Documents published in Scipedia

• Audio communication in the face of the renaissance of digital audio

  T. Piñeiro-Otero, L. Pedrero-Esteban

  El profesional de la información (2022). Vol. 31, (5), 124

  
  

  Abstract

  In recent years, digital audio has undergone an explosion. The transformation of radio and its expansion to new channels and consumer devices, added to the rise of podcasts and streaming music platforms, have led to the transformation of the audio ecosystem. This transition from the audio medium to audio media has involved an integral change in content, as well as in its production and reception processes. In this regard, the aim of this paper is to approach the present digital audio scene from the standpoint of its content, formats, and broadcasting models as well as of the new professional profiles, business models, and consumer–relationship practices, providing a snapshot that is completed with a prospective reflection on the challenges facing radio in this new ecosystem.

  Abstract
  In recent years, digital audio has undergone an explosion. The transformation of radio and its expansion to new channels and consumer devices, added to the rise of podcasts [...]

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• Integrated research model for web interfaces: toward a taxonomy of quantitative and qualitative analysis for digital native media

  S. Tejedor, L. Romero-Rodríguez, L. Codina

  El profesional de la información (2022). Vol. 31, (6), 123

  
  

  Abstract

  In a context marked by the emergence of new platforms and interfaces, digital native media face the challenge of organizing and presenting their content in an effective and eloquent way. This milestone requires ongoing work toward the identification and conceptualization of the dimensions that map the structural and formal requirements necessary for fluid communication with audiences and adequate visibility in the digital ecosystem. This study, which adopts a quantitative–qualitative methodological design, proposes, describes, and applies a taxonomy for the analysis of digital media web interfaces. Based on a review of the literature, two rounds of expert judgment, and a pilot test, the research identifies 14 thematic dimensions, 36 indicators, and 69 variables. The study focuses on the importance of renewing research about taxonomy related to structural dimensions that address narrative, quality, usability, information search, and content redissemination and socialization, among other aspects. The study of web interfaces applied to journalism demands long-term research work with a holistic approach that, at a conceptual and practical level, can offer proposals for analysis and diagnosis on the basis of an integrated method. 

  Abstract
  In a context marked by the emergence of new platforms and interfaces, digital native media face the challenge of organizing and presenting their content in an effective and [...]

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• SCImago Graphica: a new tool for exploring and visually communicating data

  Y. Hassan-Montero, F. De-Moya-Anegón, V. Guerrero-Bote

  El profesional de la información (2022). Vol. 31, (5), 122

  
  

  Abstract

  Despite the increasing number of data visualization authoring systems in recent years, it remains a challenge to simultaneously achieve high expressive power and ease of use in a single tool. In this paper we present SCImago Graphica, a no-code tool which allows the creation of complex visualizations by simple drag-and-drop interactions. Users bind the data variables to the different encoding channels, and specify the settings of each binding, from which the tool generates the interactive graphical display. Due to its efficiency of use, SCImago Graphica is not only suitable for visually communicating data, but also for exploratory data analysis. We evaluate the expressiveness and ease of use of SCImago Graphica through various examples of chart construction and a catalog of visualizations. The results show that SCImago Graphica makes it possible to create a wide variety of data visualizations quickly and easily.

  Abstract
  Despite the increasing number of data visualization authoring systems in recent years, it remains a challenge to simultaneously achieve high expressive power and ease of use [...]

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• Early career researchers in the pandemic-fashioned ‘new scholarly normality’: a first look into the big changes and long-lasting impacts (international analysis)

  D. Nicholas, E. Herman, C. Boukacem-Zeghmouri, A. Watkinson, D. Sims, B. Rodríguez-Bravo, M. Świgoń, A. Abrizah, J. Xu, G. Serbina, H. Jamali, C. Tenopir, S. Allard

  El profesional de la información (2022). Vol. 31, (4), 121

  
  

  Abstract

  After two-years of repeat interviewing around 170 early career science/social science researchers from China, France, Malaysia, Poland, Russia, Spain, UK and US about their work life and scholarly communications in pandemic-times, the Harbingers project is now in possession of a mountain of data on what constitutes a very important academic topic. The purpose of the paper is to share the early highlights of the data, with a focus on the main and lasting impacts of the pandemic. The data presented comes from the national interviewers, who had conducted 3 rounds of interviews with their 20 or so early career researchers (ECRs) over two years and, thus, knew them well. They were asked to provide an ‘aerial view’ by identifying the most important impacts they had detected while things were still fresh in their minds. The main findings are that: 1) ECRs, the research workhorses, have generally proved to be resilient and perseverant and some have prospered; 2) the pandemic has fast-tracked researchers to a virtual and remote scholarly world, with all the advantages and disadvantages that comes with it. The data, however, is nuanced, with significant differences occurring between countries, especially China and France. The paper also updates a literature review on the topic previously published in this journal.

