Cultural Diversity in the Digital Age: Developing Mobile Support for Migrant Professionals

Abstract

Fluency in the language of host society in combination with early entry into the job market are essential elements of successful migrant integration and social inclusion. Due to its accessibility, mobile technology can serve as a support and bridging tool for many people for both language learning and managing employment opportunities. The aim of this study is to explore what professional integration needs the newly arrived professionals (teachers, healthcare professionals and engineers) coming to Sweden, one of the top recipients of asylum applications per capita, experience. Further, we discuss how to develop mobile support to enhance a personalised and sustainable professional integration. We apply participatory design principles conducting semi-structured focus group interviews and interactive workshops with above mentioned migrant professionals, mentors and language teachers. Thematic content analysis is used for analysis of the data. The results demonstrate diverse professional needs and requirements for digital competence for work and at work. The study also gives suggestions for developing mobile applications for enhancing integration of professionals in the Swedish labor market.

Details

Presentation Type

Paper Presentation in a Themed Session

Theme

Technologies in Knowledge Sharing

KEYWORDS

Migrants, Professionals, Mobile Technology, Cross-cultural Design, Integration

Digital Media

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