WORKING WITH COMMUNITIES - FOCUSING ON THE ‘SOCIAL’ ICT, YOUTH & SOCIAL INCLUSION WORKING WITH COMMUNITIES - FOCUSING ON THE ‘SOCIAL’ Dr. Helen McQuillan helen.mcquillan@dit.ie Centre for Social and Educational Research DUBLIN INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY www.dit.ie

SOCIAL RESEARCH- ADDED VALUE Engages the most vulnerable in ICT Understands user needs, experiences, environments Explores the social, cultural, creative role of ICT Encourages interdisciplinary dialogue and design Enriches our research processes and analysis Innovates through socially aware design Improves e-inclusion knowledge base

RESEARCH RECOMMENDATIONS Work through trusted intermediaries Strengthen existing social inclusion activity Target socially excluded groups Emphasise creative and communication capacity of ICT Reflexive and qualitative research on user experiences Adapt ICT to social practices and networks See users as stakeholders, rather than clients, consumers