  Abstract
  After two-years of repeat interviewing around 170 early career science/social science researchers from China, France, Malaysia, Poland, Russia, Spain, UK and US about their [...]

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• Metaverse and education: the pioneering case of Minecraft in immersive digital learning

  I. Sánchez-López, R. Roig-Vila, A. Pérez-Rodríguez

  El profesional de la información (2022). Vol. 31, (6), 120

  
  

  Abstract

  The metaverse is presented as a possible new technological iteration for the Internet. The generation of virtual universes in which the physical and the digital converge raises the question of how education will be addressed in these new systems. We find, however, pioneering exercises such as Minecraft: Education Edition. This platform is a version based on the popular sandbox video game, which was originally created by a community of teachers. The aim of this research is to analyze and describe the idiosyncratic characteristics of Minecraft as an educational platform, framing it as one of the pioneering exercises in the metaverse. To this end, we have employed a methodology that combines Multimodal Discourse Analysis with Grounded Theory and the Constant Comparative Method. As conclusions, we observe how the Minecraft Education platform reinforces from its approach pre-existing aspects from the physical world, resizing them to adapt them to its connected digital environment. These are key elements such as the identity of the participants, their ability to act within the system, creativity through lessons as a guide to the educational objectives and the community as the backbone of the process. At the same time, it presents differential components, such as the use of avatars, the transition from textual literacy to multimodal literacy, game mechanics that boost creativity or transhuman capabilities that defy physical space-time. All in all, the platform is designed for teachers, parents and managers, to whom it offers a series of benefits. Therefore, the pedagogical action will depend on their judgment and execution, especially through the elaboration of lessons and worlds, the management of the sessions and their interaction in community environments. It is their responsibility to ensure that the educational experience is truly empowering or, on the contrary, that it ends up being governed by reproductive criteria linked to symbolic violence.

  Abstract
  The metaverse is presented as a possible new technological iteration for the Internet. The generation of virtual universes in which the physical and the digital converge raises [...]

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• Knowing how to share and to protect oneself: key factors on digital cybercritical education for children

  F. Lena-Acebo, P. Renés-Arellano, M. Hernández-Serrano, M. Caldeiro-Pedreira

  El profesional de la información (2022). Vol. 31, (6), 119

  
  

  Abstract

  Children live together consuming, producing, and sharing digital content. These are hypermediated communication actions typical of cyberculture, and require training in critical thinking that, even when minors receive it, is not always perceived as necessary, which can put the privacy of children at risk. This study focuses on analyzing the cyber skills of primary and high school students to act critically, and examines the level of conceptual, attitudinal, and procedural competence that children perceive they have acquired to access, consume, create, and share digital content on social media. The specific objective is to understand some of the components that may be related to young people’s perception of the training they have received, as well as whether there are differences in terms of their willingness to acquire training to protect themselves when creating and consuming digital content. To this end, a 25-item questionnaire on the knowledge, attitudes, and actions of young people was designed, validated, and administered to a sample of 417 Spanish students completing primary and high school education. The results obtained indicate that, at the conceptual level, there are no differences between the educational stages, while differences were found at the attitudinal and procedural levels. The two factors identified show that, although high school students have acquired certain critical and protective attitudes, they behave more riskily in their self-presentation and posts than primary school students when accessing, creating, and sharing digital content on social media, and that the training received and the willingness to learn about how to create and share were the differentiating variables for increased protection. We conclude that there is a need for introducing education specific to the critical analysis and self-protection of Internet use at the primary education level, as well as additional training that would help to avoid risky behavior during high school.

  Abstract
  Children live together consuming, producing, and sharing digital content. These are hypermediated communication actions typical of cyberculture, and require training in critical [...]

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• Competences of SEO specialists: a perspective from the labor market. Technical note

  R. Escandell-Poveda, N. Papí-Gálvez, M. Iglesias-García

  El profesional de la información (2022). Vol. 31, (5), 118

  
  

  Abstract

  The search engine optimization (SEO) specialist, or web positioning specialist, is one of the digital communication professionals that have emerged from the use of search engines as a means of attracting online audiences. The results of an analysis of labor demand demonstrate the importance of specific competences not intrinsically linked to this specialty, such as web analytics and digital marketing, and transversal competences, such as analytical skills, English-language skills, and an interest in learning. Its implications for the academic and business world open up future areas of study to confirm the professional sector’s requirements and illustrate the effectiveness of higher education, focusing on improving employability.

