Nadine McKillop

Technology-facilitated abuse (TFA) is prevalent in cases of intimate partner violence. This scoping review applied a systems ergonomics model, Rasmussen’s Risk Management Framework, as a novel approach to map the known factors that influence TFA in the context of intimate partner violence. The findings showed that the literature has focused on factors related to actors directly involved in TFA (e.g., perpetrators and victim-survivors) and that inadequate systemic responses influence the persistence of TFA. The utility of applying systems ergonomics to understand and address complex and pervasive social problems was demonstrated.

This presentation offers reflections, based on student data and experiences, on the use of technology-enabled learning in Australian higher education to activate student learning and engagement. Commencing pre-COVID, the purpose of this study was to investigate students’ (1) perceptions of the utility of smart-enabled technologies for enhancing their engagement, connectedness, learning and academic success and (2) actual engagement with smart-enabled learning materials. Observational and self-report student data (n = 94) and thematic analysis of qualitative responses identified both challenges and affordances useful for redesigning online learning materials during and post-COVID. Findings demonstrate that, if used authentically and meaningfully, smart-enabled technologies provide positive avenues for students to connect with each other, teachers, and content, and receive instant formative feedback. They also break down social barriers to create student dialogue often lost in large classroom environments. This study provides useful insights for planning, building and assessing effectiveness of online learning materials.

Reported prevalence rates indicate that females are responsible for between 4% - 5% of all sexual offences committed. Despite this growing recognition that females engage in harmful sexual behaviour that is similar in severity and type to males, existing research suggests that there may be a bias towards leniency in judicial systems for female sexual offenders. The current study investigates whether or not there are disparities in the way in which female sexual offenders are treated in judicial systems as compared to male sexual offenders. Specifically, we examine two separate sets of data. First, we examine a 12-month period of New Zealand Police statistics regarding the number of female sexual offenders (compared to male sexual offenders) who were charged with a sexual offence and whether they are proceeded to court action or not. Second, we examine New Zealand Police Crime Harm Index (CHI) data (a derived measure of sentencing length) to compare the severity of sentence imposed by the New Zealand court system on female (compared to male) sexual offenders. Results of the study suggest that female sexual offenders may be treated differentially. Police statistics demonstrate that a smaller percentage of females as compared to males proceed to 'court action', with a larger percentage of females 'not proceeding' or proceeding to 'non-court action'. The severity of sentence (as measured by the CHI) for charges that specified a male offender was greater for charges than that specified for a female offender. These findings are discussed in terms of gender differences in sex crimes committed, how these crimes are 'viewed' or processed by Police and judicial systems, as well as limitations of the present study.