ICT Adoption Research Articles

Applicability and Effectiveness of UTAUT Model in Teaching and Learning Economics at FCT College of Education, Zuba, Abuja.

The integration of technology into education is increasingly crucial for preparing students for the demands of the 21st century. This study investigates the adoption and use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in teaching economics and social science courses at the FCT College of Education, Zuba, Abuja, utilizing the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) model as a theoretical framework. Through a mixed-methods approach including surveys and analysis of demographic data, the study examines various factors influencing technology adoption and usage behaviour among lecturers and students. Findings indicate that while ICT facilities are perceived as beneficial and easy to use, there is a need for enhanced technical support and assistance availability. The study underscores the importance of fostering a supportive environment for technology integration and recommends strategies to improve ICT adoption and utilization in educational settings.

Utilization Pattern of Information and Communication Technologies among the Farming Community of West Bengal

Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) represent a pivotal paradigm shift, rendering agricultural extension services more realistic and efficient manner, especially in the ever-changing agrarian landscape. Considering the importance of ICTs among rural producers, a study was conducted in the year 2021 to delineate the utilization pattern of ICTs in two purposively selected districts of West Bengal, one representing an agriculturally prosperous district (Purba Burdwan), while other being a backward district (Birbhum), constituting randomly selected 160 respondents engaged in crop and dairy farming. The information about weather forecasting for crop production and dairy animal management was the most utilized information by Purba Burdwan farmers, contrasting to Birbhum farmers’ focus on marketing of crop produce and breeding of animals. Television and smartphones were the most preferred ICT tools. Multiple comparisons by Duncan Multiple Range Test revealed a notable disparity in ICT usage between the districts, with Purba Burdwan farmers exhibiting higher utilization levels. Additionally, the study identified strategic pathways to enhance ICT adoption, especially in the backward districts, thereby offering a roadmap for elevating the socio-economic conditions of farmers in these regions.

Information and Communication Technology Adoption Strategies Among Iranian Older Adults: A Qualitative Evaluation.

In today's world, it is unavoidable for older adults to use technology, which causes some challenges for them. In this qualitative study, we used grounded theory to evaluate information and communication technology (ICT) adoption strategies among Iranian older adults. The participants included 18 older adults, five experts, and five family members of older adults. The data collection method included conducting semi-structured interviews, taking field notes, and observation. The data were analyzed using the Corbin and Strauss approach. Three main themes were extracted as follows: support from others, effort for learning, and smart choice. The subthemes of support from others included creativity in educating older adults; having access to an educational supporter; and receiving informational, emotional, and financial support. The subthemes of effort for learning included utilizing aids, adaptive measures, shortcut techniques, and self-learning. The subthemes of smart choice included physical characteristics, technical features, price sensitivity, and availability of an active sales representative. Accordingly, it is essential to teach older adults to increase their ICT adoption rate and continued use of technology. In this respect, developing a standard ICT manual for older adults can be beneficial.

AN ASSESSMENT ON HOW STUDENTS’ TECHNICAL COMPETENCE INFLUENCES INTEGRATION OF ICT ON ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE AMONG FORM THREE STUDENTS IN PUBLIC SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN KISII SOUTH SUB COUNTY

The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of students’ technical competence ICT integration on the academic performance of Form Three students in public secondary schools in Kisii South Sub County, Kisii County, Kenya. The study utilized Academic Achievement Theory. A mixedmethods approach with a concurrent triangulation design was employed, combining both quantitative and qualitative methods. The quantitative approach was used to collect numerical data, while the qualitative approach aimed to understand teachers' and students' perceptions of ICT adoption and its impact on academic performance. The target population consisted of 195 teachers, 28 principals, and 530 students, totaling 753 individuals. Purposive sampling was used to select 28 secondary schools in Kisii South Sub County, from which six schools were chosen due to their use of ICT. Simple random sampling was then applied to select 59 teachers and 160 Form Three students, resulting in a total sample size of 225 respondents. Data collection was carried out using questionnaires for principals, teachers, and students. Qualitative data were analyzed narratively, while quantitative data were analyzed using SPSS version 24 and presented through frequency tables, percentages, and descriptive statistics. The study found that 77% of students demonstrated high technical competence. The study recommended that the Ministry of Education, Science, and Technology review and fully implement ICT integration in all public secondary schools. These findings are significant for the Ministry and contribute to the realization of Kenya Vision 2030.

