::fc-announce:: ICT CFP, The Philippines

[Larissa Hjorth]

Call for papers

Living the Information Society: The Impact of Information and Communication Technologies on People, 
Work and Communities in Asia


Renaissance Hotel, Makati City, Philippines
April 23-24, 2007

The Philippine ICT Researchers Network through the National College of Public Administration and Governance of the University of the Philippines is hosting an international conference on “Living the Information Society: The Impact of Information and Communication Technologies on People, Work and Communities in Asia.”  This conference will be held at the Renaissance Hotel, Makati City on April 23-24, 2007.  

The goal of the conference is to support the growth of an Asian community of researchers and practitioners doing work on the effects (social, cultural, psychological, economic, etc.) of information and communications technologies (ICT) in the region.  The event encourages multidisciplinary participation and discussion, in order to have a comprehensive understanding of the effects of ICT on culture and society.

In particular, the conference objectives are the following:

1. To bring together a multidisciplinary group of researchers (i.e. from the academe, development agencies, regulators, etc.) in the Asia-Pacific to present their research and perspectives regarding the effects of ICT in society;
2. To map the current state of social science research on the impact of ICT on Asian societies;


Significance of the conference

So far, most conferences on ICT have discussed the potential impact of new information and communication technologies on commerce, governance and education. The focus of such discussions is on future possibilities of ICT rather than their current, often unintended usages. Alongside these discussions are trade shows that highlight achievements and developments in the technologies themselves. Important as these topics are, they often overlook a crucial aspect: the actual usage of ICT in everyday life.

Much less common are conferences discussing what life in the information society is really like. Despite the rhetoric of governments and the promises of technical planners, we know very little about the effects and consequences of ICT in the Asia-Pacific region. Instead, the evidence presented often comes from developed regions, whose experience may have little relevance locally. Many ICT4D researchers in Asian universities lack the skills and the network needed to develop appropriate multidisciplinary research methodologies. Consequently, it is important to bring together people doing work on the impact of ICT in the South, where the context presents new challenges and implications (i.e. socio-cultural, language, economic).

The conference is significant because it will bring together academics and researchers in the region who are investigating societal transformations in the information age. The conference will investigate how ICT affects our identities and relationships, the nature of work, the promises of governance, and the significance of culture.

Topics

We invite papers on all aspects of modern and emerging interactive digital technologies, including, but not restricted to mobile technologies, the Internet, network gaming, call centers, office networks, etc.  

The papers can cover the technology’s impact on families, relationships, sexuality, work, identities, culture, language, religion, politics, governance and even dysfunctional practices, etc.

Review Criteria

Each submission will be evaluated by at least two members of a designated review panel.  (If two ratings of a submission differ appreciably, the panel chair will also evaluate the submission.)  Submissions are reviewed according to the following criteria:

1. Clarity of formulation/conceptualization of the problem or issues;
2. Adequacy of methods;
3. Appropriateness of interpretations;
4. Importance/relevance of the topic;
5. Cohesion among the presentations for the panels (i.e., expression of different views and balance/representation from different countries) 

Submiss email a document containing (a) the title of the paper, (b) your name and contact information, (c) a 300 to 500-word abstract (two pages, double-spaced, 12-pt. font) of the paper and (d) a one-page curriculum vita to research.ict at gmail.com on or before  November 15, 2006 . 

Accepted paper presentors will be notified of acceptance by December 8, 2006 with contact information for the assigned discussant and instructions on travel arrangements. 

All presenters are required to email the full paper to the conference secretariat (research.ict at gmail.com) on or before 28 February 2007

Travel Support

Paper presenters will receive free accommodations at the conference venue for the duration of the conference, and will not be charged any registration fees. 

A limited number of conference scholarships are available to cover travel, accommodations and registration fee discounts, and all accepted paper presentors will be provided with an opportunity to apply for a travel award.


Registration

The registration fee can be paid on site. The fee includes a conference kit, two lunches, snacks and beverages.

Fee structure

$150	participants from economically developed nations (per capita income over $10,000 US)
$100	participants from economically developing nations* (per capita income less than $10,000US) and students

* registration fees can be waived/discounted and accommodations can be provided for participants from economically developing countries on request (however, this will also be competitively evaluated together with paper presentors applying for travel support). 


Key Dates:

Deadline for abstracts: 		November 15, 2006 
Deadline for complete papers: 	February 28, 2007

Contact email:

For further information, please contact Dr. Erwin A. Alampay, Asst. Professor, National College of Public Administration and Governance, University of the Philippines, Diliman, Quezon City, Philippines.  Email: erwin_alampay at yahoo.com; or erwin_gaspar.alampay at up.edu.ph OR the conference secretariat at:   research.ict at gmail.com