We present the results of two studies on social television concepts. In one study, a social TV prototype was tested in the field, allowing groups of users watching television at home to talk to each other over an audio link. Specific patterns of use are described, showing that users did perceive the system as valuable. In another study, focus groups were presented with several social TV concepts, and their responses were collected. These participants saw only moderate to marginal value in the concept. We discuss the discrepancy with reference to the limitations of each method. Based on our analysis, we conclude that our social television experience provides user value under certain favorable conditions. Participants deal with potential conflicts between conversation and television audio without the need for additional technical support, and there is no indication that a video link would improve the experience. However, designing for the social dynamics at the beginnings, ends, and outside of conversations remains an open challenge.
Students with emotional or behavioral disorders (E/BD) typically experience academic and social difficulties in school settings. One intervention, opportunities to make choices, has been implemented for students with E/BD to address inappropriate behaviors. Three elementary-aged students with E/BD from a self-contained special education classroom participated in this study. A multiple-baseline, across-students, single-subject design was used to compare the effects of Choice and No Choice conditions on multiple academic and social behaviors. All study sessions were conducted during regularly scheduled math activities in the special education classroom by the classroom teacher. Results suggest that opportunities to make choices during academic situations positively affected the academic and social behaviors of two of the three students. Limitations of and future research directions for opportunities to make choices for students with E/BD are provided.
Driver inattention is estimated to he a significant factor for over 25% of all crashes. A system that could accurately detect driver inattention could aid in reducing this number. In contrast to using specialized sensors or video cameras to monitor the driver we detect driver inattention by using only readily available sensors. A classifier was trained using Collision Avoidance Systems (CAS) sensors which was able to accurately identify 80% of driver inattention and could be added to a vehicle without incurring the cost of additional sensors.
We report on a field evaluation of a prototype social television system (Social TV) that incorporates lightweight messaging as well as ambient awareness of user presence on the system. This evaluation was conducted over a two-week period and involved the participation of ten households. Participants appreciated the ability to see their buddies' presence on the system, the ability to see or suggest the programs they were currently watching, and the ability to send short messages to one another. The presence facilities available in Social TV also allowed participants to learn more about one another's TV viewing habits and preferences, and fostered a sense of connectedness between them. However, they also felt constrained by the limitations of the communication options available to them and demanded free-form text or voice chat to be able to fully express themselves.
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