Postgraduate Researcher
Current Status
Second Year, Part Time
Research Topic
How does the Internet influence the character virtues of 11-14 year olds in England?
Research Summary
The Internet is the fastest growing new technology in history, but little is known about the impact it is having on individuals and societies. Despite a growing body of literature focusing on the influence of the Internet, there is a dearth of research on how it may be changing the character and virtues of young people. Debates about what affects the Internet is having on young people are polarised. Critics point to the negative impact of the Internet, and issues such as cyber-bulling, increased access to pornography, safety and consumerism have all been the subject of recent reports and books (see Byron, 2008; Turkle, 2011; James, 2009). Others (see Palfrey and Gasser, 2008; Tapscott, 1998; Katz, 1997; Loader,2007) have championed the Internet and argue that it is not only good for young people, but also for the wider society. Most current literature focuses on the cultural, economic, social and psychological impact of the Internet. This thesis focuses on the influence the Internet is having on young people’s character virtues. The study will demonstrate why this important and as yet largely un-researched issue deserves scholarly attention.
Research Interests
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Citizenship Education
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Character Formation and Virtues
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Civic Engagement
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Volunteering and Character
Research Supervisor
Professor James Arthur
Funding
Self Funded
Membership of Research and Professional Organisations
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Founder and Director – VESL (volunteering charity)
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Director of Teaching and Learning– Learning for Life
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Director Cross Curricula and Community strands – citizED
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Trustee – Character Education Scotland
Publications
Harrison, T (2011) Assessing Citizenship; Challenges and Opportunities in Arthur, J. and Cremin, H. (eds) Citizenship Education (forthcoming), London, Routledge
Harrison, T. Cremin, H., Warwick, P. Mason, C (2011) Engaging Practice; Engaging Young Citizens for Disadvantaged communities, London, CSV
Harrison, T. (2010) A Curriculum full of Character; Developing Character Education in the classroom, culture and community of a school in Arthur, J (eds) Citizens of Character, Exeter, Imprint Academic
Harrison, T. (2010) Volunteering and Character, University of Birmingham
Cremin, H., Harrison, T., Warwick, P. Mason, C (2009), Building Voice, Civic Action and Learning; What can we learn from young people living in socio-economically disadvantaged communities?, University of Leicester and University of Cambridge
Harrison, T., and Hayes, A. (2009) Global Citizens; Effects on attitudes and practice of teachers undertaking voluntary projects overseas, VESL, Manchester
Harrison, T. (2009) Working Together; schools and the voluntary sector, Canterbury, citizED
Harrison, T. (2009) Citizenship Education and the Learning Outside the classroom manifesto, Canterbury, citizED
Harrison, T. (2008) Citizenship Education and Community Involvement, Canterbury, citizED
Recent Research Projects / Roles
2011 - Co-PI, My Character Project, University of Birmingham
2009- 2011 Programme Director, Engaged Project, University of Cambridge
2008-2010 Tutor, Citizenship Education Masters Programme, University of Leicester
2008- Visiting lecturer, University of Northampton
Recent Papers
Harrison, T. (March 2011) Active Citizenship, Koyoto Institute of Education, Japan
Cremin, H. and Harrison, T. (March, 2011) New directions for civic voice, action and learning, University of Cambridge, England
Harrison, T. and Warwick, P. (January 2011) Revitalising schools and communities: sharing research on building voice, civic action and learning, University of Leicester, England
Harrison, T. and Warwick, P. (July 2010) Citizenship Education as creative engagement: Discovering a pedagogy that fits, University of St Andrews, Scotland
Harrison, T (July 2010) Citizenship Education, Best when assessed?, Hong Kong Institute of Education, Hong Kong
Harrison, T (April 2008) Thinking Outside the School Box, Citizenship Education in a Community Context, University of Sydney, Australia