[AISWorld] Pre-ECIS Workshop: Developing Activity Theory in Information Studies

[Stan Karanasios]

Pre-ECIS Workshop: *Developing Activity Theory in Information Studies
(DATIS)*, June 6, 2017

at the 25th European Conference on Information Systems / June 5th-10th 2017
/ Guimarães, Portugal (www.ecis2017.eu/)



Workshop chairs:

Stan Karanasios, RMIT University, Australia

David Allen, University of Leeds, UK

Jyoti Mishra, University of Bradford, UK

Alistair Norman, University of Leeds, UK

Boyka Simeonova, Loughborough University, UK



Overview of the workshop:

Over the last two decades the use of Activity Theory has developed within
the field of information systems (IS), as well as related fields such as
Human Computer Interaction, information studies, organisation studies and
communications. While there is significant interest in developing Activity
Theory across these related scholarly disciplines many of the researchers
using it are working as lone scholars within IS and related departments.



The aims of the workshop are to:

1) Introduce IS scholars to the basic conceptual premises of Activity
Theory focusing on the use, development and contribution of Activity Theory.

2) Strengthen and build the community of scholars within IS using Activity
Theory to understand the relationship between technology and activity in
different work and social contexts.

3) Provide an opportunity for scholars to reflect and gain feedback on work
in progress or receive new perspectives.

4) Provide support for researchers that are starting to explore Activity
Theory.

5) Provide a space for scholars interested in other practice theories to
engage in common theoretical debates.



Workshop format:

The workshop will take place over a full day. The workshop will consist of
a key note, short paper presentations (15 minutes), panel discussions, and
breakout sessions. The workshop programme has been designed to encourage
discourse and advance the use of the Activity Theory, enable new
connections between scholars deploying Activity Theory and provide an
introduction to scholars new to Activity Theory.



Workshop Timetable:

09.00: Welcome, participant introductions, and overview of the workshop.

09:15: Key note presentation. (TBA)

10.00: Working Panel: Experiences from the field: Three scholars present
short papers (five-minute overviews) of key theoretical 'challenges'
related to the use of Activity Theory and explore how they have resolved
them within their research.

11:00: Break.

11.30: Short paper presentations.

13:00: Lunch break.

13.45: Welcome and introduction to afternoon sessions.

14.00: Short paper presentations.

15:30: Break

15:45: Breakout group work (organized by shared interests and themes):
Tackling the challenges and opportunities of Activity Theory.

16:30: Breakout group reports and discussion, planning follow-on
opportunities, closing remarks.

16.45: Workshop end.



Evening: Optional dinner/social event to follow



Submission details and dates:

-Submission of short paper (500 words): May 15, 2017

-Short papers should be e-mailed to stan.karanasios at rmit.edu.au with the
words ‘DATIS Workshop’ in the title.

-Short papers will be circulated prior to the workshop.



Short paper submission is not required for attendance at the workshop.



For workshop programme and further details please see:
http://www.ecis2017.eu/workshops-tuturials/