From Tech Skills to Performance Gains: How Digital Literacy Drives Productivity Improvements in the Public Sector

With rapid technological advancements, developing a digitally literate workforce is imperative for public sector organizations to enhance performance. However, research linking digital literacy and employee outcomes in developing country contexts has been limited. This study investigated the relationship between digital literacy and productivity among local government employees in Nigeria. A survey was conducted with 113 employees in Ilorin West Local Government in Nigeria. PLS-SEM was used for the analysis. Digital literacy demonstrated significant positive effects on productivity. Access to ICT positively moderated the digital literacy-productivity relationship. The study makes important theoretical contributions by extending ICT adoption research to public sector contexts and revealing the performance benefits of digital literacy in the workplace. Practically, it capacitates public organizations to increase investments in structured digital skills development programs to motivate employees and unlock productivity improvements.

IMPACT OF INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATIONS TECHNOLOGY (ICT) ON HIGHER EDUCATIONAL SYSTEM IN SIERRA LEONE – A SURVEY

In Sierra Leone, higher educational institutions to date lack equipment, infrastructure, and quality electronic learning materials. ICT has not yet become a catalyst for transformational change in the educational system. Most of the efforts to embrace ICT in the national education system have proved futile due to high cost of acquisition of necessary equipment by the users and lack of adequate investment in the national ICT infrastructure. The objective of this paper is in two-folds. First, to examine the current state of ICT use and e-learning, especially as it relates to its impact on teaching and learning. Second, to identify potential areas for improvements with recommendations for policymakers, educators, and other stakeholders on how to leverage the potential of ICT in higher education. Data was electronically collected through questionnaires administered by students and lecturers in selected higher educational institutions using convenient sampling method. ANOVA statistical technique wise employed for data analysis. Findings from the study revealed that a vast majority of the respondents believe that ICT makes provision for more dynamism with up-to-date learning contents and could improve the overall performance of students. Additionally, the study found that ICT adoption rate in Sierra Leone is weak largely because of lack of ICT knowledge and awareness and the high cost of necessary infrastructure. The paper recommends that due to high cost of technology, Government must support higher educational institutions in their acquisition and maintenance; Institutions should make them a matter of priority and budget for them; and the compulsory use of ICT in the classroom must be encouraged.

Transformative Role of ICT in 21st Century Learning: Enhancing Educational Effectiveness and Equitability

Abstract: The 21st century has witnessed a significant transformation in education through the integration of Information and Communication Technology (ICT). This article explores how ICT enhances educational effectiveness and equitability, focusing on student engagement, personalized learning, teacher professional development, and narrowing educational disparities. ICT adoption has positively impacted student engagement and learning outcomes, enabling educators to create dynamic and immersive learning experiences. Through adaptive learning technologies, ICT allows personalized educational content tailored to individual student needs, fostering deeper understanding and self-directed learning. To fully leverage ICT's potential, continuous professional development for educators is essential. However, the digital divide remains a challenge, with disparities in technology and internet access. Policymakers and educators must collaborate to address infrastructure limitations, privacy concerns, and resistance to change. By promoting student engagement, facilitating personalized learning, empowering educators, and bridging the digital divide, ICT can revolutionize education, creating a more inclusive and equitable learning environment. Continuous research, collaboration, and policy support are vital in harnessing the transformative power of ICT in education.

