Placing Dickens

Digital technologies, including wearable activity trackers and smartphone applications, offer tools to support behaviours in healthy ageing interventions. This study aimed to describe utilisation patterns and correlates of digital technology use among middle-aged and older Australians. We used data from 45 and Up Study 2019 follow-up questionnaire (originally 267,357 participants aged ≥45years recruited 2005-2009). We considered three categories of digital technology use: broad digital technology use (e.g. computers, tablets), small portable devices (e.g. smartphones, smart watches, activity trackers), and digital applications to track health (e.g. step count, nutrition, medication). We used multivariable logistic regression to examine the associations between participants' sociodemographic, health status and behavioural characteristics with digital health technology use. 31,965 participants completed the 2019 follow-up questionnaire (47% response rate), with a median age of 69years (interquartile range: 63-76). Among participants, 87.0% reported broad digital technology use, 34.9% active use of small portable devices, and 29.8% monthly digital application use to track health. For all three categories, digital technology use was significantly associated with relatively younger age (highest for 55-64years), major cities, private health insurance, higher socioeconomic status, greater physical function, higher physical activity, higher fruit and vegetable intake, lower psychological distress, and lower red and processed meat intake. There were no associations between digital technology use and marital status, cancer, osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease, and depression/anxiety. In this Australian cohort, digital technology use was highly common among participants aged 55 to 74years, but reduced among those aged over 75years. Targeted interventions leveraging digital technologies are warranted with the goal of advancing public health.

The relevance of the research topic is due to the need to obtain comprehensive information on the use of digital management technologies in social organizations, existing trends, and potential effects of digitalization. The purpose of the study is to form methodological approaches to assessing the use of digital management technologies in the social sphere and to test these approaches using the example of education and healthcare in Russia. A threevector approach to collecting and analytical processing of information was used as a research method, including obtaining insights about consumer activity in terms of receiving services from social organizations in digital format, infrastructural and competence readiness of social organizations to implement digital technologies, and assessing digital maturity. The results obtained allow concluding that consumers are developing a sustained interest in using the services of social organizations in digital format, high infrastructural and competence readiness of social organizations to implement digital technologies, and the fragmented use of digital technologies in social sectors, primarily related to data collection, processing, and accumulation. Reducing the use of digital technologies aimed at developing inter-organizational interaction is relevant for all the surveyed industries. Based on the presented study results, it can be concluded that there is a low uniformity of the use of certain types of digital technologies in the spheres of education, healthcare and social services and cultural and sports services provision, which indicates the low digital maturity of these industries.

The article reveals the specifics of the use of digital technologies in political campaigns. In particular, based on a comparative analysis, the experience of using these technologies in the political process of the USA, the EU and the Russian Federation is compared. It is noted that artificial intelligence technologies are most often used in political campaigns, namely targeted advertising, Big Data and the use of cryptocurrency based on blockchain technology to finance political campaigns. It is in this direction that the development of regulatory legal acts regulating the use of digital technologies is also underway. Insufficient elaboration of the issues of the use of digital technologies in the political sphere provides significant opportunities for research. The purpose of the article is to identify the main directions of using digital technologies in political campaigns. The following general scientific methods were used to analyze the results obtained: description, analysis, synthesis. An important role was played by the method of comparative analysis, which allows comparing the use of digital technologies in the USA, EU countries and Russia, as well as obtaining the most representative indicators. The authors have developed criteria and indicators for comparing the use of basic digital technologies by different countries and evaluated them on a 5-point scale. The article also used SWOT analysis to identify the strengths and weaknesses of the introduction of digital technologies in political campaigns, as well as to demonstrate the opportunities and threats of their use. The results of comparative and SWOT analysis showed that the use of digital technologies in the Russian Federation and the European Union are approximately at the same level, with the exception of the introduction of Big Data - it is much higher in the EU. The highest degree of implementation of digital technologies is typical for the United States. The article reveals a direct relationship between the degree of regulatory regulation of end-to-end technologies and the level of their dissemination, which indicates the need to maintain a reasonable balance in the legislative regulation of innovative technologies. There is also a tendency to increase the use of digital technologies in Russian political practice, which increases the responsibility of political actors for ensuring the security of personal data of citizens. The article concludes that the development and implementation of digital technologies in modern Russian political life requires the development of a regulatory framework to protect the privacy of citizens and ensure the ethics and transparency of their application. The state should act as a coordinating intermediary between political actors and IT campaigns in order to develop and integrate digital technologies into political campaigns at various levels.

