Information professionals in a globalized world: Digital inclusion initiatives in Brazil: Improving education and information seeking behavior through government‐academic partnerships

Actuality of the conducted research is practically oriented character. Without the use of information and communication technologies (ICTs) in the field of higher education, it is impossible to carry out qualitative training of specialists in engineering, the results of which are necessary for the implementation of a national strategy for modernizing the economy and forming a progressive state of European type. Formulation of the task - the specificity of the use of ICT in the system of higher education has not been studied sufficiently. ICT form a complex environment, which includes a lot of information objects and the links between them. It can be argued that the structural and functional analysis of the use of ICT in higher education is the basis of the theoretical justification in the formation of technical professionalism of future engineers. ICTs form a complex system, which includes not only technical and software-hardware capabilities, but also psycho-pedagogical, organizational, methodological. Without taking into account all of these components, as well as the needs of the subjects of the educational process, the use of ICT tools (especially centralized) may be accompanied by risks and negatively affect the quality of high education. An analysis of recent research and publications-is actively exploring the experience of using ICT in high school, it is possible to distinguish the work of foreign specialists D. Stevenson, G. Reinhold, E. Wenger, S. Papierta, I. Zakharova, E. Patarakina, A. Khutorskogo, E. Polat The founders of this scientific direction in our country were M. I. Zhaldak, Y. I.Mashbits. The recent significant increase in the number of studies, the subject of which was the use of information and communication technologies in the educational process. Tsitemi in Ukraine is dedicated to the study of such scholars as V. Yu. Bykov, Ya.V. Bulakhova, O.M. Bondarenko, V.F. Zabolotny, G.O. Kozlakova, O. Moiko, O. Naumenko, Yu.Burovitskaya, I. Stavyts'ka, O.P. Pinchuk, O.V. Shestopal and others. Selection of unexplored parts of the general problem. The use of information technologies in the educational process is the foundation of innovative development of the educational system. The rapid development of ICT provides not only significant pace of innovative progress, but also requires the definition (limitation) of information resources that guarantee the quality of learning, the choice of techniques that are in line with the general strategy for the formation of professional competences. Therefore, the problem of choosing an approach to the process of learning with the use of ICTs remains one of the main tasks of education. Research methods. In theory and practice, the study of the application of information and communication technologies (ICT) in high school uses empirical methods of collecting and analyzing information based on the results of the survey of 120 students. Presenting main material. The essence of professionalism of future specialists of the technical direction is revealed. The scientific point of view on the professionalism of the engineer is presented. The peculiarities of formation of the basis of technical professionalism of future engineers in the process of studying at a higher school are theoretically grounded. The quantitative and qualitative analysis of the results of empirical researches of this problem is presented. The practical significance of the research topic is that the innovative approaches to the training of specialists in engineering specialties are differentiated, which differentiate in the educational concepts of teaching in higher educational institutions of European countries

Perception of Ultimate Utilization of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) as an Impetus in Enhancing Employee Performance in a Few Selected Municipalities in the Eastern Cape of South Africa

The study aims to study the perception of Sr. Sec. School Teachers’ towards extensive utilization of Information and Communication Technology (ICT). The Objectives of the study were: O to study the perception of Sr. Sec. School Teachers towards utilization of Information and Communication Technology (ICT); O to compare the perception of Sr. Sec. School Teachers towards utilization of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in relation to gender; O to compare the perception of Sr. Sec. School Teachers of different age groups towards utilization of Information and Communication Technology (ICT); O to compare the perception of urban and rural Sr. Sec. School Teachers towards utilization of Information and Communication Technology (ICT); O to compare the perception of Sr. Sec. School Teachers to different level of qualification towards utilization of Information and Communication Technology (ICT); (vi) to suggest guidance for effective utilization of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in Sr. Sec. Schools. It was decided to select the sample from Sr. Sec. School teachers of Faridabad District of Haryana. In the present study 100 Sr. Sec. school teachers of Faridabad district of Haryana were selected through simple random sampling technique. Tools: Questionnaire for Teachers’ Perception towards Information and Communication Technology (ICT). This questionnaire was developed by investigator and finalized with its face validity. As findings can be declare that: O There is no significant difference between the urban Sr. Sec. School teachers’ perception and their counter part i.e. rural Sr. Sec. School teachers towards utilization of ICT. O There is no significant difference between the urban male and rural male Sr. Sec. School teachers perception did not differ significant on utilization of ICT. O There is no significant difference between urban and rural female Sr. Sec. School teachers perception towards utilization of ICT. It reflected that urban and rural female teachers were not differs in view on utilization of ICT.

