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'a new sense of place?' mobile 'wearable' information and communications technology devices and the geographies of urban childhood

Jones, Owain; Williams, Morris; Fleuriot, Constance

Authors

Owain Jones

Morris Williams

Constance Fleuriot



Abstract

In this paper we describe a new research initiative, 'A New Sense of Place?', which involves the collaboration of private- and public-sector partners. Its purpose is to explore and develop the interface between children and new mobile 'wearable' computing and communication devices. The research team is particularly interested in how these new technologies might be applied to help children (re-)engage with urban spaces. In the paper we give a description of wearable computing devices; briefly set out some contexts of children's geographies into which they are emerging; and describe the rationale and objectives of the project. We then give an account of a two-day workshop in which 10 children were introduced to and enabled to experience, work with and respond to these new technologies. The research shows that children are capable of handling and exploiting these technologies and are able to conceptualise their incorporation into their everyday lives. Also, it reveals that the creation of 'virtual' digital landscapes, which these technologies allow, has the potential to represent adult-ordered spaces in more 'child-friendly' forms. Lastly, the programme opens up new questions of power, surveillance and childhood-technology relations. © 2003 Taylor & Francis Ltd.

Citation

Jones, O., Williams, M., & Fleuriot, C. (2003). 'a new sense of place?' mobile 'wearable' information and communications technology devices and the geographies of urban childhood. Children's Geographies, 1(2), 165-180. https://doi.org/10.1080/14733280302195

Journal Article Type Article
Publication Date Dec 1, 2003
Journal Children's Geographies
Print ISSN 1473-3285
Electronic ISSN 1473-3277
Publisher Taylor & Francis (Routledge)
Peer Reviewed Not Peer Reviewed
Volume 1
Issue 2
Pages 165-180
DOI https://doi.org/10.1080/14733280302195
Keywords sense of place, mobile, wearable ICT devices, geographies, urban childhood
Public URL https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/1073607
Publisher URL http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/14733280302195

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