This paper investigated the perception of Nigerian lecturers on usefulness, ease of use and adequacy of use of digital technologies for research based on university ownership. The use of digital technologies for research in the 21st century for ease and access of information cannot be underscored irrespective of lecturers’ university ownership. The study was descriptive of survey type using structured questionnaire to elicit response from the respondents. A total of 742 respondents were drawn purposively from 13 public comprising state and federal universities in South-west, Nigeria. The research instrument was validated by 3 educational technologists and the reliability indices of r=0.92, 0.85 and 0.83 using Cronbach Alpha was attained on perceived usefulness, ease of use and adequacy of use of digital technologies respectively for research at 0.05 level of significance. Frequency counts, means and percentages were used to answer research questions 1-3, while 3 research hypotheses were tested using independent t-test statistical instrument. The finding revealed that lecturers in the federal government owned universities exemplified high perception on the usefulness and ease of use of digital technologies. However, lecturers from state government owned universities perceived adequacy of use of digital technologies for accomplishing research task effectively with minimum error. The study among others provision of institutional support, procurement of needed digital technologies and internet facilities, seminars, workshops and trainings to all university lecturers on usefulness, ease of use of newer digital technologies and skills to possess in accomplishing research task effectively with minimum error; irrespective of university ownership.

Digital Technology Use in US Community-Dwelling Seniors With and Without Homebound Status

The use of digital technologies is an important part of life for most adolescents. Digital technologies can play a role of varying significance in their everyday lives, and the adolescents may use the digital technologies in differing degrees. In this chapter, we focus on investigating and uncovering various factors, such as the personality characteristics of the adolescents, family background, the use of digital technologies in school, and the use of digital technologies in communication with peers, that can contribute to explaining the degrees of use of ICT by present-day (Czech) adolescents. We focus on the use of digital technologies outside of school, specifically in the home environment, maintaining the important distinction in the use of digital technologies for leisure activities and the use of digital technologies for school activities such as homework.In the first part of the chapter, we state the topic of the chapter and gradually present various aspects that the existing research indicates can play important roles in the use of digital technologies by present-day fifteen-year-olds. We then describe a conceptual model that we use in the subsequent analyses. We present research questions, and we describe the methodology of this part of the research, including a basic description of the individual variables used in the analyses. In the subchapters, we present the results of the analyses and we provide answers to the set research questions. In the final part, we summarize our findings and set them in a wider context.KeywordsDigital technologiesAdolescentSchoolFamilyPeersLeisure activitiesHomeworkPISA

Scrutinizing environmental governance in a digital age: New ways of seeing, participating, and intervening

Background: Education has changed as a result of society's rapid digital transformation, which has replaced traditional teaching paradigms with learner-centered, technology-driven settings. LMS platforms, data analytics tools, and AI technologies are essential components for increasing accessibility and participation while improving the caliber of instruction. To handle the efficient use of digital tools and to address concerns like digital equity, data privacy, and professional capacity, educational administration rules must change. In order to create educational administration policies that enhance learning quality in the digital age, this study explores strategic approaches for leveraging digital learning tools. Through their mutual reliance, the study looks at how administrative policy formulation and technology integration work together to promote student results. Methodology: This study integrated case studies from global educational systems with theoretical frameworks like the Diffusion of Innovation Theory and the Technology Acceptance Model using qualitative literature research methodologies. The investigation looked at system-wide factors that affect the adoption and use of digital technologies, as well as their roles in policy execution, dissemination, and assessment. Results: According to the research, digital technologies help make data-driven decisions and facilitate more inclusive and flexible policy implementation, which changes educational leadership. Uruguay, South Korea, and Finland's experiences show how digital tactics assist teacher development and curricular innovation while improving individualized learning. Despite the potential of digital education, challenges still exist in the form of inconsistent infrastructure development, opposition to change, and incomplete data governance regulations. Conclusion: Educational outcomes can be significantly improved when educational systems have strong and flexible regulations to support the use of digital learning technology. To fulfill this promise, we need intentional infrastructure investment, continuous professional development, and cooperation between administrators, educators, and technologists in the establishment of policy. Innovation must be combined with just practices and moral values to ensure system stability in the future and build a digital education system that will last and benefit all students.

