Virtual Volunteering in Community Sport
As community sport clubs begin their return to play phases, the short and long-term impacts of COVID-19 – on the field and in the office – are unmistakable. Physical distancing measures and stay-at-home protocols have illuminated how technology can keep people connected and involved in their local communities. These new ways of working provide an…
Esport Fans
Esports (competitive professional video gaming) is a rapidly growing industry, with an estimated global audience of 335 million people in 2017, including 143 million active in-person spectators. But what attracts fans to attend live esport events? In contrast to the limitations of watching events online, live experiences provide fans with enhanced opportunities for social interaction.
Wearable Tech
New ultrathin, breathable electronic material is paving the way for more functional wearable technology, with applications for everything from online gaming to medical monitoring. With preliminary results comparable to electrodes attached to the skin, the gas permeable material allows sweat to evaporate away from the skin, making it more comfortable for long-term use.
Experts in the House – Q&A with Warren Weeks on Social Media
On May 13, SIRC hosted a webinar – Stop Pushing and Start Engaging! – led by social media expert Warren Weeks, designed to help participants rethink their social media engagement strategies. With audiences spending more time online due to the pandemic, sport and physical activity organizations have an opportunity to build their audience and engage…
Principles of Crisis Communication
Looking to refine your communication strategy in the current circumstances? Keep in mind four principles for crisis communication: 1. Empathize; 2. Focus on action; 3, Keep it simple; and 4. The medium is the message. Learn more in the SIRC blog.
COVID Communication Fatigue: Before you add another online meeting, stop and reconsider
As the COVID-19 crisis continues, complaints of meeting fatigue are on the rise. Have you found your day filled with back-to-back Zoom calls, where you stare blankly at the poorly lit face of a colleague on the computer screen, as s/he provides a daily update, or report? “I hop from Zoom call to Zoom call…
Videoconferencing
Feeling anxious? New research has shown that eye contact during interactions on video conferencing platforms has the same impact on our nervous system as in-person eye contact – helping us feel calm and connected. So turn on the video and adjust your camera to look directly at your family, friends and colleagues.
Carrot Rewards App
New research from Western University shows rewards as little as 4 cents a day can motivate physical activity-related behaviour change. Findings from a year-long evaluation of the Carrot Rewards app demonstrated use was associated with an increase in weekly step count on a population-scale, but was most evident for users who were physically inactive and…
Quarantine Backyard Ultra
Even the most solitary of sports — distance running — is not immune to the COVID-19 lockdown. Using a combination of live-streaming and the honor code, 2,400 participants from 56 countries took part in the Quarantine Backyard Ultra. For 63 consecutive hours, runners completed 4.167 miles every hour at any pace, targeting 262 miles. While…
Home Office Ergonomics
Is your at-home office literally a pain in the neck? University of Alberta ergonomics expert Linda Miller offers advice to help maintain good posture while working in less than ideal settings during COVID-19 pandemic. In addition to adding movement into your day, Miller suggests supporting your feet and back, using an external keyboard, and minimizing…