Communication Technology Usage Research Articles

Fostering learning outcomes in a non-reading culture at foundational level of education: the role of information technology and pupil engagement

PurposeThis paper examines the role of Information Technology and pupil engagement in fostering learning outcomes in a non-reading culture context at foundation level of education.Design/methodology/approachThe authors adopted a cross-sectional survey design with quantitative approaches. A sample of 412 was drawn from a population of 1,692 Primary Schools. Data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire and analyzed using the SPSS software.Findings Information Communication Technologies (ICTs) usage had positive and significant effects on pupil engagement and pupil learning outcomes. Pupil engagement moderated in the relationship between ICT usage and pupils' learning outcomes.Research limitations/implicationsThe cross-sectional design used in data collection may not monitor learning outcomes of the given samples over a longer period of time. Future studies should consider longitudinal research designs so that the behaviors of the learners can be observed over a long period of time.Practical implicationsDeliberate efforts to advocate for and promote the use of ICTs in primary schools are important if the schools are to foster pupils' engagements and register better learning outcomes.Originality/valueThe study confirms pupil engagement as a moderator in the relationship between ICT usage and learning outcomes at foundational levels of education in a resource poor country with a non-reading culture.

К проблеме вовлечения несовершеннолетних в деструктивную деятельность посредством информационно-коммуникационных технологий

Introduction. The modern development of the personality, the stages of its socialization and the peculiar perception of social norms of behavior are realized in conditions of active processes of informatization and computerization. The related changes in everyday life, communication, organization of activities bring both constructive and destructive factors. It is difficult to dispute the fact that information and communication technologies have become so firmly established in the life of a modern person that they are no longer characterized as a way to simplify activities, but as a complete environment for the formation of personal characteristics and the implementation of communication. This situation leads to the fact that active users of information and communication technologies begin to be affected by content of various content, including destructive one. Minors are the most vulnerable group of users of such technologies due to their personality and age peculiarities. In this regard, the law enforcement system and public organizations are faced with the task of creating safe conditions for minors to use the possibilities of the information and communication environment.
 Objective. This study was carried out to substantiate the relevance of studying the psychological factors of a subjective and objective nature that contribute to the involvement of minors in destructive activities through information and communication technologies.
 Methodology, methods, techniques. Universal for any field of scientific cognition, system-structural and qualitative approaches were used to conduct research on the chosen topic. The research methodology is based on modern scientific, methodological and socio-psychological characteristics of formation and development of the destructive behavior of minors.
 Results. The results of the conducted scientific research indicate the need for a comprehensive study of the problem and the preparation of scientific support for preventive activities to prevent deviant behavior of minors.
 Scientific novelty. The analysis of the scientific literature led to the conclusion that the existing insufficient development of the problem chosen for the study, which substantiated the scientific novelty of the results presented in this article. The relevance of the upcoming research is revealed, reflecting the need for their implementation.
 Practical significance. The practical significance of the study lies in the fact that today, due to the insufficient development of this topic, there are certain difficulties in the implementation of prevention of deviant behavior among minors, and the results obtained during the study will fill the existing gap and increase the efficiency of work with minors to prevent their involvement into deviant activities.

Potentials of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) adoption by health workers in Nigeria: A case study of Abdullahi Wase Specialist Hospital Kano

Information and Communication Technology (ICT) has been identified as a vehicle with the potential to improve the quality of health care systems as well as the efficiency of the health workers both in the developed and developing countries. Non-governmental organizations initiatives often fail in making use of ICT technology possibly due to lack of ICT knowledgeable and skilled personnel in the health sector. This study investigates the potentials of information and communication technology (ICT) adoption by health workers in Nigeria. Quantitative survey was used to collect data from randomly chosen health workers at Abdullahi Wase Specialist Hospital Kano in Nigeria. A total of 150 on-paper questionnaires were distributed among clinical and non-clinical staff and 140 (93.3%) questionnaires were collected and analysed using a modified technology acceptance model (TAM). The results showed that there is significant correlation between the knowledge (dependent variable) and perceive usefulness and perceive ease of use (independent variables) both at significant level of 0.05. This indicates that presence of prior computer knowledge and exposure has significant influence on health workers perceptions (perceive usefulness and perceive ease of use), overall attitude toward adoption and eventually usage of information and communication technologies. This indicates that knowledge and attitude scores of health workers in this study reflect progress despite the lack of institutional training.