BackgroundThe use of information and communication technologies (ICTs) provide the tools for enabling fast and reliable real-time communications, as well as the transfer of information between dental professionals and their patients. However, little is known about the frequency and preference of ICTs among Latin-American dentists. Our study aims to fill this gap by assessing different aspects related to ICTs, mainly the frequency of use, perceptions, and barriers among Ecuadorian dentists.MethodsAn anonymous, cross-sectional survey-based study was conducted among 342 Ecuadorian dentists. The final questionnaire included 13 items related to the frequency of use, perceptions, and barriers of ICTs. Bivariate analysis was performed by using chi-squared testing to explore the association between the independent variables and the intended use of ICTs, as well as to characterize the perceptions and barriers related to ICTs.ResultsIn general, most participants reported the use of ICTs to communicate with colleagues (99.7%), and patients (96.2%), while only 63.5% reported using ICTs to obtain academic information in their daily practice. WhatsApp was rated as the most used ICT for communicating with colleagues and patients. A majority of participants considered that ICTs can be useful for facilitating continuing dental education (92.1%), searching new work opportunities (91.5%), promoting health (90.1%), working with colleagues and other health professionals (91.2%), promoting their professional services (90.6%), and for resolving clinical cases (87.7%). On the subject of barriers, privacy and security concerns about personal and/or patient information was the biggest concern among dentists (65%), followed by lack of time to learn how to use and/or use ICTs (48%), lack of mobile internet access (28.1%), and lack of internet access at work (24.9%).ConclusionIn our study, we found that Ecuadorian dentists had a high usage rate of ICTs, mainly for communicating with other colleagues and patients, while the academic use of technology remains a comparatively underused application. Most of the participants surveyed had a positive perception towards ICTs, while privacy and security concerns were identified as the main barrier. Older age was associated with a less favourable perception toward ICTs, as well as an increased likelihood of reporting barriers related to the use of technology.

The proliferation of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) coupled with sophisticated network protocols have unveiled new avenues for enterprises and organizations and the hospitality industries cannot be left out. Technology-based systems stand in a pivotal position to offer better service to the populace. Hospitality industries such as hotels can take advantage of the pervasiveness of ICT vis-à-vis technology-based systems to advance some of their operations. This paper seeks to assess the use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) in a front office operation of chain hotels in Ghana. The paper determines the extent of the use of information technology in a front office operation of chain hotels in Ghana. The paper continues to assess the effect of the use of information technology in the front office operation of chain hotels in Ghana, thus if the use of ICT has any effect on chain hotels’ front office operations. The paper further makes recommendations to chain hotel operators and the Ghana Tourist Authority (GTA) and policy makers on the use of information and communications technology in front office operation in chain hotels. Three chain hotels in Ghana were assessed.

The use of information and communication technology (ICT) has become most influential and swift segment in library and information services. This study outlines the use of ICT by medical students and find out the significance of latest technology in central library. Presently, uses of electronic media and technologies are increased notably in healthcare profession, education and research. Medical students are often using ICT for an access to the library resources and online databases. In this study determine the requirements and use of the various tools and technique of ICT by healthcare students. Throughout, the study makes an effort to examine the use of ICT service by medical students at central library of C.U.Shah Medical College and Hospital, Gujarat. In this research apply different parameters like the purpose and frequency of visit, internet access and use of e-resource, attitude of medical students towards ICT, use of ICT for access resources, effectiveness of ICT on medical education and research, impact of ICT on library services and view related to its troubles and level of satisfaction of usage of ICT. Keywords : Information t echnology, communication technology, electronic technology, ICT, internet, library services, online access, healthcare professional, medical students, CUSMCH, Gujarat.

The objective of this paper is to reflect on the use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) in education in general and in blended approaches in particular. With that aim the study analyzes teachers’ and students’ beliefs on the use of ICTs in two contexts: a teacher education course for the use of ICTs in blended approaches and an English for Specific Purposes (ESP) course, both offered in the MOODLE platform. The analysis was based on qualitative data from an interview and questionnaires answered by four teachers who took the course and nine learners who attended ESP classes during an academic semester. Results suggest that the use of ICTs in blended approaches by teachers at tertiary level is still scarce. Teachers perceive the incorporation of such resources as an extra burden. Though the course has given them practical and theoretical knowledge about the use of ICTs in blended teaching approaches, it was unable to change their beliefs on the use technology for pedagogical purposes. As for learners’ beliefs, results indicate they see the use of ICTs as a way to gain more opportunities for learning, interaction and language improvement, thus validating the use of ICTs in education. Given the divergence of beliefs regarding the use of ICTs in education, on the one hand, and its importance, on the other, the study concludes that while pedagogical practices are not aligned with the social context and demands of society, teachers may continue to perceive a low level of motivation and engagement on the part of students.

