Communication Technology Skills Research Articles

Student Teachers’ Knowledge of School-level Geometry: Implications for Teaching and Learning

<p style="text-align:justify">This study aimed to assess the geometric knowledge of student teachers from a university in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa. The study used a sample of 225 first-year student teachers who completed school mathematics baseline assessments on a computer- aided mathematics instruction (CAMI) software. The study adopted a descriptive cross-sectional research design, using quantitative data to measure student teachers’ geometry achievement level, and qualitative data to explain the challenges encountered. The results show that student teachers exhibited a low level of understanding of school-level geometry. The low achievement levels were linked to various factors, such as insufficient grasp of geometry concepts in their secondary school education, difficulty in remembering what was done years ago, low self-confidence, and lack of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) skills along with the limited time for the baseline tests. These results suggest that appropriate measures should be taken to ensure that student teachers acquire the necessary subject-matter knowledge to teach effectively in their future classrooms.</p>

Factors Associated with Device, Internet and Videoconferencing Use Amongst Individuals with Moderate-to-Severe Traumatic Brain Injury

Videoconferencing (VC) has the potential to improve access to quality healthcare for individuals with traumatic brain injury (TBI) who require intensive and ongoing rehabilitation post-injury. Gaps in information and communication technology (ICT) use, access, and skills, however, may undermine equitable participation in remotely delivered healthcare and rehabilitation. This cross-sectional study sought to identify which demographic, injury-related, and psychological factors are associated with gaps in digital inclusion amongst individuals with a TBI. Between March 2020 and December 2023, 186 adults with a moderate-to-severe TBI who were aged 18–65 years and were within five years post-injury completed a range of self-report measures. The results demonstrated that most individuals with a moderate-to-severe TBI reported high levels of technology skills and access and used the internet from multiple devices daily. While injury severity was unrelated to technology use, this finding may reflect an overestimation of technology use amongst individuals with the most severe injuries, who were excluded from the study. Several demographic and psychological factors were found to predict VC readiness and are presented within a model to guide clinicians considering client suitability for VC rehabilitation. The current findings indicate that the use of VC in clinical settings following a moderate-to-severe TBI is feasible and suggest that individuals with a TBI may benefit from the greater provision of remotely delivered healthcare than is currently offered.

Factors Associated with Device, Internet and Videoconferencing Use Amongst Individuals with Moderate-to-Severe Traumatic Brain Injury

Videoconferencing (VC) has the potential to improve access to quality healthcare for individuals with traumatic brain injury (TBI) who require intensive and ongoing rehabilitation post-injury. Gaps in information and communication technology (ICT) use, access, and skills, however, may undermine equitable participation in remotely delivered healthcare and rehabilitation. This cross-sectional study sought to identify which demographic, injury-related, and psychological factors are associated with gaps in digital inclusion amongst individuals with a TBI. Between March 2020 and December 2023, 186 adults with a moderate-to-severe TBI who were aged 18–65 years and were within five years post-injury completed a range of self-report measures. The results demonstrated that most individuals with a moderate-to-severe TBI reported high levels of technology skills and access and used the internet from multiple devices daily. While injury severity was unrelated to technology use, this finding may reflect an overestimation of technology use amongst individuals with the most severe injuries, who were excluded from the study. Several demographic and psychological factors were found to predict VC readiness and are presented within a model to guide clinicians considering client suitability for VC rehabilitation. The current findings indicate that the use of VC in clinical settings following a moderate-to-severe TBI is feasible and suggest that individuals with a TBI may benefit from the greater provision of remotely delivered healthcare than is currently offered.