Impact of Information and Communication Technology Usage on Learning English Language

The integration of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) has brought about transformative changes in the domain of language learning. The objectives of the study were to assess the extent to which Information and Communication Technology (ICT) tools are integrated into English language learning and examine the perceived impact of ICT on English language proficiency among learners. It employs a qualitative research design, incorporating a qualitative data collection technique.Twenty English language learners from a public sector university participated in the study. The results revealed that the utilization of ICT tools and resources has redefined the dynamics of language instruction. It has enabled educators to adopt innovative pedagogical methods that cater to diverse learning styles and preferences. The availability of online platforms, interactive apps, and virtual classrooms has expanded the horizons of ELLs, making learning more accessible and engaging. As a result, learners are exposed to authentic English language experiences.

How E-Government Can Help Societies during a Crisis: Implications of UTAUT Model in Lebanon

Introduction: Information and communication technology (ICT) usage has grown rapidly, with a significant rise following the occurrence of the COVID-19 pandemic. This study assesses the relationships among task–technology fit, sense of virtual community, and the continuous intention to use electronic government services (e-government). Methods: Through quantitative approach using surveys, a total of 390 data was obtained from registered citizens in Tripoli municipality during the pandemic. The data were analyzed using partial least square-structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM). Results: The mediating role of the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT) model was observed, which shows that task–technology fit, sense of virtual community, and the consideration of society and its development are essential factors for citizens to use ICTs. Systems should entail features that meet the needs of citizens, community-building elements, and satisfactory performance. The importance of e-government ICTs in community development, particularly in a fragile state such as Tripoli, Lebanon, is the highlight of the current results. This can be beneficial for governmental authorities in the region of the Middle East, helping them to increase communication effectiveness by implementing appropriate digital means for the public during a crisis. Community development is a highly effective aspect that governments can implement in their digital services to provide opportunities for learning, awareness, and social progress to the public.

Impact Of Information and Communication Technology (ICT), Usage on Students’ Academic Performance in University of Nigeria Nsukka Enugu State

The main purpose of this study was to examine the impact of information and communication technology (ICT) usage of student’ academic performance with particular reference to the University of Nigeria Nsukka . A total population of 500 students was sampled using simple random technique. Data for this study were collected using a well-structured questionnaire. Data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics such as simple table and percentages, while hypotheses formulated were tested using the Pearson Product Moment Correlation Analysis. The results showed that internet usage has led to significant improvement in the academic performance of student of the University of Nigeria Nsukka. The results also showed that e-learning has significant relationship with academic performance of students in the University of Nigeria Nsukka. However, the results showed that the use of Facebook by the students has no significant relationship with their academic performance. Based on the findings, the study recommends that the University authority should expand the current size of the ICT Centre in the campus and make it function efficiently. Also, the University of Nigeria Nsukka authority should provide affordable internet services to students.

