming slaves to tech companies like Apple and Facebook?

On the 3rd of November 2017 Apple officially launched the iPhone X, conveniently just in time for Christmas. It is expected that millions of their loyal customers will flock to purchase this latest development in the ‘age of technology’. How else could Apple retain their spot at the top of Forbes rich list than without …

Digital Citizenship

Understanding the Rural/Urban Divide Through Technology in Ireland

Introduction This essay hopes to unpick whether digital communities can support us like physical ones. It will begin by outlining the existence of a rural/urban divide in technology, and then explain how this impacts on the greater rural/urban divide in Ireland. There are also important social and economic impacts to be considered, such as those …