ObjectiveRapid digitisation of health occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic worldwide. In October 2020, we conducted a survey on digital health technology use in Germany. This study aimed to conduct a second survey to investigate in more detail the internet use in health context and digital technology use for health promotion and disease prevention in Germany.MethodsA cross-sectional, nationwide telephone survey was conducted in November 2022. Anonymous data on internet and digital technology use, digital health literacy, and sociodemographic characteristics were analysed using descriptive statistics and binary logistic regressions.ResultsThe 1020 participants were aged 18–92 years, 53% were male, 62% completed primary or secondary education, 71% resided in large cities, and 45% reported a country-average net household income. Overall, 61% reported internet use in health context via 1–4 devices. Among those, more than 50% used the internet and apps to obtain general health information and less than 50% used digital technologies for physical activity promotion or cancer prevention. Overall, 34% were confident in using the internet for health decisions and 71% preferred to receive health information non-digitally (e.g. on paper). Internet, app, and digital technology use were associated with higher digital health literacy and income, and residence in larger cities. Digital technologies were used for physical activity promotion by younger and for cancer prevention by older participants.ConclusionThe internet and digital technologies were predominantly used to obtain health information, but less often for health promotion and disease prevention in 2022 in Germany. While health app and digital technology use for physical activity promotion increased, the confidence in using online information for health decisions decreased in 2022 relative to 2020. Factors that promote confidence in online health information and digital technology use for health promotion and disease prevention need to be investigated in future studies.

The article highlights the ways of the use of digital technologies in the higher education system of Ukraine in the professional training of future teachers in the context of modern social challenges. The importance of digital resources in the organization of distance and blended learning under martial law is substantiated. It is emphasized that the informatization of society and the activities of educational institutions significantly affects the formation of content, organizational forms, teaching and management methods. It is emphasized that the digital culture of a teacher implies a high level of digital competencies, i.e. the ability to work with modern digital technology and master modern information and communication technologies. The article presents the results of an experimental study on “Use of digital technologies in the educational process of a higher education institution” conducted at the Vasyl Stefanyk Precarpathian National University. It was conducted with the aim of identifying the level of students’ awareness of the possibilities of using modern digital tools in the course of bachelor’s education, substantiating and developing methods for using digital resources in the process of distance and blended learning, promoting the formation of digital competence of future teachers and improving the preparation of students for professional activities. It is emphasized that the experimental study made it possible to identify and specify the didactic and practical prospects for the use of digital technologies in the process of students’ professional development. It is concluded that in the process of digitalizing the professional training of future teachers, special attention should be paid to the creation of interactive educational environments, the use of digital methods and innovative pedagogical teaching technologies, the formation of digital competence of students, as well as the development of networking between participants in the educational process in the context of global challenges.

The article deals with digital technologies used at Russian industrial enterprises. The problems, which the enterprises face at introduction of digital technologies, are marked. The risks of digitalization are noted. The relevance of the article is determined by the important influence of digitalization in the development of the world's population of the economy and society as a whole. Modern social development is linked to digital technologies. The importance of digital technologies in modern social and economic conditions is due to the growing attention of company management to the introduction of digital technologies for the future development of enterprises in the market. Therefore, the use of digital technologies not only increases the efficiency of the enterprise, but also enhances the economic position of the country. The digitalization of national productive forces will make it possible to remain competitive in the market. In a post-industrial society. The purpose of the study is to analyze the use of digital technology in industrial enterprises. The objectives of the work include - consideration of enterprises with the use of modern marketing tools; identification of risks and obstacles in the introduction of digital technologies at the enterprise; analysis of the use of digital technology in enterprises. As a result of the research, the digital technologies applied at Russian enterprises were analyzed. The used digital marketing tools are considered, risks and obstacles of use and implementation of digital technologies at enterprises are marked, efficiency of use of digital technologies at modern enterprises is marked.

Interorganizational collaboration and the use of new digital technologies, such as artificial intelligence (AI), big data analytics, internet of things (IoT), or blockchain technology, are regarded as key enablers in implementing sustainability and circular economy‐oriented practices. While this is reflected in a few conceptual and case studies, statistical analyses on the topic are rare. No study so far has focused on collaboration, and digital technologies have only been studied in isolation. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of interorganizational collaboration practices on a firm's circular economy practices and on outcomes (sustainability performance and economic performance), as well as the potentially facilitative role of new digital technologies on both. The research is based on a deductive approach, using a random sample of 112 Austrian manufacturing companies. The study employs partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS‐SEM), features a multiple‐respondent design, and uses the dynamic capabilities view as a theoretical foundation. The study finds that interorganizational collaboration practices have a strong positive effect on the implementation of sustainability and CE practices, while the use of new digital technologies and general dynamic capabilities do not. The use of digital technologies positively affects only interorganizational collaboration, while general dynamic capabilities serve as an antecedent for both the use of digital technologies and interorganizational collaboration. Regarding the outcomes of CE implementation, the study finds a positive impact on firm‐level sustainability and economic performance. From a theoretical point of view, the study provides a new perspective on the prerequisites for successful CE implementation, highlights the importance of collaboration, and contextualizes the role of new digital technologies and dynamic capabilities. From a practical point of view, based on the positive outcomes found, the study supports arguments in favor of company engagement in CE activity. It also serves to motivate purposive digitization and systems thinking in order to create efficient CE collaboration networks.