Assessing the effect of information and communication technology usage on high school student’s academic performance in a developing country

The aim of the study is to access the effect of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) usage on Second Cycle Schools (SCSs) student academic performance and its associated challenges in a developing country. To give teachers and students the chance to function in the information age, ICT integration in teaching and learning activities is essential. This study employed a mix method approach to access the effect of ICT usage on SCSs student academic performance and its associated challenges in Ghana. The respondents of this study were chosen using the Yamane formula. A total of one hundred and seventy-two (172) respondents were chosen for this study. Questionnaire and interview guide was used as data collection tool in this study. The study found that the majority of students use mobile phones, computers, the internet/modem, social media, digital cameras, or printers outside of school. The findings again indicated that, ICT usage has improved students’ academic performance. The findings further revealed that students face challenges when using ICT facilities in their learning processes due to limited access to internet connections and the attitude of some teachers when integrating ICT in class. The availability of ICT resources at SCSs and sometimes homes are critical to the success of ICT in SCS education. The study then recommends that parents should make an effort to provide ICT resources for their children. Furthermore, governments of developing countries should make sufficient funds available for providing universal access to ICT to unserved and underprivileged groups.

Information and Communication Technology Usage in Record Keeping in Public Secondary Schools in Ilemela Municipality, Tanzania

The use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in education supports, improves, and optimises the dissemination of knowledge. International studies have demonstrated that ICT can increase student learning and teaching techniques. This study assessed the usage of Information and Communication Technology in Record Keeping in public secondary schools in Ilemela Municipality, Tanzania. Specifically, the study sought to identify types and roles of ICT appliances in school record keeping in public secondary schools, and to describe the attitudes of members of school community towards the usage of ICT in school record keeping in public secondary schools. The study was guided by Diffusion of Innovation Theory and Adaptive Structuration Theory. It adopted a mixed research approach and a convergent parallel research design. The target population of the study was 1032 and sample size comprised 108 respondents, sampled through probability and non-probability techniques. Research instruments included questionnaires and interview guide. Descriptive statistics and thematic analysis were used to analyse quantitative data and qualitative data respectively. The synthesis of the findings indicated that there is inadequate application of ICT in record keeping in public secondary schools because of the inadequacy of ICT facilities, lack of ICT trained personnel and insufficient funds required for overall maintenance and management of ICT related software. Furthermore, it was revealed that members of the school community have positive attitudes towards the use of ICT in record keeping in public secondary schools. The study concluded that ICT usage in record keeping is vital, it plays potential role in record keeping. Therefore, the government through the ministry responsible for education should provide public secondary schools with sufficient and modern ICT facilities that support/enhances the current practices in school administration and management

The Medium Is the Environment: Digital materialism, climate crisis and digital art as pedagogy

This article examines the environmental implications of ubiquitous information and communication technologies (ICT) manufacturing, operations and usage, using the theories of new materialism and digital materialism, and offers an interactive video installation as a case study for contemporary digital art’s pedagogical potential in response to such environmental issues. Contrary to the imageries of the cloud and the notion of immateriality as promoted by the tech industry, digital media systems are grounded in the material world and operate at the expense of the material substrate. Such a sociopolitical landscape warrants an exploration of potential counter tactics in the fields of digital art and art education. Being informed by digital materialism and hinged on the notion that encounters with contemporary art can cultivate critical and different ways of knowing, this article proposes that a focus on the material can function as an antithesis to the abstracting act of information/data and its purported immateriality.

The Approaches to Information Security in Small and Medium-sized Companies in Slovakia: An Empirical Study

Securing information security is in the interest of all users of information and communication technologies, namely individuals, businesses and organizations, national authorities and institutions, multinational groups, and IT consulting companies. In this paper, we evaluate the results of our surveys in the field of information security in the sector of small and medium-sized enterprises, which were carried out in the years 2008 - 2020.