Restructuring of human resource development in IIT libraries of North India in new digital era

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine the restructuring of human resources development processes in Indian Institutes of Technology (IIT) libraries in North India, emphasizing the essential information and communications technology (ICT) skills for both recruits and existing staff. Design/methodology/approach The study used a survey research design, with two different sets of structured questionnaires used to collect data. The first set, which was distributed to all heads of seven IIT libraries in North India, received a 100% response rate. Simultaneously, the second set was distributed to library users, yielding a 92% response rate (680 responses out of 700 distributed). The collected data were analyzed and tabulated, with suitable interpretations. Findings The findings of the study reveal that all examined libraries have implemented skill development programs. Moreover, advanced ICT skills are considered essential for staff appointments, and specific institutes (IIT Kanpur, IIT Delhi, IIT Jodhpur and IIT Ropar) took the initiative to provide ICT training to their employees. Trained employees exhibited enhanced performance, attributed to advanced ICT knowledge. The study suggests restructuring selection criteria and introducing structured ICT training programs for library staff, ensuring a more adept workforce for current demands. Research limitations/implications The study can increase the impact globally on human resource development by incorporating soft skills, job satisfaction and leadership development while exploring research opportunities through cross-institutional comparisons and the integration of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and virtual reality. Originality/value This study collected primary data from IIT libraries in North India using self-designed questionnaires. The findings provide useful insights into how libraries might restructure human resource development in the digital age.

The use of digital occupational health services among employer customers: A cross-sectional study

Occupational health (OH) service providers, together with their client organizations co-operate in promoting health and work ability. Alongside with the so-called traditional services, more and more digital services are offered by OH service providers. However, little is known how the employer customers experience and use digital OH services. This study evaluates the types of digital OH services employer customers use and how they assess the usefulness and ease of use of these digital services. Furthermore, the aim is to find out factors associated the usefulness and ease of use. To determine these features of usefulness and ease of use of digital services the Technology Acceptance Model was utilized. A cross-sectional, electronic survey was carried out to the members of human resources (HR) and entrepreneur associations between December 2022 and January 2023. The survey was in Finnish. The research material consisted of the employer customers’ answers to the multiple-choice questions of the use, usefulness and ease of use of digital OH services. The data was analyzed by quantitative statistical analysis. A total of 455 respondents took part in the study, comprising 198 representatives of HR professionals and 257 entrepreneurs. Most of the respondents were women (65%) and over 50 years old (61%). HR professionals rated their information and communications technology skills significantly more often good or really good compared to the entrepreneurs, being 92 % and 62 %, respectively. The most frequently utilized digital OH services were the ability to update personnel’s information in the OH patient registry (48.0%) and remote action plan negotiations (37.1%). Less than one-third of the respondents (29.9%) took part in remote work ability negotiations, while approximately one-fifth (20.8%) participated in remote workplace surveys. In general, the HR professionals used digital OH services more frequently and estimate the usefulness and the use of digital OH services more positively compared to the entrepreneurs (p<0.05). The study produced new information of the use and experiences of using digital OH services among the employer customers. The findings can be used to optimize the delivery and effectiveness of digital OH services for all employer customers, especially for the entrepreneurs who seemed be less used to utilize digital services.

A Multi-Factoral Approach to Enhancing Millennial Teachers' Personal Knowledge Management

Prior research has emphasized a need for scholarly works investigating millennial instructors' knowledge management (PKM) practices at the individual level within an institution. In addition, there needs to be more research examining the role of organizational learning as a mediator between transformational leadership and personal knowledge management among millennial instructors. This study examines how transformational leadership, ICT literacy, and organizational learning affect personal knowledge management (PKM) among Indonesian school instructors in their 20s and 30s. Another goal is to investigate the function of organizational learning as a mediating factor. We administered questionnaires to 100 teachers at some private Islamic schools in Bengkulu, Indonesia, and evaluated them subsequently using partial least squares structural equation modeling. The results suggest that proficiency in information and communication technology (ICT), the ability to inspire and guide others through transformational leadership, and the presence of a culture that promotes continuous learning within the business all contribute positively to the practice of personal knowledge management (PKM) among instructors from the millennial generation. The study determined that ICT literacy had the most substantial impact on teachers' PKM. Furthermore, organizational learning mediates between transformational leadership and PKM, resulting in a slight rise. These findings have practical consequences for school administrators who aim to increase millennial teachers' information and communication technology (ICT) skills in the region. One way to achieve this is by creating an ICT literacy ecosystem within schools, which will help strengthen the personal knowledge management of these instructors.

