We are sorry to have to report that Brigadier Nigel Strickland, the Director of Administration, who normally writes this feature, is very unwell at the present time and on sick…
Abstract
We are sorry to have to report that Brigadier Nigel Strickland, the Director of Administration, who normally writes this feature, is very unwell at the present time and on sick leave. In his absence business will go on as usual at Headquarters, although if some delay does occur in dealing with correspondence you are asked to bear with us.
You will have read in last month's issue that I have taken over from Tom Coffin as Director of Administration. As you can probably imagine, it was with some trepidation that I sat…
Abstract
You will have read in last month's issue that I have taken over from Tom Coffin as Director of Administration. As you can probably imagine, it was with some trepidation that I sat down to write my first edition of ABE News. However my primary duty is quite clear; this is to thank Tom Coffin very sincerely on behalf of all members for everything that he has done for the Association during his time as Director of Administration. I know you would like to wish him a very long and happy retirement. I am sure that he won't mind my recording the fact that this is his third and, as he himself put it, hopefully his final retirement.
It hardly seems possible that I have now been in the secretarial chair for six weeks. I am still busy learning the ropes, but hopefully my response time to your enquiries is…
Abstract
It hardly seems possible that I have now been in the secretarial chair for six weeks. I am still busy learning the ropes, but hopefully my response time to your enquiries is improving. We continue to have a steady stream of visitors to our office at 3 Station Parade, which I may say we much enjoy. We also get a large number of letters from overseas on a wide variety of subjects. These again we enjoy, particularly as it helps to widen our horizon from the rather narrow outlook of the office and get us out into the world beyond.
In this issue we go almost to the two extremes of the alphabet — from Bahrain to Zimbabwe — with interest‐ing reports from Geoffrey Goldie (Member) and Ray Folcarelli (Member)…
Abstract
In this issue we go almost to the two extremes of the alphabet — from Bahrain to Zimbabwe — with interest‐ing reports from Geoffrey Goldie (Member) and Ray Folcarelli (Member), which demonstrate very clearly the value of the ABE Courses on a world wide basis — or nearly so. All we need now is an active branch in Australia to complete our A to Z.
Ryan Bradley and Nigel Newbutt
The use of virtual reality (VR) technologies in the education of autistic children has been a focus of research for over two decades. It is argued that this form of technology can…
Abstract
Purpose
The use of virtual reality (VR) technologies in the education of autistic children has been a focus of research for over two decades. It is argued that this form of technology can provide authentic “real world” contexts that target social and life skills training in safe, controllable and repeatable virtual environments. The development of affordable VR head-mounted displays (HMD), such as Google cardboard and Oculus Rift, has seen a renewed interest in their use for a wide range of applications, including the education of autistic individuals. The paper aims to discuss these issues.
Design/methodology/approach
A systematic search of electronic databases focussing on empirical studies on the use of VR-HMD for children and adults on the autism spectrum was undertaken.
Findings
A review of the literature identified a limited number of studies in this field characterised by differences in the type of application, technology used and participant characteristics.
Research limitations/implications
Whilst there are some grounds for optimism, more research is needed on the use of this technology within educational settings to ensure robust recommendations can be made on the implementation, use and sustainability of this approach.
Originality/value
This paper is the first to consider the evidence base for the use of VR-HMD technology to support the needs of the autistic population.
Details
Keywords
Nigel Newbutt and Ryan Bradley
The potential of head mounted displays based virtual reality (HMD-based VR) for autistic groups has been well documented. However, the deployment and application of this…
Abstract
Purpose
The potential of head mounted displays based virtual reality (HMD-based VR) for autistic groups has been well documented. However, the deployment and application of this technology, especially in schools, has been extremely limited. One of the main criticisms in this field has been the lack of involvement from practitioners in research on educational approaches for autistic populations and the gap between research and practice in real-life settings.
Design/methodology/approach
This conceptual article focuses on our research in a UK-based special needs school that sought to examine the effects and potential use of VR-HMDs, while seeking to establish best practices for safe and ethical application using this technology. This draws upon ethical and participatory research guidance, including British Educational Research Association and Autism Participatory Research.
Findings
The authors make recommendations on planning and implementing a participatory, safe and ethical approach to researching the use of VR-HMDs in special needs schools and engaging with the priorities of autistic children and young people and their teachers.
