*Crossing new borders: use of computers and phones by Hispanic day laborers in Seattle.*
This talk presents the results of a research project on the use of computers and mobile phones by Hispanic day laborers at Casa Latina, a non-profit organization in Seattle, Washington. Drawing from over 100 interviews, participatory observations and a focus group, we found that information and communication technologies (ICT) help immigrant day laborers to remain connected with their families and their employers. Mobile phones complement but do not replace the use of computers: mobile phones are used primarily to obtain jobs, while computers and the Internet are used mostly to communicate with family and friends. The results of this study offer new insight regarding the way day laborers use ICT to facilitate their navigation and integration into society as immigrants with precarious existences in the US. This study can also inform programs to help provide better support services and training that can effectively meet the needs of these extremely underserved populations. Luis Fernando Baron is a Ph.D. Candidate of Information Sciences at the University of Washington (UW). He has been leader in the study of relations of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) and social movements in the field of human rights and peacebuilding in Colombia. His research spans such diverse areas as memories, public opinion and audiences studies on violence and peace processes in Colombia, uses of media for social change, immigration and information, and alternative processes of organization for development. He is currently working on his dissertation project “Social Media and Social Movements: ICT in the Daily Practices of Social Movement Organizations”. *What:* Luis Fernando Baron on Crossing new borders: use of computers and phones by Hispanic day laborers in Seattle. *When:* Tuesday, February 19th at 12 noon. *Where:* The Allen Center, CSE 203.
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