A Quadruple Helix Intervention for Accounting Education in Ghana

The current study explored the information and communication technology and higher-order thinking skills necessary for accounting students in Ghana upon completion of their accounting programme. These skills will improve their job prospects. The study adopted a qualitative approach involving in-depth semi-structured face-to-face interviews with government officials, accounting academics, employers and accounting graduates. The quadruple helix (QH) model of innovation was applied to examine the required information and communication technology and higher-order thinking skills and roles of the key QH stakeholders in promoting the development of these skills. Purposive and snowball sampling methods were utilised to select the participants for this study. The data were then analysed using thematic review procedures with the assistance of ATLAS.ti™ 9. The study revealed a growing need for accounting graduates to demonstrate creativity, analytical skills, an entrepreneurial spirit, and strong interpersonal skills for swift adaptation and success in the competitive professional landscape. Enhancing the employability of accounting graduates demands collaboration among government, academics, employers, and graduates, particularly by developing the curriculum and enhancing practical work-readiness.

PELATIHAN PENGEMBANGAN PEMBELAJARAN DENGAN LEARNING MANAGEMENT SYSTEM DAN EXAM VIEW BAGI GURU SMPN 2 SUNGAILIAT

Information and Communication Technology (ICT) has a very important role in the world of education. Apart from being used as educational infrastructure, ICT can be used as a learning tool and facility so that it can provide alternative learning experiences that are more innovative, efficient, and enjoyable if used properly. One of the implementations of ICT in the world of education is the use of the Learning Management System (LMS) and Examview which can be used to help manage online-based learning. This Community Service aims to provide training to teachers at SMP Negeri 2 Sungailiat in using LMS and Examview as an effort to improve Information and Communication Technology (ICT) skills for SMP Negeri 2 Sungailiat teachers in the current era of digitalization. The service methods carried out include: 1) Designing and creating an LMS for SMP Negeri 2 Sungailiat, 2) Providing training on LMS management and using Examview for 3 days, and 3) Assisting teachers in managing the LMS. The result of this Community Service activity is an increase in teacher skills in managing learning using LMS and Examview as shown by the results of the observation that has been carried out. From the observation results, it was found that there was an increase in teacher skills in developing learning with LMS and Examview. Eighty Percent (80%) of teachers had succeeded in developing learning in the LMS that had been provided by the team and used the LMS to help the learning process at SMPN 2 Sungailiat.

Harnessing Internal Wealth Creation through Information and Communication Technologies Skills Development

The study examines the role of ICT skills in internal wealth creation in Bayelsa State. The issues of employment in Nigeria are highly significant among young people, and this study is anticipating ICT skill development as a possible remedy to the problem of unemployment in Nigeria and Bayelsa state in particular. The study is a descriptive research design, which involved a sampled of 120 respondents, comprising IT practitioners, academia, and staff of the Bayelsa State Ministry of Youth and Sport. A validated questionnaire was used to gather relevant data. The method of analysis was characterized by mean and standard deviation as they were used to answer research questions, while the PPMC was used to test the hypothesis at the 0.05 level of statistical significance. The study result (r = 0.746, p-value = 0.013 < 0.05) presents a strong positive significant relationship between ICT skill development and internal wealth creation in Bayelsa State. The study recommended that Bayelsa State should invest in youth ICT skills training programmes that are more advanced.