Unveiling the Effects of ICT Adoption in the Apparel Sector of Bangladesh Based on Technology-Organization-Environment Framework

Unveiling the Effects of ICT Adoption in the Apparel Sector of Bangladesh Based on Technology-Organization-Environment Framework

ICT adoption by mompreneurs during the COVID-19 pandemic: The role of entrepreneurial orientation

Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) can benefit mompreneurs, empowering them to start and expand their business. ICTs became even more important for mompreneurs during the COVID-19 pandemic when small business owners had to reinvent themselves and seek alternative ways of maintaining their sales and remaining in the market. In this context, this paper aims to investigate factors related to ICT adoption by Brazilian mompreneurs. The data were collected during the first months of COVID-19 pandemic and were analyzed through structural equation modelling. The descriptive analysis shows that mompreneurs are adopting innovative technologies such as electronic payments, cloud computing, social networks, video conferencing, and others to manage their business. Moreover, the results indicate that two dimensions of Entrepreneurial Orientation (proactiveness and risk-taking) have a significant effect on perceived ease-of-use and an indirect effect on ICT adoption.

Investigating the impact of ICT on transport-based CO2 emissions: empirical evidence from a quantile cointegration regression analysis.

In the global initiative to leverage information and communication technologies (ICT) for reducing emissions, sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), a region of unique significance, has exhibited a delay in adopting ICT. This study aims to investigate the intricate relationship between ICT and carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from transport in SSA. Employing the panel quantile autoregressive distributed lag (PQARDL) technique, the study analyzes panel data from 24 SSA nations spanning from 2000 to 2021. The results indicate that internet usage and fixed telephone subscriptions have a mitigating effect on CO2 emissions from transport across all quantiles in both the short and long run. However, mobile phone subscriptions contribute to CO2 emissions from transport across all quantiles. Additionally, the middle-income groups demonstrate negative relationships between ICT variables and emissions from transport, while the low-income group exhibits significant positive associations. These findings imply that ICT plays a pivotal role in mitigating transport-based emissions and reveal pronounced disparities in ICT adoption across various income groups within SSA, highlighting overarching underdevelopment in ICT infrastructure. Robustness checks employing a two-step system generalized method of moment (GMM) model reinforce our findings. The study provides policy recommendations, including the promotion of ICT infrastructure development, implementation of smart transportation solutions, and fostering public-private partnerships to address these challenges, shedding light on the path toward a greener and more sustainable transport ecosystem in SSA.

Realisation of the principle of normalisation in the adoption of ICTs in a women's prison: A Finnish qualitative study

Digitalisation offers prisons versatile opportunities to promote the rehabilitation of incarcerated people during their imprisonment, on their return to society, and in communicating with relatives and service providers such as social welfare and health care services, housing services, and employment services. This study focuses on the Hämeenlinna prison, which is Finland's first closed women's prison using personal in-cell laptops for each incarcerated person. We ask (1) how is the principle of normalisation realised in the adoption of information and communication technologies (ICTs) in a women's prison and (2) how do cultural factors hinder the adoption of ICTs in prison. Research material was collected through ethnographic fieldwork and research interviews (22 prison employees and 15 incarcerated women). According to the results, the use of ICTs diversified and enhanced internal communication in the prison and offered a new tool for interacting in prison. The prison offered a limited opportunity for video-mediated motherhood, and efforts were made to respond to women's multi-problematic service needs in prison, and through utilising various digital services. However, the study shows that the realisation of the principle of normalisation in the adoption of ICT in a women's prison poses many challenges. Furthermore, security-oriented thinking and passive resistance appeared as key cultural factors that slow down the adoption of ICTs and new practices. As a conclusion, it can be stated that the adoption of ICTs and the construction of a new prison culture that utilises technology is a long-term process that requires a change in practices, culture and policies that emphasise security.