Does Smartphone Use Make Older Adults Feel Younger? A Cross-Sectional Online Survey during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Subjective age (i.e., how old one feels) has been found to be a biopsychosocial marker of aging. This study examined the associations between subjective age and the frequency of information and communication technology (ICT) usage by older adults. Data were collected via an online survey conducted in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study analyzed responses from participants aged 65 to 89 (M = 71.9, SD = 3.9) who resided in Japan (N = 1631, 52.8% female). Subjective age was indexed by asking participants to specify in years how old they felt. Proportional discrepancy scores (PDS) were calculated to indicate younger or older subjective age and were used as an independent variable. Participants were asked about the frequency of computer, smartphone, flip phone, tablet, and social networking service (SNS) use. Two-thirds of the participants (63.6%) reported feeling younger than their actual age. Nearly 90% reported using computers for more than 2-3 days a week, while 64.3% reported smartphone use, 22.9% reported flip phone use, and 36.6% reported SNS use. Logistic regression analyses revealed that a lower PDS (i.e., feeling younger) was associated with a significantly higher frequency of smartphone use (OR: 0.77; 95% CI: 0.60, 0.98) after adjusting for potential confounders. No such association was found for computer, flip phone, tablet, or SNS use. Our study found that feeling younger was associated with a higher frequency of smartphone use. The daily use of smartphones may have helped older adults stay in touch with family and friends and obtain the information that they needed, which may have contributed to better psychological well-being outcomes, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Impact of Reading Medium on the Comprehension and Judgment of Performance of Moroccan EFL Readers

Technology use in Moroccan higher education classrooms is growing at an exponential rate. However, current knowledge about the pedagogical effectiveness of Information Communication Technology (ICT) usage for reading and self-efficacy beliefs of Moroccan EFL readers is inconclusive. The main purpose of the present study was to examine the impact of reading texts on paper versus on-screen on reading comprehension and judgment of performance, while controlling for relevant individual difference variables. In a between-subjects design, three groups of first-year university students (N = 83) read an expository text on a sheet of paper versus on a laptop. Before reading, topic knowledge was assessed. After reading, participants were asked to answer three open-ended questions (main idea, key points, and other relevant ideas) and one closed-ended question (true-false). Next, based on the medium used for reading, participants were asked to rate how confident they were that the answers they provided were correct. Results of the t-test showed that reading medium did not affect overall reading comprehension, but slight differences between groups emerged. Calculated means indicated that participants who read on paper scored somewhat better on the main idea and other-relevant ideas questions; whereas, participants who read on-screen scored a little bit better on the key points and true-false questions. Moreover, results suggested no influence of the reading medium on students’ post-task judgments, indicating that participants who read on-screen were about as accurate in judging their comprehension performance as those who read on paper. These results suggest that reading short factual texts on the screen has no detrimental effects on the cognitive and metacognitive abilities of EFL readers.

КОММУНИКАТИВНО-ИНФОРМАЦИОННЫЕ ТЕХНОЛОГИИ ОЦЕНКИ СОЦИАЛЬНЫХ ПРОЦЕССОВ НА РЕГИОНАЛЬНОМ УРОВНЕ

The estimation of social processes at the regional level plays an important role in the region management, creating an information and analytical base for decisions making and correcting, identifying citizens’ problems and requests. According to the digitalization context, communication and information technologies are becoming core tools for such estimation implementation. They provide both communication and information exchange, and also they are a universal channel for receiving feedback. The purpose of the study is to analyze the applicability of the modern communication and information technologies usage for assessing social processes at the regional level. Based on theoretical analysis, organizational, legal and technological aspects studying of the problem, the authors come to the conclusion that the communication and information technologies usage, social media in particular, for interaction with region public authorities is an actual and effective way to ensure transparency and openness of public authorities to the society, the opportunity to ask questions and express their suggestions and comments, submit appeals and complaints, ensure receiving feedback from citizens on issues, directly related to their life and well-being. However, it is not possible to receive feedback only through official communication channels. In the context of the rapid digital transformation growth and the network society creation, opinions about the activities of regional authorities can also be found in various thematic communities that are not related to the region management. The authors justify the usefulness of communication and information technologies variety usage to estimate social processes at the regional level. The core thesis suggests that hidden knowledge about social processes taking place in communication and information technologies can be obtained through the analysis of the digital footprint of actors. Despite the completeness and reliability of the approach used, its main disadvantages are ambiguity of evaluative vocabulary; difficulty in estimation irony and sarcasm; difficulties with the analysis of the other text (symbolic and graphic images that replace the text); use of vocabulary resources. The practical usage of the obtained data can improve the efficiency of the decision-making process in the region management, organize a public contact between the authorities and the citizenship of the region, identify the most urgent and important problems and their possible solutions, and become an important tool for creating a positive public atmosphere and increasing confidence to the authorities.