Investigating the Management of COVID-19 Pandemic Risks in Primary Schools: A Case of Public Primary Schools in Lindi Region, Southern Tanzania

The spread of COVID-19 in the year 2020 put various nations at risk, especially in social, economic, and educational aspects. School closure was employed as one of the response measures against the spread of this virus. However, the measure imposed high social and educational risks with consequences of a massive drop academically. This study investigated the management of the COVID-19 pandemic risks in primary schools in the Lindi region in Tanzania intending to suggest the essence of having a risk management plan for indeterminate outbreaks and other uncertainties to avoid the recurrence of the risks. The study adopted a qualitative case study design which allowed an in-depth data collection through one-on-one interviews and observation methods. Thematic analysis was adopted to analyze the data for this inquiry. Findings revealed that the targeted schools were able to manage the COVID-19 pandemic risks even though the management was done locally due to the lack of risk management plans in the schools. Furthermore, it was discovered that there was no budget set to deal with the emerging risks. Headteachers from the investigated schools went as far as using part of their salaries to tackle the emerging risks as a result of school closure. Additionally, findings also revealed that during school closure teachers were unprepared on how to conduct the teaching and learning processes amongst the pupils through distance mode. Despite several endeavors to try to ensure pupils continue to learn in their homes, the strategies were not successful due to inadequate Information and Communication Technology (ICT) knowledge and skills among the teachers, parents, and pupils as well as insufficient supportive distance learning infrastructures such as ICT equipment and the internet. Consequently, proper implementation of distance teaching and learning during school closure was impaired due to the lack of risk management plans in schools. It is recommended that the risk management plan be developed to ensure that teaching and learning processes are never hampered by emergencies.

Competencies Matter for Digital Transformation and Operational Performance in Nepalese SMEs

This study investigates the effect of individual and organizational competencies on digital transformation implementation and operational performance in small and medium-sized enterprises in Nepal. Regression analysis with a small sample size is used to test the proposed research model and hypotheses utilizing data collected from 154 employees of SMEs in Nepal. The results of this study showed that individual capabilities measure of information and communication technology skills, change acceptance, and technology acquisition have positive relationships with digital transformation implementation in Nepal’s SMEs. In addition, the study’s results indicated that organizational infrastructure, top management’s willingness, and organizational support as a part of organizational capabilities positively affect digital transformation implementation. As individual and organizational capabilities are confirmed to be the drivers of DX implementation, firms should develop manuals and guidelines to understand employees’ work processes and improve work efficiency. Digital transformation implementation positively affects operational performance in Nepal’s small and medium-sized enterprises. The significance and value of this study lies in its potential to serve as fundamental guidance for corporations seeking to implement digital transformation and organizations contemplating adopting digital transformation strategies effectively.

Evaluating ICT Competencies of Higher Education Faculty:A Comprehensive Quantitative Model after the Pandemic

This study aimed to enhance the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) skills of faculty members in a higher education institution. The faculty’s limited proficiency in ICT impeded the integration of technology instruments across different topics. A training program was devised, executed, and assessed to tackle these problems within six months. Online courses were developed for participants under the training’s criteria. Quantitative data collection involved administering a pre-test and post-test, which were subsequently analyzed using descriptive statistics. The assessed competencies encompassed the utilization of computers in instructional activities and the development and implementation of educational initiatives. The findings indicated that 75% of the faculty did not typically include technology in their instructional methods, whereas 41% recognized the potential of technology to enhance and innovate teaching practices. Only 66.67% of the participants possessed knowledge of fundamental components of computers, while the same percentage was aware of basic peripherals. Additionally, 58.33% of the participants demonstrated proficiency in installing computer programs. The program sought to enhance the educational quality and showed positive modifications in formulating strategies for integrating ICTs into the curriculum. The results showcased the efficacy of the training program in improving teaching skills in the field of information and communication technologies (ICTs), enhancing the teaching methods of faculty members, and providing the opportunity to deliver courses either fully online or in a blended format.