Integration of Information and Communication Technology in the Teaching and Learning of Mathematics in Junior High Schools in Tamale, Ghana

This research focused on assessing the integration of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in the teaching and learning of mathematics by Junior High School (JHS) mathematics teachers in the Tamale Metropolitan Assembly of Ghana. The study assessed the proficiency of teachers’ Technological, Pedagogical and Content Knowledge (TPACK) related to ICT and the extent to which ICT is employed in JHS mathematics lessons. The study utilized a questionnaire to collect the data. The participant pool comprised 44 JHS mathematics teachers who provided responses on a five-point Likert scale. Descriptive statistics was employed to analyse the data. The findings revealed that JHS mathematics teachers in the Tamale Metropolis possessed a solid understanding of pedagogy and subject matter content. However, they were deficient in the fundamental technological skills necessary for effectively integrating ICT into their instructional approaches. It was also found that majority of these teachers do not incorporate ICT into their mathematics lessons. It was therefore concluded that JHS mathematics teachers in the Tamale Metropolis do not possess the required blend of technology with content and pedagogy (TPACK) needed for successful ICT integration, and there is limited utilization of ICT among JHS mathematics teachers. The study therefore recommends that the Ghana Education Service (GES) and the Ministry of Education (MoE) should develop a comprehensive plan for enhancing teachers' professional development on ICT integration, allocate adequate resources for ICT infrastructure and materials, address barriers to effective ICT integration, and formulate strategies to promote ICT adoption among mathematics teachers at the JHS level.

Optimizing Administrative Efficiency: The Impact of ICT Adoption and Change Management in Educational Institutions

Optimizing Administrative Efficiency: The Impact of ICT Adoption and Change Management in Educational Institutions

Factors influencing ICT implementation in motorcycle goods transport: the mediating role of business efficiency, infrastructure and motorcycle benefits

PurposeThrough the “Going Digital Initiative,” the Ghanaian government has introduced policies that aim at improving the information and communication technology (ICT) infrastructure of the country. These ICT policies have benefited numerous sectors of the Ghanaian economy. In logistics management, ICT has impacted drone medical delivery in the healthcare and maritime sectors. However, the importance of ICT is not realized in the motorcycle goods transport (MGT) industry, regardless of its popularity and high economic dependency. Second, all research on motorcycles is focused on diverse social concerns, and no study has attempted to analyze ICT implementation for MGT operations. This is a significant gap in logistics management. Hence, the study aimed to investigate the impact of ICT on Ghana's MGT industry empirically.Design/methodology/approachThe study adopts a two-phase data collection approach to collect the data. The authors use partial least square structural equation modeling to analyze the study's measurement and structural assessment model.FindingsICT positively impacts MGT and the drivers considered. The drivers positively influence MGT. The study further analyzes novel results on the relationships between the drivers and their mediating roles in enhancing MGT performance.Originality/valueThe study's originality is the extension of ICT adoption and usage in MGT. The lack of literature on the importance of ICT for MGT services makes this study the primary source of literature, and the relationships investigated are unique as the research area is unexplored.

ECONOMICS OF EDUCATION: THE EXAMPLE OF THE BALKAN COUNTRIES

Economic growth is an economic topic that attracts a lot of attention in science and research. This is a consequence of the emergence of increasingly frequent regional and global instabilities, which often develop into open economic crises of a larger scale. Therefore, today’s economic stability is largely threatened due to the slowdown in GDP growth. Economic growth is influenced by various economic factors, with education being one of the most important, which undeniably boosts productivity, competitiveness, and growth. Among the first, this topic was elaborated by Solow. In this research, regression analysis was used to analyze the influence of several selected variables that determine the state of education. The research results are presented in two models. The dependent variable is Gross National Income per capita (GNIpc), and the independent variables in the first model are years of education, macroeconomic stability, and ability to accept information technologies. In the first model, none of the independent variables is individually significant for the movement of GNIpc. The continuation of the analysis (second model) excludes the variable of macroeconomic stability. The final results are significant for the movement of GNIpc and show that an increase of one year in education leads to an increase in GNIpc by 4408 units, while an increase in the speed of ICT adoption leads to an increase in GNIpc by 543 units. Thus, the research results show a positive and significant influence of the selected independent variables on the economic growth of the Balkan countries.

