A user-centered approach to the development of a geographically based online community network

The emergence of modern applications of Information and Communications Technologies (ICT) has resulted in a broadening of focus from organizations to include community, social and individual contexts. This development has seen the emergence of online community networks and community technology centers. This research explores the development of Capricornia Online, an Online Community Network (OCN) associated with the geographic region of Capricornia in Central Queensland, Australia. The establishment of Capricornia Online extended the benefits of the COIN Internet Academy and developed an online resource for supporting ICT skills enhancement and appropriation for individual and community benefit.

The research design adopted a participative action research approach. The research focus was individual-centered, examining and incorporating the contributions of various participants in the system design, content development and the emergence of a model of peer supported social learning.

A major finding of this study is that face-to-face interaction is an important component in supporting the development of ICT in this context. The research found that opportunities for social interaction and the opportunity to learn were the primary motivations bringing participants to this project. It also finds that the individual's basis for participation affected their sense of community, and their appropriation of the ICT for individual and community use. This Participant Action Research contributes to the understanding of how geographically based electronic spaces can be designed, implemented and appropriated with a focus on the needs and potential contributions of individual members.