Originality/value
This conceptual article provides an initial first consideration of ways we can better include autistic people and their views in research that is with and about them. The value in this will mean we are able to better support autistic groups moving ahead using VR HMD-based technologies. Without this paradigm shift and including autistic people (and their stakeholders) the field might continue to build initiatives around medical-based models of disabilities rather that what the community need/want.
Details
Keywords
Nigel Newbutt, Noah Glaser and Heath Palmer
Previous research provides promising insights to the role of spherical video-based virtual reality (SVVR) applied with and for autistic users. Work already conducted in this area…
Abstract
Purpose
Previous research provides promising insights to the role of spherical video-based virtual reality (SVVR) applied with and for autistic users. Work already conducted in this area suggests that SVVR delivered via a range of head-mounted displays (HMDs) are useable, acceptable, can enable skill acquisition, can be relevant for delivering training, can help to reduce discomfort and promote skills generalization. However, to date very little research articulates methods or approaches to the design and development of SVVR. Here, the authors share the experiences of working in this space and designing SVVR content with and for autistic groups.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors draw upon two case studies/projects that were previous worked on with the intention to extrapolate key parts of the production process of SVVR development. The authors also outline key theoretical contexts as related to SVVR development in this field.
Findings
The goal of this primer on SVVR is to provide researchers and practitioners with an overview of using this technology. The authors provide a set of recommendations that should inform others in creating their own content and developing SVVR for/with/by autistic people.
Originality/value
This work combines and outlines theoretical, conceptual and practical considerations for practitioners and stakeholders seeking to build and deploy SVVR content; aspects not reported in previous research.
Details
Keywords
Through a survey of 200 employees working in five of the thirty establishments analysed in previous research about the microeconomic effects of reducing the working time (Cahier…
Abstract
Through a survey of 200 employees working in five of the thirty establishments analysed in previous research about the microeconomic effects of reducing the working time (Cahier 25), the consequences on employees of such a reduction can be assessed; and relevant attitudes and aspirations better known.
Kathleen M. Adams and Dirk Sandarupa
The frequent occurrence of dramatic natural disasters and political and religious instability in Southeast Asian island states has tested the resiliency of tourism-dependent…
Abstract
The frequent occurrence of dramatic natural disasters and political and religious instability in Southeast Asian island states has tested the resiliency of tourism-dependent economies and the livelihoods of host communities. The purpose of this chapter is to examine the role of local knowledge in contributing to the resilience of tourism microentrepreneurship. Drawing on a case study of a restaurant in South Sulawesi (Indonesia) that has thrived despite the ebbs and flows of tourism, we identify ways in which successful tourism microentrepreneurs draw on local knowledge to discern business opportunities and build rapport with neighboring communities.
Details
Keywords
This paper seeks to argue that racially discriminatory zoning in Colonial Hong Kong could have been a form of protectionism driven by economic considerations.
Abstract
Purpose
This paper seeks to argue that racially discriminatory zoning in Colonial Hong Kong could have been a form of protectionism driven by economic considerations.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper was based on a review of the relevant ordinances, literature, and public information, notably data obtained from the Land Registry and telephone directories.
Findings
This paper reveals that many writings on racial matters in Hong Kong were not a correct interpretation or presentation of facts. It shows that after the repeal of the discriminatory laws in 1946, an increasing number of people, both Chinese and European, were living in the Peak district. Besides, Chinese were found to be acquiring land even under the discriminatory law for Barker Road during the mid‐1920s and became, after 1946, the majority landlords by the mid‐1970s. This testifies to the argument that the Chinese could compete economically with Europeans for prime residential premises in Hong Kong.
Research limitations/implications
This paper lends further support to the Lawrence‐Marco proposition raised in Environment and Planning B: Planning and Design by Lai and Yu, which regards segregation zoning as a means to reduce the effective demand of an economically resourceful social group.
Practical implications
This paper shows how title documents for land and telephone directories can be used to measure the degree of racial segregation.
Originality/value
This paper is the first attempt to systematically re‐interpret English literature on racially discriminatory zoning in Hong Kong's Peak area using reliable public information from Crown Leases and telephone directories.