Description of impact
Improving attitudes and values to digital technologies. Influencing behaviours arround digital technologies.Project summary and aims
As part of the Dundee Science Festival, dot.rural hosted a Cafe Scientifique style event: "TRANSFORMATION THROUGH DIGITAL INNOVATION" on Wednesday 7th November 2012 at Chambers Coffee House, Dundee. The event featured a talk followed by some demonstrations of technologies being developed at the Hub.The Talk, 'How do digital technologies affect your life?' illustrated how digital technologies could transform a community in realms as diverse as culture, conservation, enterprise, health and transport. After the discussion participants were encouraged to get interactive with some digital technology tools being developed by the dot.rural Digital Economy Hub.
The event was well received and external evaluation noted that "Following dot.rural’s successful involvement in Dundee Science Festival 2011, this 2012 event allowed their researchers to provide an overview of each of the hub’s key research areas (rural healthcare, enterprise and culture, accessibility and mobility and natural resource conservation) as well as outline what research they are currently conducting. Examples included a project with the Bumble Bee Conservation Trust, to increase volunteer numbers and motivation; and the development of a transport information system to improve the quality of life of those living in rural areas".
The event engaged a keen audience, who enjoyed listening to the “examples of contemporary projects” and having “the opportunity to interact with technology” themselves. Others commented that they found the talk “informative and interesting, especially coming from a rural area”. The highest scoring outcome was the feeling of trust in science festivals to portray science more honestly than the media or government (average 1.4) coupled with a likelihood to recommend Dundee Science Festival having visited the event (average 1.6). The feedback received was from 12 visitors.
Most significant learning outcomes:
- Activity, Behaviour and Progression
- Attitudes and Values
Who is affected by, or benefits from, the research?
Genral Public, Rural Communities| Impact status | Impact Completed (Open) |
|---|---|
| Impact date | 2011 → 2012 |
| Category of impact | Cultural |
| Stage of Impact | Engagement |