The Role of the Principal as an Educator in Developing Capability Teacher Information And Communication Technology

The demands of teachers in this era require teachers to continue to develop with the times. It is the responsibility of the principal to help teachers improve their abilities. This study aims to determine the role, obstacles and solutions of the principal as an educator in developing the Information and Communication Technology skills of teachers at SD Negeri 109 Pekanbaru. This study used descriptive qualitative method. Data collection techniques using interviews, observation and documentation review. Testing the validity of the data using triangulation. Data analysis techniques namely data collection, data reduction, data presentation and drawing conclusions. The results showed that the principal had tried to carry out his role as an educator in developing teachers' ICT skills. The conclusion from the research results is that the role of the principal as an educator in developing teachers' ICT skills is carried out with strategies that have been prepared such as, involving teachers in all ICT-based training and providing opportunities for teachers to increase knowledge and skills, creating a conducive school atmosphere by completing infrastructure ICT and complement teaching materials by checking ICT teaching materials used by teachers in learning, providing guidance and advice at regular meetings or meetings and providing motivation such as giving praise to teachers who have contributed a lot to the school.

Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Skills as Correlate of Business Education Lecturers’ Instructional Effectiveness in Colleges of Education in South-South Geo-Political Zone of Nigeria

This study examined ICT Skills as correlate of business education lecturers’ instructional effectiveness in Colleges of Education in South-South Geo-Political Zone of Nigeria. Six specific purposes, research questions and null hypotheses guided the study. The design chosen for the study was correlational research design. The population of the study comprised one hundred and seventy-three (173) business educators in seven (7) colleges of education in the study area. ICT Skills Test (IST) and the Instructional Effectiveness Questionnaire (IEQ) were used to collect data for the study. The instruments were validated by three experts and tested for reliability using K-R 20 for ICT skills Test (IST) and Cronbach Alpha coefficient for Instructional Effectiveness Questionnaire (IEQ). The result for ICT Skill Test using K-R 20 was 0.97 and that of Instructional Effectiveness Questionnaire, using Cronbach Alpha coefficient was 0.91. Data collected from the respondents were analysed using the Pearson Product Moment Correlation Coefficient (r) to answer the research questions, while the null hypotheses were tested using t-test associated with simple regression. Findings of the research questions revealed that word processing and database management skills have high positive correlation with business education lecturers’ instructional effectiveness. Findings of the research hypotheses indicated the following: There is a significant relationship between word processing skills and business education lecturers’ instructional effectiveness and there is a significant relationship between database management skills and business education lecturers’ instructional effectiveness. The educational implication of the study is that skills are needed to efficiently use at least the elementary functions of ICT in instructional effectiveness. Therefore, it is crucial for institutions operating business education programmes to recognize the importance of ICT skills and provide ample support and resources to their lecturers in order to ensure their instructional effectiveness in the digital era. It was recommended among others that institutions of learning through its ICT unit should offer workshops and seminars to help lecturers stay updated with the latest advancements in ICT skills such as word processing and database management skills.

Organizational Capital, Skills and Productivity

This paper studies how industries' investment in organizational capital (OC) and workforce skills relate to productivity, building on OECD estimates of OC, output data from the OECD Structural Analysis (STAN) database, and skill indicators from the OECD Programme for the International Assessment of Adult Competencies (PIAAC). The paper finds that, at the industry level, workers' numeracy and Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) skills correlate positively with productivity, and that the positive correlation of STEM skills with productivity is generally larger for OC workers. Moreover, dispersion in Information and Communication Technology (ICT) skills harms industry performance. In fact, a gap between the ICT skills of OC and non‐OC workers seems to trigger a “lost in translation” type of mechanism, whereby communication and information flows become less fluid and impinge upon the economic performance of sectors, correlating negatively with productivity.