This research is motivated by the still weak ability of teachers in the use of information and communication technology (ICT). This research was conducted in all kindergarten assisted by researchers in the Lalak River District. Sabjek of this study were all kindergarten teachers in the District of Sungai Lalak which numbered 25 teachers. The purpose of this study is to improve the ability of teachers to use information and communication technology (ICT) through workshop activities. This research consists of two cycles, each of which consists of 4 stages, namely, planning, implementation, observation, and reflection. The results of the study prove that in the first and second cycles, it can be seen that the competence in the use of information and communication technology (ICT) in TK Lalak District Kindergarten teachers is generally in the medium category. In the first aspect of the first cycle, 4 people or 16% kindergarten teachers have a high ability regarding the use of information and communication technology (ICT), while the second cycle increases to 10 people or 40%. In the second category there were 14 people or 56% who had moderate abilities regarding the use of ICTs, while the second cycle had 12 people or 48% who had moderate abilities. In the third aspect of the first cycle of 7 people or 28% have not been able to master the use of ICT, while in the second cycle reduced to 3 people or 12% have not been able to master the use of information and communication technology (ICT). Based on the description that has been described, the researcher draws conclusions from the results of research conducted that the implementation of information and communication technology (ICT) workshops can improve the ability of teachers in the use of information and communication technology (ICT) in TK Lalak River District.

Acknowledging the expanding influence of technology in the promotion of health and wellness, this study assessed the role of information and communication technology (ICT) use in the lives of older cancer survivors. A community sample of cancer survivors aged 65 and older (N = 1411) was extracted from a 2011 U.S. National Health and Aging Trends Study dataset. Weighted multiple regression and multinomial logistic regression analyses were performed to explore the relationships between survey respondents' ICT use and their self-rated health status and depressive symptoms. The majority of respondents reported rarely or never engaging in ICT use. Greater use of communication technology such as emailing or texting was associated with decreased risk for severe depressive symptoms and higher self-rated health status. Information technology use was not associated with depressive symptoms and self-rated health status. Investigation into reasons behind older cancer survivors' apparent low rates of engagement with ICT is warranted, particularly the examination of access as a potential barrier. Findings indicated that frequent use of communication technology was positively linked with mental and physical wellness. The nature of the relationships between communication technology use and physical and mental health merits further research, helping to determine whether community-based educational efforts to improve technology access and skills may benefit the growing population of older cancer survivors.

The world has changed a lot in the past years. The rapid advances in technology and the changing of the communication channels have changed the way people work and, for many, where do they work from. The Internet and mobile technology, the two most dynamic technological forces in modern information and communications technology (ICT) are converging into one ubiquitous mobile Internet service, which will change our way of both doing business and dealing with our daily routine activities. As the use of ICT expands globally, there is need for further research into cultural aspects and implications of ICT. The acceptance of Information Technology (IT) has become a fundamental part of the research plan for most organizations (Igbaria 1993). In IT research, numerous theories are used to understand users’ adoption of new technologies. Various models were developed including the Technology Acceptance Model, Theory of Reasoned Action, Theory of Planned Behavior, and recently, the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology. Each of these models has sought to identify the factors which influence a citizen’s intention or actual use of information technology. Drawing on the UTAUT model and Flow Theory, this research composes a new hybrid theoretical framework to identify the factors affecting the acceptance and use of Mobile Internet -as an ICT application- in a consumer context. The proposed model incorporates eight constructs: Performance Expectancy, Effort Expectancy, Facilitating Conditions, Social Influences, Perceived Value, Perceived Playfulness, Attention Focus, and Behavioral intention. Data collected online from 238 respondents in Saudi Arabia were tested against the research model, using the structural equation modeling approach. The proposed model was mostly supported by the empirical data. The findings of this study provide several crucial implications for ICT and, in particular, mobile Internet service practitioners and researchers