Analisis Sistem Informasi Identitas Kependudukan Digital Disdukcapil Kota Samarinda Oleh Mahasiswa Universitas Muhammadiyah Kalimantan Timur

As of October 30, 2023, about 186,535 people living in Samarinda City must have a Citizenship Card (CTP), but only 11,525 people have a Digital Identity (IKD). Using the internship methods carried out by Muhammadiyah Kalimantan East University Computer Engineering students at the Samarinda Civil Registration and Population Service, this study investigates these differences. The research conducted observations, interviews, and document analysis to describe the challenges in the adoption of ICTs, including how effective the process was and the opinions of officials. The results provide students with a perspective on public IT and legal foundations and technical guidelines governing ICTs. The aim of this research is to help Disdukcapil improve administrative efficiency and increase public acceptance of digital identity technologies.

Use and adoption of ICTs oriented to university student learning: Systematic review using PRISMA methodology

Use and adoption of ICTs oriented to university student learning: Systematic review using PRISMA methodology

What drives sustainable investing? Adoption determinants of sustainable investing exchange-traded funds in Europe

Despite the growing interest in various topics related to sustainable (ESG) investing, some issues remain understudied, such as the determinants of their utilization at the macro level. This paper contributes to the state of knowledge two-directionally. First, it shows the development of sustainable investing exchange-traded funds (ETFs) in European countries. Second, it traces the significant determinants of adopting sustainable investing/ESG ETFs in Europe. More specifically, we aim to determine which financial, technological, social or institutional factors have the most significant impact on the growth of levels and over-time dynamics of the sustainable investing ETFs. The empirical sample covers five European economies: France, Germany, Italy, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom and the period of the analysis is 2006–2020. Adopting panel regression analysis, we investigate twenty different variables that potentially impact the development of sustainable investing ETFs across examined countries. Our results confirm the positive effects of the development of insurance companies and pension funds for the assets of the ESG ETFs. Also, factors such as stock markets development, ICT adoption, financial access and literacy, and the prevalence of tertiary-level education demonstrate a positive impact on ESG ETFs. The role of the financial performance and tax levels resulted in being neutral, thus indicating the lesser importance of the financial motives in relation to the other factors. The results were mixed in the case of the mutual funds and institutional variables.

Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and Recruitment Process in Public Organizations: A Study of Nigeria Police Force, Ebonyi State Command

The importance of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in the recruitment process cannot be underestimated. That explains why organizational human resources managers, the Nigeria Police Force inclusive, have integrated it into the all-important exercise. Therefore, this study examined the effect of application of ICT on recruitment process in the public sector organizations with particular reference to the Nigeria Police Force, Ebonyi State Command. The study was anchored on Technological Determinism theory espoused by Thorstein Veblen (1857-1929). The study adopted descriptive survey design with a sample size of 400. Data were generated through structured questionnaire designed in 5 Likert scale. Chi-square inferential statistics were used to test the formulated hypotheses. The study revealed among others – that the use of online recruitment platform has significantly facilitated teeming qualified citizens’ access to job openings in the Nigeria Police Force, Ebonyi State Command; that the use of online recruitment portal has significantly enhanced appointment of competent staff in the Nigeria Police Force, Ebonyi State Command. The implication of the findings is that the adoption of ICT without human manipulations is key to institutionalization of meritocracy in the exercise. The study recommended as follows among others – that the Nigeria Police Force should ensure sustenance of the use of ICT in the recruitment process so as to attract qualified candidates to the security outfit; that the use of ICT should be given free hand during the recruitment exercise in order to facilitate emergence of most competent and skillful candidates.

Re-Examining the Factors Influencing the Adoption of ICT for Agricultural Information Dissemination in Uganda (Rubanda, Mayuge Districts and Mbarara City)

Re-Examining the Factors Influencing the Adoption of ICT for Agricultural Information Dissemination in Uganda (Rubanda, Mayuge Districts and Mbarara City)