Self-esteem, Interpersonal Communication Competence, and Media and Technology Usage as Predictors of Loneliness Among University Students

Loneliness is a common concern among university students, as these individuals experience many of the risk factors associated with loneliness. This experience of loneliness tends to lead to numerous consequences such as negative self-evaluations, anxiety, and depression, which in turn lead to impaired concentration and a decline in academic motivation and performance. The overarching aims of this study were to identify the predictor variable(s) or combination of predictor variables, namely self-esteem, interpersonal communication competence, and media and technology usage, that explain a significant percentage of the variance in loneliness amongst undergraduate university students, as well as to investigate whether differences exist in loneliness with regards to gender, ethnicity, and generational status. The sample consisted of 1,191 South African undergraduate university students between the ages of 18 and 30. This study was non-experimental in nature and a correlational research design was used. The results indicated that the combination of the independent (predictor) variables accounted for 51.9% of the variance in the Loneliness scores of the sample. Interpersonal Communication Competence and Self-esteem served as statistically and practically significant individual predictor variables of the students’ loneliness. Male students and first-generation students tend to be lonelier than female students and non-first-generation students, respectively.

Major Models and Theories of Cryptocurrency Technology Adoption: A Theoretical Review

A review of a selected theories that influence the adoption of technology will serve as the objective of this paper. In this work, we attempt to discover traits that might improve the possibility of acceptance and ongoing usage of technology such as cryptocurrency adoption. More specifically, we focused on Rogers' Innovation Diffusion Theory (IDT, Theory of Technology Acceptance (TAT), and Technology Acceptance Model. (TAM)/TAM2/TAM3, Theory of Reasoned Action (TRA), Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT), and Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB). When researching the tendency of individuals to adopt certain technologies, researchers draw from a wide variety of conceptual frameworks and analytical approaches. In this review, social psychology and its applied notions have been utilised most frequently. As a primary theoretical foundation, the theories centre on people's intentions to engage in a specific behaviour (i.e., adopt and utilise ICT), which is the emphasis of the theories. Research on the adoption and usage of information and communication technologies has made extensive use of both the Theory of Reasoned Action (TRA) and the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB). They are two of the key intention-based theories, which means they give the core theoretical underpinnings for other adoption theories, such as the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and the Enhanced Technology Acceptance Model. Both the transpersonal relationship analysis and the transpersonal behaviour analysis begin with the fundamental premise that individuals deliberately choose whether or not they will engage in a certain behaviour. In this sense, the adoption and usage intentions are typically seen of as a primary outcome variable that is influenced by a variety of independent variables. This is because of the way that they are typically studied. In the following, we will discuss significant theories regarding the adoption of technology.

Telepsychiatry and mental health equity in correctional facilities: Legal opportunities and challenges

Lack of access to mental health care in Canadian correctional facilities is a serious and longstanding issue. Telepsychiatry, which entails the usage of information and communications technologies to provide remote mental health care to patients, has been demonstrated to be an effective model of mental health care provision in correctional facilities. The right to health care, including mental health care, of inmates is recognized in both international and domestic law. However, mental health conditions remain suboptimal in Canadian correctional facilities and are far below the standards which exist in the general community, leading to significant mental health disparities for inmates. Telepsychiatry can be viewed as a vector for increasing mental health equity in the correctional system and provides a promising opportunity for correctional facilities to meet their legal obligations to provide inmates with health care, including mental health care. This article explores the legal frameworks governing the provision of mental health care services in Canadian correctional facilities and highlights the role telepsychiatry can play in the fulfillment of these legal frameworks. It also explores the legal challenges facing the implementation of telepsychiatry in correctional facilities. Ultimately, despite these challenges, it argues that telepsychiatry should be more widely implemented in correctional facilities to ensure mental health equity for inmates.