  Abstract
  The search engine optimization (SEO) specialist, or web positioning specialist, is one of the digital communication professionals that have emerged from the use of search [...]

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• Methodology for the evaluation of media literacy in children and youth. Recommendations and trends

  P. Fernandes, A. Pinto da Mota Matos, I. Festas

  El profesional de la información (2022). Vol. 31, (6), 117

  
  

  Abstract

  In the current communicational scenario, transformed by technological and digital advances, media literacy is considered a crucial competence for active and informed participation in society. In this context, the main objective of this study was to assess the media literacy competences of 416 students of the 4th, 6th, and 9th grades in Portugal, identifying training needs and presenting suggestions for intervention. A non-experimental quantitative methodology was used, and the participants completed a self-response questionnaire. The results indicate that the three grades studied have a transversal need regarding the use of media, the production of media content, and participation in society through the media, and also regarding the analysis, understanding, and assessment of media content. We confirm the importance of media education in the development of media literacy and present some intervention suggestions for the promotion of these competences in the school context, namely the reinforcement of some curricular content, the use of guiding documents, and the development of critical thinking. We emphasize the importance of training teachers and parents on the subject, and finally, we also emphasize the importance of deconstructing the belief that digital natives have natural competences in this regard and therefore do not need training in this area.

  Abstract
  In the current communicational scenario, transformed by technological and digital advances, media literacy is considered a crucial competence for active and informed participation [...]

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• Evolution of the public problem of depopulation in Spain: longitudinal analysis of the media agenda

  V. Saiz-Echezarreta, B. Galletero-Campos, A. Castellet, A. Martínez-Rodrigo

  El profesional de la información (2022). Vol. 31, (5), 116

  
  

  Abstract

  According to the sociology of public problems, the construction, visibility, and stabilization of a public problem require the mobilization of collectives of citizens interested in the issue, which act as an active entity in demanding actions and policies. One such issue is the depopulation of rural areas in Spain, which has shifted from a geographically localized problem to a matter of state policy. This article investigates the influence of framing in this process, analyzing a corpus of 5,980 headlines from newspapers in the Aragon, Castile-La Mancha, and Castile and Leon regions of Spain as well as from two national media outlets, corresponding to the period 2012–2021. Through the application of statistical analyses of lexical frequency in stages, the most significant terms in the evolution of the media’s coverage of the issue have been identified, which has made it possible to observe the appearance and displacement of concepts and their relationship to the most important milestones of social and political mobilization. In addition, its power to stir up sentiment in socio-political discourse has been explored. The consolidation of depopulation as a stable element in the Spanish media agenda, going beyond the regional sphere and having a presence dissociated from specific events through time, in contrast to what occurred some years ago, stands out. Finding a media-friendly frame -empty Spain [España vacía] and emptied Spain [España vaciada]- may have been a key element in this. 

  Abstract
  According to the sociology of public problems, the construction, visibility, and stabilization of a public problem require the mobilization of collectives of citizens interested [...]

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• Accountability of unaccountable institutions: oversight of the press, social networks, and the Spanish Parliament over the Spanish king emeritus

  M. Martín-Llaguno, R. Berganza, M. Navarro-Beltrá

  El profesional de la información (2022). Vol. 31, (4), 115

  
  

  Abstract

  Convictions of political corruption depend on public communication, since for citizens, to perceive deviant behaviours, these must receive attention. In Spain, this type of behaviour is part of the agendas of citizens, media, and politicians and, to fight against it, accountability is essential. In addition to the judiciary and legislature (in their oversight role), the media and social media help voters, MPs and others to make informed decisions and press for action. However, the interrelationships between different agents, types, and forms of control for accountability are a rather unexplored research topic, especially when considering non-accountable institutions (those that have power, but are not directly accountable to the electorate, such as the monarchy). The debate on the inviolability of the emeritus presents a perfect scenario to describe what formulas and what kind of sanctions (legal, labour, reputational or personal) for accountability have occurred in Spain in the case of a non-accountable institution. This study explores the agendas of media, Parliament, and Twitter (and their inter-influences) during the Geneva papers scandal. We analyzed 189,037 tweets, 1,220 journalistic pieces and 78 parliamentary initiatives related to the former monarch. The main results show that the media, social networks, and Parliament have acted as agents of accountability with Juan Carlos I, as if it were an accountable institution. Online newspapers and Twitter have led the oversight, while the parliamentary initiative has been ineffective and has essentially served as an instrument of partisan communication.

  Abstract
  Convictions of political corruption depend on public communication, since for citizens, to perceive deviant behaviours, these must receive attention. In Spain, this type of [...]

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