Journal article
Exploring ambient technology for connecting hospitalised children with school and home
G Wadley, F Vetere, L Hopkins, J Green, L Kulik
International Journal of Human Computer Studies | ACADEMIC PRESS LTD- ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD | Published : 2014
Abstract
Children undergoing long-term hospital care face problems of isolation from their familiar home and school environments. This isolation has an impact on the emotional wellbeing of the child. In this paper we report on research that explores the design of technologies that mitigate some of the negative aspects of separation, while respecting the sensitivities of the hospital, school and home contexts. We conducted design workshops with parents, teachers and hospital staff and found that there was a strong desire for mediated connection, but also a significant need to protect privacy and avoid disruption. In response we designed a novel technology that combined an ambient presence with photo-s..
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Funding Acknowledgements
The authors gratefully acknowledge financial support from the Institute for a Broadband Enabled Society at the University of Melbourne, and the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development, Government of Victoria. The Royal Children's Hospital Education Institute is funded by the Victorian Government Department of Education and Early Childhood Development. We thank Huawei Australia for providing tablet computers. Our funding sources and supporters had no role in designing the study, the collection, analysis and interpretation of data, the writing of the report, nor the decision to submit the article for publication: