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This study explores the online education action for defeating COVID-19 in China from the perspectives of the system, mechanism and mode. In particular, the policy development of online education in China during the epidemic includes the education informatization policy, the online education system, and the online education mechanism in China. The online education and teaching mode during the epidemic involve the synchronous live class-based teaching mode, asynchronous recording and broadcasting teaching mode, online flipped classroom teaching mode, and online tutoring-based teaching mode. Both characteristics and trends of online education in China during the epidemic have been explored in this study. In addition, the problems, discussions and remarks are also offered.
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BACKGROUND: Infodemic exacerbates public health concerns by disseminating unreliable and false scientific facts to a population. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the efficacy of hydroxychloroquine as a therapeutic solution emerged as a challenge to public health communication. Internet and social media spread information about hydroxychloroquine, whereas cable television was a vital source. To exemplify, experts discussed in cable television broadcasts about hydroxychloroquine for treating COVID-19. However, how the experts' comments influenced airtime allocation on cable television to help in public health communication, either during COVID-10 or at other times, is not understood. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to examine how 3 factors, that is, the credibility of experts as doctors (DOCTOREXPERT), the credibility of government representatives (GOVTEXPERT), and the sentiments (SENTIMENT) expressed in discussions and comments, influence the allocation of airtime (AIRTIME) in cable television broadcasts. SENTIMENT pertains to the information credibility conveyed through the tone and language of experts' comments during cable television broadcasts, in contrast to the individual credibility of the doctor or government representatives because of the degree or affiliations. METHODS: We collected transcriptions of relevant hydroxychloroquine-related broadcasts on cable television between March 2020 and October 2020. We coded the experts as DOCTOREXPERT or GOVTEXPERT using publicly available data. To determine the sentiments expressed in the broadcasts, we used a machine learning algorithm to code them as POSITIVE, NEGATIVE, NEUTRAL, or MIXED sentiments. RESULTS: The analysis revealed a counterintuitive association between the expertise of doctors (DOCTOREXPERT) and the allocation of airtime, with doctor experts receiving less airtime (P<.001) than the nonexperts in a base model. A more nuanced interaction model suggested that government experts with a doctorate degree received even less airtime (P=.03) compared with nonexperts. Sentiments expressed during the broadcasts played a significant role in airtime allocation, particularly for their direct effects on airtime allocation, more so for NEGATIVE (P<.001), NEUTRAL (P<.001), and MIXED (P=.03) sentiments. Only government experts expressing POSITIVE sentiments during the broadcast received a more extended airtime (P<.001) than nonexperts. Furthermore, NEGATIVE sentiments in the broadcasts were associated with less airtime both for DOCTOREXPERT (P<.001) and GOVTEXPERT (P<.001). CONCLUSIONS: Source credibility plays a crucial role in infodemics by ensuring the accuracy and trustworthiness of the information communicated to audiences. However, cable television media may prioritize likeability over credibility, potentially hindering this goal. Surprisingly, the findings of our study suggest that doctors did not get good airtime on hydroxychloroquine-related discussions on cable television. In contrast, government experts as sources received more airtime on hydroxychloroquine-related discussions. Doctors presenting facts with negative sentiments may not help them gain airtime. Conversely, government experts expressing positive sentiments during broadcasts may have better airtime than nonexperts. These findings have implications on the role of source credibility in public health communications.
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The study sought to investigate whether digital media endorsement influences COVID-19 vaccination hesitancy among Vhembe District-based women in South Africa. As conceptual frameworks, the study relied on digital media endorsement and vaccination hesitancy. A qualitative research method and exploratory research design were employed to better explore women's views and perceptions on how digital media might influence COVID-19 vaccination hesitancy in the Global South. In this study, fifteen women participants aged between 20 and 45 were purposively selected to give their views and experiences concerning the identified lacuna. Data solicited through an in-depth structured interview schedule with open-ended questions were processed and analysed using a qualitative thematic analysis technique to develop pertinent themes and sub-themes. The study established that access to digital media platforms substantially endorsed COVID-19 vaccination hesitancy and uncertainty among most women in the Vhembe District of South Africa. This study further revealed that most women in the Vhembe District were vaccinated against the COVID-19 pandemic. At the same time, a few were hesitant and would somehow use digital media endorsements to decide whether to go for vaccination or not. It was further established that digital media endorsements through celebrities, public figures, and influential people played a significant role in most women accepting the COVID-19 vaccine. The results show how digital media endorsement affects women's perceptions of the COVID-19 vaccination.
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Kevin Hall kicks off the Feature Article section of this issue with a piece entitled, "Leadership Modeling: Christian Leadership Development Through Mentoring as Informed by Social Learning Theory." The purpose of their study was to fill a gap in pastoral health literature by determining the predictive factors that contribute to the sustainability and well-being of leaders. [...]Kimon Nicolaides gets us thinking with an article entitled, "Aspects of Leadership and their Effects on the Growth and Vitality of North American Churches."
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We ask if the move to play elite football (soccer) matches without spectators during the COVID-19 pandemic impacted online viewership. Using a new dataset from YouTube, we depart from the traditional ex ante approach to modelling football demand and investigate streaming preferences for known results in football. Our data is collected in real-time and considers English Premier League matches from 2019 to 2021 played both in front of crowds and behind closed doors. The results indicate increased viewership for matches played without crowds. The findings also allow a deeper understanding of direct demand for football as we identify motivators, including different pre-game and in-game characteristics as well as scheduling effects, that make fans curious to view content after the fact. The research adds to our understanding of the effects of the pandemic on fan viewer behaviour and speaks to broadcasting firms developing digital extension strategies.
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Graphics are of paramount importance in today's sports broadcasts, as they contribute to the understanding of the event, define the visual identity of the competitions and promote the spectacularisation of these events. This study focuses on the graphic representations of data in LaLiga Santander football broadcasts. Through a bibliographic-documentary review and four in-depth interviews with LaLiga officials, the aim is to analyse the use of graphics in this competition and to describe the technical tools used to design and develop its audiovisual graphic material. It also seeks to determine the expressive-narrative impact it has on the broadcasts and to identify the human team in charge of this process. This work demonstrates that the graphic representation of data not only has an informa-tive function, but also has an impact on the visual identity of the competition itself and on increasing the attractiveness of its audiovisual products. In this way, techniques such as Live 3D Graphics, 360 degrees replays or the goal probability model influence the narrative of broadcasts and are useful for both football fans and professionals.
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PurposeTo explore the perceived credibility, relevance, legitimacy and accessibility of videos and podcasts in farm extension.MethodsA two-phase mixed methods approach consisting of a pre-COVID online survey of farmers (n = 221), farmer telephone interviews (n = 60) and in-person focus groups of farmers (n = 4) followed by an analysis of how viewers interact with Agricology videos and podcasts, a further online survey (n = 141) and online farmer focus groups (n = 4) during the COVID-19 pandemic.FindingsIf they are to be perceived as effective extension methods, videos should be short, concise, practical, advert-free and visualise how to implement a practice. Podcasts can be longer, more detailed, and allow multitasking. Both should use farmer-friendly language, be easily accessible, high quality, non-biased, and be created by someone whom farmers respect.Practical implicationsHelps policy-makers and extensionists understand the potential of videos and podcasts and the trade-offs in using them with other forms of extension. The findings are also of use to global advisory services seeking to offer hybridised advice as a result of the ongoing COVID pandemic.Theoretical implicationsElucidates the trade-offs of using videos and podcasts when face-to-face extension is not possible and develops the CRELE framework.OriginalityDiscusses the role of podcasts in farm extension and re-evaluates the role of videos when face-to-face extension is impossible.
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Highlights New media formats such as podcasts are revolutionizing the production and dissemination of knowledge in and outside of higher education. One danger is the rise of EdTech companies that have used the pandemic as an opportunity to increase profits as more individuals and systems of higher education rely on digital platforms and products. This report explores the revolutionary potential of podcasts as an education technology that does not necessarily further the privatization of education. The case of the FreshEd podcast is highlighted. The concept of "infrastructuralism” is used to show how an ethos of Open Science can challenge many exploitative academic conventions and social relations. The main problem of a digital infrastructure that does not use the profit motive, however, is sustainable financing.
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This study was carried out in New Bussa, Niger state, Nigeria to test the infallibility of the contention that coronavirus outbreak and suspension of physical educational services that accompanies its outbreak will positively or negatively affect demand for and adoption of electronic education (e-education) by students of various educational institutions in Nigeria. The study adopted an online survey made available via Google form to residents of the study area. Furthermore the online survey was accompanied by personal interview of school administrators and tertiary institution students. The survey questionnaire was made accessible to participants that were encouraged to fill the questionnaire online between 18th of October and 10th of November, 2020. The data retrieved were analysed using descriptive statistics and t-test. It was found that demand for and adoption of e-education through software resources was not significantly affected by coronavirus outbreak (μduring=3.90, μbefore=3.72, p>0.05), while e-education through radio and television broadcast was found to be significantly affected by coronavirus outbreak (μduring=4.83, μbefore=4.53, p<0.05). Level of income (as such, high cost of data) was found to have effect on demand for and adoption of e-education software resources. Furthermore, social media channels and generalised software applications (with reduced or no cost of data) were found to be the most adopted software resources at the expense of proprietary e-education software resources. It is therefore recommended that Nigerian government should find a way to reduce internet access cost to enable effective adoption of electronic education through mobile and website applications.
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CPD credits: 0.5 Podcast Coping, resilience and surviving trauma In this podcast Dr Raj Persaud talks to Dr Vajrin Malin about the immediate psychological impact of a sudden physical trauma, the importance of having goals and a sense of purpose when faced with challenges and how trainee doctors who may be struggling to cope with stress or trauma can be supported.
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Infants and children with positive PCR test results have been forcefully separated from their parents—unless their parent(s) also test positive and can therefore accompany them to a quarantine facility. On 29 March 2022, a headless robotic dog, carrying an electronic loudspeaker on its back that broadcast a pre-recorded message, walked along an empty, sunny street inside a residential compound in Shanghai (Figures 1 and 2). The app specialises in promoting podcasts (播客) and fostering podcast communities, distinguishing itself from other audio apps such as Ximalaya.FM, which feature a wide variety of audio programs such as audio books, music, comic dialogues, and news briefs (McHugh 2022: 223–25;Xu and Morris 2021). [...]a sound diary contains many elements that are hard to communicate in a written form, such as changes in pitch and volume, laughter, background music, ambient sounds, and even equipment noises from phones or recorders—all of which are open to the aural and affective perceptions of podcasters and listeners.
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The recent COVID-19 health crisis has shone a spotlight on disinformation as the circulation of false information became more and more prominent. What the World Health Organization (WHO) has defined as an ‘infodemic' poses a great risk for democracies and for society in general. In this context, public television channels, with their regional scope, actively participate in the fight against misinformation. This research aims to identify and classify the different verification initiatives and technological tools, as well as the different strategies and codes used in fact-checking tasks by European broadcasters belonging to the CIRCOM network. The methodology undertakes an exploratory approach and employs a questionnaire that is applied to a sample of the members of the network. Managers and professionals with executive profiles were asked about the management, operation and strategies used in the verification process. In light of the results obtained, it can be concluded that the current verification processes are based on human efforts, rather than technological tools, amounting to a total dependence on content curation by the writing teams in the newsroom. Thus, it is evidenced that in most cases, there is neither a specific department for verification, nor sufficient resources, despite the fact that all those surveyed regard disinformation as a priority issue, a threat to democratic integrity and a responsibility of public service media.
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Focusing on the message creation techniques, this article analyzes the rhetorical devices used for message production in four news agencies, news at 21 pm on channel one of IRIB and Instagram texts during the first months of the spread of the Corona virus. Based on the literature review, research on the management of the production of content related to Covid-19 distributed by the media is important because audiences consume the content in both traditional and modern media and are affected by them. However, previous studies have not analyzed the types of information from the perspective of the rhetorical tools in crisis management. The conceptual framework of the present paper is based on the importance of perception in crisis management and the three categories of Instructing, Adjusting and Internalizing information according to Sturges' theory. The effectiveness of crisis communication depends on the rhetorical and sequence of information presentation during the crisis. So, Instructing information should be provided firstly, then Adjusting information and finally, Internalizing information. Techniques of content production are identified by using qualitative content analysis, identifying the rhetorical devices used in the texts, and the two concepts of schemes and tropes in Leigh's model. Accordingly, a number of 257 news items broadcasted on Iranian National TV, 17519 news items appeared in news agencies and 17 Instagram pages with more than 1000 followers have been analyzed. The findings show that content production techniques can be separated from three perspectives: a) Presentation format: Interview, film, conversation, animation, comic, vector, PowerPoint, and diagram are common formats. b) Content production methods: comparison, explanation, naming, metaphor, emphasis, simplification, and sensitization. c) Content production purpose: the common objectives are judgment, education, informing, hopefulness, panic. In concluding: The presentation format on Instagram has been more diverse than that of television and news agencies. Among the types of content, videos and especially videos that have humorous content and Islamic medicine, have been viewed more than others. Confrontation with anti-science can be seen in news agencies and Instagram, but 21 pm TV broadcasts do not pay attention to this issue. TV and news agencies have used tropes, but no scheme has been used on Instagram. The effectiveness of the content influencing on the behavior change decreases in Instagram, news agency and television, respectively.