This chapter focuses on how much the availability of digital technologies and their use by present-day Czech adolescents affect student performance in school. Even though digital technologies are a key topic both in current pedagogical research and within regular school practice, there are still many ambiguities about the actual impact of digital technologies and their use on the results of the education of today’s students. The goal of this chapter is to describe and explain how the availability and use of digital technologies by students both in and outside of school are reflected in their school performance. Within the analyses, we focus on the availability and the use of digital technologies directly in school and on the availability and the use of digital technologies by students in their home environments. In addition to the use of digital technologies in general, we focus specifically on the frequency of Internet use and we consider other aspects related to the use and the role of digital technologies in adolescents’ lives, such as interest in digital technologies and the perceived ability and independence in their use.In the first part of the chapter, we introduce the topic of the availability and use of digital technologies as a whole and then specify a concrete research question that we ask in this part of the research. We describe the methodology of the performed analyses, including a basic description of the variables used. In the next three subchapters, we gradually present the answers to our three research questions. In the final part, we conclude by summarizing and discussing the results of the performed analyses, and we set them in a wider context.KeywordsDigital technologiesSchoolsHomeStudentsCompetenceAutonomySchool performancePISA

PurposeUniversities are constantly searching for best practices to promote sustainability when it comes to educating students of the English language. Although this area of study has recently gained the attention of scholars around the world there is still a need to explore it from various perspectives.ObjectiveThis study aims to comprehensively investigate the impact of digital immersive technology on the education of English language students, specifically focusing on its potential to promote critical thinking and self-directed learning for achieving sustainability in education through teamwork. The research will assess the influence of digital immersive experiences on enhancing learning outcomes, examining their role in fostering critical thinking skills and encouraging self-directed learning practices. Additionally, the study explores the collaborative aspects of digital immersive technology, evaluating its contribution to teamwork among students.MethodologyThe objective was achieved by using a survey questionnaire to collect data from 304 registered students in various universities in Beijing. Data analysis was conducted by applying Mplus 7.0 software.FindingsThe findings revealed that the use of digital immersive technology was pivotal for achieving sustainable education both directly and indirectly to an extent. In addition, team working moderated all the respective paths except the path involving the use of digital immersive technology and critical thinking.ImplicationsThese results generated implications for teachers and policymakers to promote and facilitate the use of digital technology for teaching the English language to students, encouraging them to develop critical skills and self-directed learning strategies. The study also offered guidance and deeper understanding for researchers to address the concerns linked to the use of digital technology and sustainable education particularly in their future endeavors.

The effective use of digital technologies in the organization of distance education plays an important role in the rapid assimilation of new information introduced into science. It will also be possible to quickly enter additional information within the virtual subject being studied. Therefore, the study of methods for introducing digital technologies and their effective use in distance learning processes, the creation of distance learning courses belongs to the group of topical scientific and technical problems. At present, the importance of using digital technologies in improving the quality of education is very high. The purpose of the research work is the effective use of digital technologies in distance education and the theoretical basis for testing its effectiveness. The article mentions the possibilities of the Moodle system, the advantages of course elements, effective methods of teaching science. The use of modern digital technologies and means of communication in distance education will also be discussed. The article outlines the stages of development of digital technologies, defines the meaning and content of the concepts “Digital technologies”, “Digital educational technologies”. Description of information about the Kahoot and Quizizz software platforms for an interesting organization of the educational process. The advantages of this platform in developing the intellectual and creative abilities of students and increasing their enthusiasm for learning are emphasized. Regardless of whether the educational process is traditional or distance learning, it is necessary to increase students’ interest in the lesson, encourage them to work on themselves, and form independent learning skills. Organization of the educational process on gaming platforms, creation of a set of electronic tests and its use in teaching, increasing the effectiveness of the lesson and increasing the independence of thinking of students, interest in the lesson, and a high level of mastery of the subject being taught. It is advisable to use digital technologies in the educational process to develop students’ interest, to develop the skills and abilities to use additional literature outside the textbook, to direct students to scientific research, as well as to constantly transfer knowledge to students.