Action Research and New Media

Action research is now a well-documented and well-accepted research methodology. This book offers a systematic overview of the application of action research methods to the field of new media. It presents four case studies and their individual applications of action research in different new media contexts.

Action research is now a well-documented and well-accepted research methodology. Moreover, it is especially appropriate in new media research, where innovation and change are continual, and where processes and outcomes are usually not predictable and often involve fuzzy and subjective human elements. This book offers a systematic, in-depth academic overview of the application of action research methods to the field of new media. In this space, it is the first publication of its kind in what is a new but rapidly growing field. The book is divided into two sections. Introducing the two key concepts, namely, new media and action research, the first section describes the underlying principles, processes, questions, methods and tools that are relevant to an action research approach to new media inquiry. This is followed by a deeper exploration of three advanced, innovative approaches to action research and new media: ethnographic, network, and anticipatory action research. The third and final section presents four case studies and their individual applications of action research in different new media contexts.

Foreword, Douglas Schuler. KEY CONCEPTS METHODS AND TOOLS. Action Research and New Media Overview. Guiding Concepts and Principles. Processes, Questions and Methods. New Media Tools for Collaboration. ADVANCED APPROACHES TO ACTION RESEARCH AND NEW MEDIA. Ethnographic Action Research. Network Action Research. Anticipatory Action Research. CASE STUDIES AND APPLICATIONS. Alleviating Poverty through ICTs in South and Southeast Asia. Creative Engagement through Local Content Creation. A Community Portal for Residents in an Inner-City Development. Evaluating New Media in rural and Outback Areas. Conclusion: Key Themes and Future Directions. References. Author Index. Subject Index.