Positive Technology Journal

Via UsabilityNews 

Event Date: 6 June 2007 to 8 June 2007

The increased focus on children’s role in the design and evaluation of interactive technologies has provided several interesting research studies and results. Currently, we are aware of the fact that children are very different than adults, they are independent individuals with their own strong opinions, needs, likes, and dislikes, and they should be treated as such.

To address emerging research and development, IDC 2007 will look for papers, demonstrations, posters that may include at least one of the following broad areas: 

-  Emerging technologies for children (e.g., innovative educational simulations, online games, accessible fabrication devices, mobile communications devices, wireless embedded technologies, sensors and actuators, "smart" materials, authoring/programming tools) 

- The impact these technologies can have on children's lives (e.g., in schools, at home, in public spaces) 

- New research methods which give children a voice in the design, development, and evaluation processes (e.g., participatory design methods, usability testing, etc.)

Please refer to the call for papers.

Re-blogged from eHealth

In a new article from the Journal of Medical Internet Research, Kenneth Adler of Tuscon reports on his study of 346 patients in his practice regarding their use of online services and willingness to pay for them. Conclusion: patient's of any age would be willing to pay $10 per year for a web portal where they could view their test results and other medical information. While this may seem small, the author points out that if around 50% of patients in a large practice were willing to pay this, the program would pay for itself.  Reimbursement for email consultations or eVisits is still rare so this business model is one to consider.