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Keeping in touch in a virtual world

18 June 2008

Associate Professor Graeme Johanson

Associate Professor Graeme Johanson from the Faculty of Information Technology is exploring the effectiveness of virtual communication as a tool in breaking down social and language barriers.

A study of the role of social networks and Information and Communications Technology in social cohesion among migrants in Australia and Italy is yielding valuable knowledge.

Associate Professor Graeme Johanson from the Faculty of Information Technology is exploring the effectiveness of virtual communication as a tool in breaking down social and language barriers, particularly among Italian and Chinese migrants in Victoria and northern Italy.

"There is a lot of debate about whether communicating in an online environment is beneficial or detrimental to breaking down social barriers," Professor Johanson said.

"We want to know how people are keeping in touch with each other and how this is helping or hindering their experience in the 'real' world."

Professor Johanson said results from the first phase of the study, which focuses on Italian migrants in Victoria, highlighted differences between older and younger migrants.

"Italian migrants who arrived in Australia in the 1950s and 1960s use information technology to re-connect with their past, such as researching their family history or making contact with people from their native villages," Professor Johanson said.

"On the other hand, young recent migrants are more inclined to focus on being accepted into a new culture."

Professor Johanson said the next phase of the project would explore the Chinese migrant community in Victoria, before moving to the same two groups in Northern Italy.

"We will compare results from the two geographic areas and cultural groups to determine different patterns in communication and what strategies can be put in place to improve and encourage interaction between different ethnic groups in a community."

Dr Livia Iacovino and Tom Denison from the Faculty of Information Technology are working with Professor Johanson on the study, which is funded by the Office of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (International).