Navigating the digital divide: assessing faculty ICT skills and challenges in shaping the future of higher education in India

This article delves into the transformative impact of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) on higher education institutions in India, particularly in the context of the rapid shift to online classes prompted by the global pandemic. The study focuses on evaluating the Information and Communication Technology skills of faculty members across central universities, government higher education institutions, and state universities. Through a random sample of 220 respondents, the research employs statistical tools, including one-way ANOVA and independent-sample t-test, to discern patterns and variations in faculty ICT proficiency. Notably, the findings underscore the significance of assessing faculty readiness for online teaching, revealing a need for targeted interventions to bridge existing skill gaps. Furthermore, the article delves into the challenges encountered during the transition to fully online classes, examining factors such as age, resource availability, and operational difficulties. The disparities in the adoption of online education between faculty and students are explored, shedding light on the emotional dynamics experienced by educators in this transformative process. Additionally, the study proposes recommendations for fostering 21st-century teaching strategies, advocating for a nuanced approach to faculty development that considers both attitudes and skills. The insights provided aim to inform policymakers, educational authorities, and institutions on strategies to enhance the efficacy of online education and address the evolving needs of higher education in the digital era. In conclusion, this article contributes a multifaceted exploration of the challenges and opportunities posed by the integration of ICT in higher education in India. By providing a nuanced understanding of faculty ICT skills, challenges in online education adoption, and recommendations for the future, the article seeks to be a valuable resource for shaping effective and inclusive strategies for the evolving landscape of higher education.

Requisite Information and Communication Technology Skills and Knowledge for Fostering Embedded Librarianship Practices in Tanzania

This study has examined librarians’ possession of information and communication technology (ICT) skills and knowledge that are requisite to practicing embedded librarianship in Tanzanian academic libraries. An exploratory cross-sectional design and qualitative and quantitative approaches have been employed by the study to collect data from 166 librarians and 6 library directors. While the data collected using a questionnaire have been analyzed using Statistical Product and Service Solutions version 21, those collected using interviews have been analyzed thematically. The study reveals that librarians have inadequate ICT skills and knowledge needed to effectively implement embedded librarianship. More specifically, the librarians lack the skills and knowledge needed to deploy sophisticated ICT tools, software, and online platforms. Regarding the ways through which librarians acquired the ICT skills and knowledge they had, the study reveals diverse sources. To effectively practice embedded librarianship, the study recommends both long-term and short-term ICT training for library professionals.

Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Skills Possessed by Reference Librarians for Service Delivery in Universities in Nasarawa State, Nigeria

Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Skills Possessed by Reference Librarians for Service Delivery in Universities in Nasarawa State, Nigeria

Exploring the use, usefulness and ease of use of digital occupational health services: A descriptive correlational study of customer experiences.

This study examined the customer experiences of use, perceived usefulness and ease of use of digital occupational health (OH) services. A cross-sectional study based on an electronic survey was conducted between December 2022 and January 2023. A total of 9871 OH customers responded to the survey. The sample was restricted to respondents who used digital OH services (n = 7275). An analysis of variance was run to test the relationships between respondents' characteristics and the rate of usefulness, and ease of use variables. The most commonly used digital services were appointment booking, access to health information recorded by professionals and prescription renewal, and the digital services provided by physicians and nurses. Respondents expressed quite high satisfaction with the digital services, but not as much with their usefulness and ease of use. Females, individuals under 50 years of age, those with higher education, working in white-collar or managerial positions and possessing proficient information and communication technology (ICT) skills gave the most positive evaluations regarding usefulness and ease of use. There was a certain level of mixed experiences among respondents regarding the usefulness and ease of use of digital OH services. We can also conclude that individuals who possess the necessary ICT skills can more easily take full advantage of the available digital services. When customers are proficient in using digital services, they can confidently interact with professionals. Regardless of the user's age, gender, education or profession, it is crucial for service providers always to strive to improve the usability of digital services.

Information and communication technology (ICT) skills among professional staff working in University Libraries of Rayalaseema Region, Andhra Pradesh: A study

Information and communication technology (ICT) skills among professional staff working in University Libraries of Rayalaseema Region, Andhra Pradesh: A study