CHAT GPT ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE: PHENOMENOLOGY STUDIES AMONG GENERATION Z STUDENTS

The purpose of this study is to find out and explain the phenomenon of using Chat GPT among Generation Z students, including the benefits and advantages of using it. This research is expected to provide a better understanding of the potential for implementing Chat GPT in an academic context and help Generation Z students to use it effectively in their daily activities. The theory used as a basis for this research is the theory of phenomenology. The research method used is qualitative with data collection techniques in the form of interviews, and online questionnaire distribution. The conclusion of this study is that AI Chat GPT has a positive impact as well as greatly assists the learning process of students who are categorized in the Generation Z group. Besides that, Generation Z students who are active users of Information and Communication Technology also have a critical attitude towards the existence of Chat GPT which is they think can potentially harm themselves.

An Infrastructure of Battery Swapping and Charging Stations in Smart Cities to “Disrupt” the Current Ecosystem of Battery Usage: A Schematic Design

This article proposes a quintessential, down-to-earth schematic design of battery swapping and charging stations (BSCSs) typically in smart cities together with their necessary battery standardization, supportive information systems and data communication network for the implementation of a citywide and even worldwide infrastructure of BSCSs. At such BSCSs, users of mobile information communication technology (ICT) equipment like mobile phones, tablet computers, lap-tops, etc. and electric vehicles can swap and trade their standardized battery modules whenever depleted for fully charged ones almost in no time virtually anytime and everywhere without ever worrying about battery depletion of the equipment and the extended time and specialized chargers for recharging. Harnessing earlier technologies of the author, this design could be a game-changer to “disrupt” the current battery usage ecosystem consisting of an excessively large number of, sometimes costly, infrastructures and chargers to recharge individuals’ equipment, the cumbersome practice to recharge with specialized chargers at designated locations over extended time periods, and bulky secondary power banks being hand-carried. The key is that in this schema, disparity of battery modules’ estimated remnant energy storage capacities can be offset by monetary payments.

The relationship between strategic human resource management practices and employee performance: The moderating role of information communication technology (ICT) usage.

The relationship between strategic human resource management practices and employee performance: The moderating role of information communication technology (ICT) usage.

The effect of digital communication technologies in retail supply chain management: Evidence from Indian small retailers

Indian retail industry held the second rank in A.T. Kearney's Global retail development index in 2021 and ranked 16th FDI confidence index. The retail industry provides ample job opportunities and contributes to the economic progress of the nation. After the advent of new innovation there are new technologies which have emerged in business and it also substantially changed consumer behavior. Digital communication allows the user to transfer data from one end to another using digital technologies like e-mail, phone calls, video conferencing, and several instant message applications. Digital communication allows retailers to send personalized business information to their loyal customers and the customers respond to those messages, which in turn generate business for unorganized retailers. Digital communication not only improves the business of unorganized retailers but also the business image, Geographical spread, profitability, new customer acquisition, customer retention, and the like. Digital communication will transform the traditional unorganized retailer into an offline-to-online commerce model. Based on theoretical review this study identified constructs and proposed major determinants which influence technology adoption and its continuance among the unorganized retailers. This study assesses the digital communication technology usage in supply chain management among unorganized retailers with the constructs like experience, effortlessness, efficiency, enrichment, trust, security, digital infrastructure, satisfaction, and continuous intention to use. The results show that digital communication technology's effort, experience, and efficiency influence satisfaction. However, enrichment failed to influence satisfaction. Further, the results show that satisfaction and security influence continuous intention to use. However, trust and digital infrastructure failed to influence. Therefore, digital communication technology usage in supply chain management among unorganized retailers is substantially influenced by constructs like effort, experience, efficiency, satisfaction, and security.