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The relationship between environmental factors and usage behaviors at ‘Hole-in-the-wall’ computers
ARTICLE

International Journal of Educational Development Volume 29, Number 1, ISSN 0738-0593 Publisher: Elsevier Ltd

Abstract

This paper gathers and analyzes self-reported user behavior data for public computers installed in varied neighborhoods in India to explore the relationship between environmental factors such as urbanicity and reported usage behaviors. There is evidence of large differences in usage behavior between urban and non-urban sites. Children at urban sites fit a profile of dedicated and independent kiosk-goers, while rural children are more likely to use the computers in groups. Total overall computer usage, however, appears similar in both environments. The sites used for the study have other important characteristics, such as proximity to a school complex, which could have large mitigating effects on the measured behaviors. Further study could yield other interesting and more generalizable results. This study provides insight into children's behavior patterns at free-access ‘Hole-in-the-Wall’ computers as well as offers exploratory findings for the designers of free-access computers in developing nations where alternative educational development via technology could be implemented.

Citation

DeBoer, J. (2009). The relationship between environmental factors and usage behaviors at ‘Hole-in-the-wall’ computers. International Journal of Educational Development, 29(1), 91-98. Elsevier Ltd. Retrieved March 19, 2024 from .

This record was imported from International Journal of Educational Development on March 1, 2019. International Journal of Educational Development is a publication of Elsevier.

Full text is availabe on Science Direct: http://www.eric.ed.gov/ERICWebPortal/detail?accno=EJ817429

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