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PurposeThe Sports Live Streaming Platforms (SLSPs) have taken centre stage in broadcasting sporting events. This study adopts the value creation sphere (VCS) model and the service dominant logic (SDL) to unpack the value co-creation process on SLSPs.Design/methodology/approachA case study with one of the most representative SLSPs in China, involving the netnographic approach and in-depth interviews, was conducted.FindingsThis study redefines the value co-creation spheres in the context of SLSPs and identifies four actors who contribute to viewers' value perceptions. The findings show that viewers' values can be co-created individually and collectively with other actors in both the customer sphere and the joint sphere.Originality/valueThis study extends the theoretical boundary of value co-creation into the context of SLSPs. The study findings help SLSPs managers and decision makers understand the value co-creation process to gain competitive advantages and enhance the sustainability of their services.
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PurposeA wide choice of varied information and data-based tools is reviewed in order to determine their ability treating symptoms of the COVID-19 infodemic. Several literacies and derived literacies, presumably having the ability to fulfil these roles are enumerated. There is also a review of the impact of applying deconstruction, understanding, and anticipation as well as of tools for mitigating overload phenomena, and communication overload.Design/methodology/approachThe article reviews literacies deemed to promise reducing the impact of the information crisis, caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.FindingsA non-exhaustive review of literature, taken from sources of varied disciplines, resulting from reverse snowballing and forward citation mining confirmed that there is a wide choice of solutions from among literacies, derived literacies and other approaches that have the potential to combat annoyance and anxiety, caused by the infodemic.Originality/valueNo other, published research has looked at such a wide range of literacies and derived literacies, as well as other, related approaches linked them to the COVID-19 infodemic.
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Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, online teaching methods have gained more interest. Most formats of teaching can be easily transferred into an online format from a technical point of view. However, this is more difficult for practical courses in a laboratory. Together with partners from three European universities, we tackled the issue of providing a practical online course for higher education levels in the framework of the EuroTeQ university. In this work, we present our concept of the course and discuss the course goals and further improvements. We tested the remote lab setting in order to offer the course on a yearly basis in future. The remote lab was focused on energy engineering and was open to students from different engineering disciplines and countries. The course was comprised of three blocks, each consisting of one lecture on the broader context of the topic and one experimental laboratory session. The experimental session was streamed via a video broadcasting service. Students were required to either deliver a written report or to write a newspaper article for each of the three blocks. The learning outcome of the course was that students on the one hand learn about the technologies discussed in the course and on the other hand learn about intercultural communication skills. The goal was to show the diversity of technologies and to show the significance of each technology for a specific country. The online experimental sessions proved to deliver a clear explanation of the topic for the students when provided with sufficient course material adapted to online formats. Contrary, keeping a high level of interaction with students during remote experiments was found most challenging. © 2022 SEFI 2022 - 50th Annual Conference of the European Society for Engineering Education, Proceedings. All rights reserved.
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PurposeThis study aims to investigate perceptions about interactive travel websites. The researchers hypothesize that engaging content, the quality of information and source credibility have a significant effect on the consumers' utilitarian motivations to continue using them in the future.Design/methodology/approachA structured survey questionnaire was used to gather data from 1,287 online users, who were members of two popular social media groups. The methodology relied on a partial least squares approach to analyze the causal relationships within an extended information adoption model (IAM).FindingsThe findings reveal that the research participants perceive the utility of interactive travel websites and are willing to continue using them, particularly the responsive ones. The research participants suggest that these sites are easy to use, capture their attention and offer them useful information on various tourism services. The results also indicate that they appreciate their source credibility (in terms of their trustworthiness and expertise of their curators) as well as their quality content.Research limitations/implicationsThis study integrates key measures from the IAM with a perceived interactivity construct, to better understand the individuals' acceptance and use of interactive websites.Practical implicationsThis research implies that service businesses ought to have engaging websites that respond to consumer queries in a timely manner. Hence, they should offer a seamless experience to their visitors to encourage loyal behaviors and revisit intentions to their online domains.Originality/valueTo the best of the authors' knowledge, there are no other studies that incorporated an interactive engagement construct with key constructs from IAM and from the technology acceptance model (TAM). This contribution underlines the importance of measuring the individuals' perceptions about the engagement capabilities of interactive media when investigating information and/or technology adoption.
