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

2. 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

3. 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