Assignment 4: Audrey Leung

Quesenberry, Jeria L., Eileen M. Trauth. “The Role of Ubiquitous Computing in Maintaining Work-life Balance: Perspectives from Women in the Information Technology Workforce” in “Designing Ubiquitous Information Environments: Socio-Technical Issues and Challenges” Edited by Carsten Sorensen, Youngjin Yoo, Kalle Lyytinen, Janice I. DeGross. Cleveland, Ohio, U.S.A., 2005. (Accessed November 16, 2015). http://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/0-387-28918-6_6

By interviewing 136 women in the information technology workforce, this study examines how ubiquitous computing plays a role in achieving and maintaining work-life balance. They are women from Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, and United States, holding a variety of financial and social status. Findings indicate that ubiquitous computing generally gives them a more flexible schedule, better office relationships and productivity, and benefits their personal lives.

This reflects the importance of technology as a factor of accomplishing work-life balance in the modern society. By applying it also to myself as a student, it shows that I can make use of technology to achieve and maintain balance between my academics study, extracurricular activities, and social life. With more convenient communication and sharing of information, technology helps improve both my productivity while studying and my relationships with family and friends.