The present study was designed to explore the use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) among public and private sector universities in teaching and learning process. This study was descriptive in nature, problem explored was to investigate use of ICT in teaching and learning process, it future aimed to investigate the role of faculty members in the effective application of ICT in classroom situation. The objectives of the research included to study the usage of information and communication technology (ICT) among faculty in public and private universities and to measure the awareness of private and public sector faculty about use of ICT in teaching learning process and to explore the role of demographic variation in determining faculty use of ICT in teaching learning process. The population of this study was faculty members of public and private sector universities in Rawalpindi/Islamabad. A stratified random sample comprised of 52 male and 48 female university faculty members were collected from three public and three private universities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad. The research tool ICT questionnaire was used to collect data. ICT questionnaire consists of 30 items which were filled out by public and private universities faculty members. After the data collection, data was analyzed with the help of SPSS 18 by using various statistical techniques like Mean, Standard Deviation, Correlation and ANOVA. Research findings reveal that there is significant difference in the awareness of public and private sector faculty about the use of Information and Communication Technology. Results portrays gender differences in prospective faculty perceptions where male university faculty members experience more use of ICT than female university faculty, younger university faculty members were higher user of ICT than older one, Professors use of ICT more frequently than Assistant professors and Lectures, the use of ICT is higher among M Phil qualified university faculty as compared to other qualification levels. Study elaborates that experienced university faculty are higher user of ICT than less experienced university faculty. Study found out that advance computer user among university faculty members experience higher use of ICT than basic and intermediate user. The study was beneficial to comprehend the use of ICT in teaching and learning environment.

Introduction: New computerized system, including health information technologies (HITs), plays an important role in the efficacy of management and nursing care services. Objective: This study was aimed to determine the use of HIT in patient care management, in a case study in Iran. Methods: This mixed method study was conducted in 2018 at the Kowsar Hospital of Semnan, Iran. Data collection was performed, using an observational checklist, and a questionnaire, including two main parts, one demographic and other assessment of information technology (IT) application in the care management of inpatients. The researcher prepared the questionnaire and its validity was verified. The data were organized and analyzed in the form of a descriptive analytic report. In the process of data collection 10 participants, including nurses, head nurses, physicians, radiology experts and IT managers were interviewed, and data analysis was performed, using conventional content analysis. Results: Nurses were satisfied with the computerized system and believed it can expedite the job. From the nurse’s viewpoint, the most common use of the HIT was to have access (observation) to patient admission and discharge information (100%), providing medicine and equipment, and transfer of patients (92.3%). The least use of IT was the retrieval of evidence in the care process (0%), and judgment and analysis related to radiological diagnostic procedures (0%). The potential of electronic record is still not applicable. Conclusion: Use of modern information and communication technology in hospitals facilitates access and transfer of information, and also accelerates patient’s admission and discharge process, relation between hospital units, simplifying the administration of current affairs and providing the necessary medical supplies and diagnostic procedures. However, modifying organizational policies improves the infrastructure, and enhances nurses' motivation in documentation of nursing reports, which can be effective in increasing the impact of IT in care management processes, especially in electronic record and nurse’s clinical judgment and evidence-based care.

This study aimed to determine the knowledge, attitudes and skills of teachers of information and communication technology (ICT) in the learning process. Assess the contribution of knowledge, attitudes and skills of teachers of information and communication technology (ICT) on the use of ICT in the learning process. Research methods approach using surveys of 40 teachers drawn proportionally sampling zone based,instrument as the main data collection tool. Data analysis used descriptive analysis, multiple regression statistical test. The results showed ICT attitudes of primary school teachers in the early stages and is being followed by the knowledge and skills that are at a low stage.Teachers who have knowledge of ICT to contribute higher, followed by teachers' ICT skills and attitudes about ICT. There is a significant contribution to knowledge, attitudes and skills of teachers to use ICT in the learning process. The implications of this research are necessary increase in the use of ICT in the learning process at the elementary school is to provide ICT training to primary teachers who have the skills shortage in the ICT Key Words : Professionalism of teachers, the use of information and communication technology (ICT), the process of learning elementary school.

The Impact of Information and Communication Technology on Life Expectancy in the Middle East

The purpose of this research is to investigate the views of Primary Education students on the use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) in Education and their use in the Religious Studies course. Specifically, it investigates students' views on the use of digital tools, the use of Information and Communication Technologies for school lessons, the impact of the use of Information and Communication Technologies for Religious Education and their views on the teaching support of Information and Communication Technologies and the acquisition of knowledge in the Religious Studies course. To achieve these objectives, one hundred and fifty-seven respondents participated in the study, completing two Likert-type questionnaires. The sample which participated was comprised of ten classes attending the third grade of primary school in the prefecture of Heraklion, Crete. The present study was a quasi-experimental design with two groups, an experimental one and a control one. From these classes, we randomly assigned the control group (n = 72) and the experimental group (n = 85). Quantitative data were subjected to descriptive statistical analysis. The study's findings revealed that the integration of ICT as a means of teaching has not yet been implemented based on the responses of students in primary school. Also, they answered that the use of ICT would help them to follow their lessons and that they would like all school subjects to have activities with ICT. These findings align with prior research, suggesting that learners generally have positive attitudes toward the use of ICT. Regarding their responses to the use of ICT in the Religious Studies, there was a more positive view of the experimental group compared to their responses before the teaching interventions.