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Today, the process of digitisation of everyday life pervades all aspects and areas in which human beings move and realise their interests. The political sphere is no exception and is also influenced by technological innovation. Over the last decade, the development of Web 2.0 has meant that cyberspace, albeit through electronic means, has taken on the characteristics of a physical place in the guise of social platforms. Currently, the continued proliferation of social networks is reviving numerous debates and latent issues that are still unresolved. Against this backdrop, research has been undertaken to understand the different aspects and the many meanings of this new dimension across different fields of research. In fact, the work will initially focus on the role they possess in society and the possible negative declinations resulting from disinformation and will then come to a legal overview in terms of European regulations, with reference to the protection of privacy and personal data following the enactment of EU Regulation 679/2016. The objective of this study is to provide a sociological and legal framework for the ethics of artificial intelligence and legal regulation in Europe. This study aims to promote a scientific and political discussion to improve understanding of the pervasiveness of social networks and related legal implications. Additionally, this study seeks to offer a perspective that leads to ethical and sustainable solutions.
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As the source of one of the largest revenue streams for professional sport franchises, the viewership of sport broadcasts has plummeted in recent years (Bode, 2018). This declining trend has been further exacerbated by the global COVID-19 pandemic (Crupi, 2021). According to Deloitte's Fan Engagement survey, the average fan satisfaction across sports broadcast programs was only 39 percent (Deloitte, 2019).Research has been devoted to investigating the determinants of sport viewer satisfaction, including various audio and visual conditions of sport broadcasts. However, these works assume that media design effects are equally effective among all viewers and fail to account for potential heterogeneities in people's psychological connection to the mediated sport. To address this gap, the Psychological Continuum Model (PCM;Funk & James, 2001;2006) was introduced as the theoretical foundation for understanding the formation of viewer satisfaction with a focal sport (e.g., college football).The current dissertation examines whether and how the strength of psychological connection to college football overrides the effects of varying audiovisual presentations on viewer satisfaction with a televised college football game. A 2 (presence of commentary: With commentary vs. Without commentary) x 2 (presence of audience: High vs. Low) between-subjects online experiment was administered via Prolific (n = 338). The relationship between psychological connection and viewer satisfaction and the moderation effects of the two selected audiovisual conditions were tested using the ANCOVA. Results showed a significant positive association between psychological connection to college football and viewer satisfaction. However, the manipulated audiovisual conditions did not moderate the aforementioned relationship between psychological connection and viewer satisfaction. The presence of audience had a significant positive effect on viewer satisfaction. In contrast, the presence of commentary exerted no significant effect on viewer satisfaction regardless of people's PCM staging.The findings provide empirical evidence to support the seminal PCM framework that the strength of an individual's psychological connection to the focal sport object was a more deterministic factor that drives the sport media consumption experience than the audiovisual media presentation. For those interested in watching but have not yet formed a strong attitude towards the broadcasted sport object, the viewing experience can be optimized by maximizing the visual presence of a live audience. The null effect of commentary presence and sonic ambiance on viewer satisfaction reinforces the proposition that what is seen might be more influential than what is heard in sport media consumption (Cummins et al., 2019). (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved)
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Research question: The business of sport has been radically challenged by the COVID-19 pandemic, impelling a rapid reassessment of practices to survive the disruption. One stakeholder comprehensively impacted has been the media, whose investments in augmenting sport's commercial appeal have been immense. The media will need to rethink their strategies to adequately leverage their connections to sport products. Similarly, sport properties and content providers will need to reconsider their mediated offerings and how fan relationships can be sustained. In response, this article outlines a pathway to superior fan activation and engagement, noting the accelerated transformation of sport arising in consequence of the pandemic. Methods: An original, multi-dimensional typology is posited into the progression of mediasport and its key components in the context of amplified disruption during COVID-19, and the predicted, lasting consequences in its aftermath. Findings: A new typological framework for conceptualizing the media-sport-consumer triumvirate is presented, which illuminates the acceleration and nature of change brought about by the pandemic. It maps out and describes interrelated and escalating media and sport compositions, explains their pertinence and related exemplars in a COVID-19 context, foreshadows their deployment in a resurgence of sport, and theorizes about their technological, consumption and commercial properties. Implications: The typology-driven analysis culminates with the proposition that sport's relationship with its consumers has been irrevocably transformed by COVID-19 and that this shift will demand a media-sport-consumer dynamic characterized by a radically compressed engagement between the triumvirate that effectively constitutes a new, sui generis form. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved)