ICT Facilities Research Articles

Roles of Infrastructure and ICT Facilities in Enhancing Curriculum Implementation in Nigerian Tertiary Institutions

This paper explored the role of infrastructure facilities in enhancing curriculum implementation in Nigerian tertiary institutions. The paper used secondary data, sourced from print and online publications. The study highlights that infrastructure facilities, including physical and technological resources, is crucial for the effective delivery of curricula. Key findings indicate that well-developed infrastructure significantly enhances teaching, learning, and administrative processes, thereby promoting successful curriculum implementation. The paper emphasizes the growing importance of modern facilities such as ICT resources, which are integral to advancing education in the 21st century. In light of these findings, it is recommended that the government prioritize the provision of adequate and modern infrastructure across all tertiary institutions. Additionally, tertiary institution management should adopt public-private partnerships to foster infrastructure development, and private organizations should contribute to the enhancement of facilities in Nigerian higher education. Further studies should conduct empirical research on the impact of infrastructure facilities and ICT resources on curriculum implementation in tertiary institutions.

Reconnoitering the Correlation between ICT Facilities’ Application and Capacity Building of Library Staff in University Libraries in South-South, Nigeria

Technology integration in library operations is fundamental to meeting information, literature and research needs of students, researchers and administrative staff of tertiary institutions. This study explored the correlation between ICT facilities application such as social media handles, internet, as well as online public access catalogue (OPAC) and capacity building of library staff in public university libraries in South-South, Nigeria. Correlational research design was used to examine the extent to which ICT facilities’ application correlate with capacity building of library staff. Three (3) each of research objectives, questions, and hypotheses were formulated to guide the study. The population was 416 library staff from six public university libraries. The total enumeration sampling technique was used. Two sets of self-structured questionnaire instruments totaling 416 copies were used for data collection, out of which, 306 were retrieved and analyzed which represented 74% response rate. Face and content validity of the instruments were done. A reliability test was conducted which yielded the coefficients of 0.89 and 0.85 respectively. The research questions were analyzed using Pearson Product Moment Correlation Coefficient (PPMC) while the hypotheses were tested at 0.05 level of significance using linear regression statistics. Findings revealed a significant positive correlation between internet, social media handles application and capacity building of library staff, while applications of OPAC showed a feeble correlation with capacity building. Hence, the level to which ICT facilities’ application correlate with capacity building of library staff in the university libraries was insignificant, which by implication had negative effects on library staff services delivery. It was therefore recommended, among other measures, the implementation of a comprehensive ICT training programme to address gaps in ICT facilities’ application by library staff for effective utilization of all relevant technologies.

Education quality of public and private universities in Bangladesh: Comparative perspective

The quality of a nation's higher education system significantly influences its socioeconomic progress. Universities have immense capacity to promote economic well-being in underdeveloped nations. This study examines the relative quality of education at both private and public universities in Bangladesh. The study used a quantitative research method, with a total of 220 respondents participating in a cross-sectional survey. Data was collected physically via a face-to-face interview and online using a standardized Google form. The cross-sectional survey respondents found both offline and online methods convenient. Data were analyzed using Excel and SPSS. The study used statistical data to analyze crucial elements that influence the quality of education. Results reveal considerable disparities in educational quality evaluations between public and private universities. Both kinds of universities have reasonable teacher-student ratios, but private universities do better. 45% of public university respondents rate library facilities highly, compared to 22% at private universities. Research facilities prefer public universities, with 44% of respondents evaluating them highly, compared to just 14% for private universities. The quality of ICT facilities is seen as superior at private universities, with 57% of participants rating them highly, in contrast to a mere 11% in public universities. Private universities perceive international collaboration as more effective, with 67% of respondents rating it as high, compared to 38% in public universities. This investigation emphasizes the strengths and weaknesses of both public and private universities in Bangladesh, offering valuable insights for educational administrators and policymakers who are endeavoring to improve the quality of education in both sectors.

Challenges Encountered by Secondary School Teachers in Teaching English Language: The Case of Micheweni District

This study investigated challenges encountered by secondary school teachers in teaching English in public secondary schools of Micheweni District. The study was guided by three specific objectives; to explore challenges related to English language instructional materials, to investigate pedagogical challenges in teaching English, and to examine challenges related to the nature of the students in learning English. A qualitative research approach under a multiple case study design was employed with 36 participants. Focus Group Discussion and interviews were used in data collection. Data were analyzed through content and thematic analysis and presented through quotations and narrations. The findings revealed that the major challenges related to English language instructional materials were shortcomings of English language curriculum content, poor access to ICT facilities which include absence/scarcity of ICT tools, and lack of skills to access ICT tools as well as absence/scarcity of instructional materials. Pedagogical challenges in teaching English were ineffective teaching/learning environment, students’ low level of English Language Proficiency, high teaching load among English language teachers and students’ negative attitude towards learning English. Also, the study found that the nature of students affects teaching/learning English language therefore, teachers should be very careful to find the best teaching strategies regarding individual learning styles. The study concluded that if these challenges were dealt with, English language teachers would teach effectively and students would perform better in their examinations

Appraisal of Students Admission on Service Delivery in the Directorate of Undergraduate Studies (DUS) Federal College of Education (FCE), Yola

Establishment of relationship between policy issues and service delivery in tertiary institution of learning requires to encourage policy implementations to relate to policy formulation that would address rather than dismal service delivery in tertiary educational institutions across the country. Precisely the research intends to establish if policy issues on students’ admission affect service delivery in DUS FCE, Yola. The main instruments used for data collection were the Questionnaires, Focus Group Discussion (FGD), observation check list and Semi Structured Interview (SSI) formats. This paper proposes Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) test statistic as a measurement tool for the study. The findings show that consideration of only first choice for JAMB Admission affect students intake in DUS and cut off marks for admission into DUS poses a threat to intake in some programmes. Post JAMB screening of applicants ensures selection of better candidates. Also, clearly stated memorandum of understanding (MoU) with portal managers and memorandum of understanding (MoU) with ICT facility managers would enhance service delivery in DUS. The study recommends that admission guidelines/policies of regulatory bodies like JAMB and affiliate institution need to be carefully studied and regularly incorporated in the students’ guide book.

Assessment of Availability of ICT Facilities for Basic Science and Technology Teachers in Nasarawa State

Assessment of Availability of ICT Facilities for Basic Science and Technology Teachers in Nasarawa State

Principals’ Management Skills and School Academic Achievement

School management skills are seen as the dominant indicating factors for the success of the school, such as academic achievement. This study examines the relationship between management skills and academic achievement in the respondents’ schools in Leyte Division, utilizing a descriptive research design. Questionnaires and documentary analysis were used in gathering the relevant data. The school principals with at least three years of experience were involved in the study. The weighted mean and Pearson correlation coefficient were used in the data analysis. Results revealed that the principals had very high management skills in technical, conceptual, human relations, administrative and supervisory, resource generation and fiscal management, and networking and linkages. Overall, the school principals possess the necessary management skills to govern the school. On the other hand, the academic achievement of the selected schools was categorized as moving towards mastery. This indicates that the schools had their best practices in place. Moreover, findings showed that there is no significant relationship between management skills and school academic achievement. For the continual improvement of quality education, future studies, including additional variables such as schools’ ICT facilities, may be correlated with school achievement.

The principle of cascadic prosilience—Assessment of territorial recovery strategies after disrupted regional infrastructure systems in Iraq

This paper presents an assessment approach to fostering socioeconomic re-development and resilience in Iraqi regions emerging from the destruction and instability, in the aftermath of the war conflict in Iraq. Focusing on the intricate interplay of logistics infrastructure and economic recovery, the present study proposes a novel framework that integrates general resilience insights, data analytics, infrastructure systems, and decision support from Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA). We draw inspiration also from historical cases on “creative destruction” or “Blessing in Disguise” (BiD) phenomena, like the post-WWII reconstruction of Rotterdam, so as to develop the notion of stepwise or cascadic prosilience, analyzing how innovative logistics systems may in various stages contribute to economic rejuvenation. Our approach recognizes the multifaceted nature of regional resilience capacity, encompassing both static (conserving resources, rerouting, etc.) and dynamic (accelerating recovery through innovative strategies) dimensions. The logistics aspect spans both the supply side (new infrastructure, ICT facilities) and the demand side (changing transportation flows and product demands), culminating in an integrated perspective for sustainable growth of Iraqi regions. In our study, we explore several forward-looking strategic future options (scenarios) for recovery and reconstruction policy factors in the context of regional development in Iraq, regarding them as crucial strategic elements for effective post-conflict rebuilding and regeneration. Given that such assets and infrastructures typically extend beyond a single city or area, their geographic scope is broader, calling for a multi-region approach. By leveraging the extended DEA approach by an incorporation of a super-efficiency (SE) DEA approach so as to better discriminate among efficient Decision-Making Units (DMUs)—in this case, regions in Iraq—our research aims to present actionable and effective insights for infrastructure investment strategies at regional-governorate scale in Iraq, that optimize efficiency, sustainability and resilience. This approach may ultimately foster prosperous and stable post-conflict regional economies that display—by means of a cascadic change—a new balanced prosilient future.

Enhancing the Quality of Judicial Service Delivery through E-Filing System: The Case of Rukwa District Courts in Tanzania.

E-filing system is advocated for improving the quality of judicial service delivery worldwide; andthis has proved successful in developed countries. In 2016, the Tanzania judicial organ piloted e- filing system and later in 2018, a countrywide rollout proceeded. Despite the adoption of the e- fil ing system, anomalies in the procedures for case filing are common especially in Rukwa Region. Previous studies have not given enough consideration to the aspects and dimensions of quality judicial service delivery through e-filing system such as duration, accessibility and convenience in district courts. This knowledge gap made it difficult for scholars and policy implementers to comprehend the current situation in district courts where reforms in judicial service delivery are ongoing. This study aimed to examine the contribution of e-filing system in the quality of judicial service delivery in Rukwa District courts. This work applied a mixed approach with a case study design using both primary and secondary data. Primary data were collected from 78 respondents through survey method, while seven (7) key informants were involved in interviews and supplemented by non-participant observation method. On the other hand, secondary data were collected through a documentary review. The statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) was used to generate frequencies, percentages followed by correlation analysis. Findings revealed that e-filing system had a potential to improve the quality of judicial service delivery through time saving, increased accessibility and enhanced convenience of specific judicial services such as the case filing. However, the potential of the e-filing system was challenged by disruptions in internet connectivity, limited interoperability and inadequate ICT facilities mainly desktops. The study recommends fostering reliable internet connectivity, enabling the system to operate off-line, to integrate the system with more technological innovations, and optimizing ICT facilities such as laptops or desktops to meet the needs.

Availability and Utilization of ICT Facilities in Teaching and Learning of Agricultural Sciences at Sokoine University of Agriculture, Tanzania

This study examined the availability and utilization of ICT facilities in teaching and learning of agricultural sciences at Sokoine University of Agriculture (SUA). The study adopted a descriptive survey design and the population of the study comprised of 65 instructors from the College of Agriculture (CoA), 4 Heads of Department and the Head of ICT services at the university. A list of instructors with a minimum of ten or more years in teaching from the CoA was used to develop a sampling frame and all research respondents were purposively selected. The interview schedule and questionnaire with a reliability of 0.89 were employed as means of data collection. Quantitative data was analyzed descriptively while qualitative data were analyzed based on themes. The study revealed that most of the ICT facilities were found to be available at the university but they were inadequate to accommodate the number of instructors present at the respective departments. The study further revealed that the extent of utilization was moderate with some of the ICT facilities being over utilized while others were being underutilized. Therefore, it is recommended that the university administration should improve the ICT infrastructure at the departmental level, offer professional development programs that focus on enhancing instructors' technological proficiency and advocate for sufficient resource allocation at both the university and departmental levels to meet the growing demands of instructors and students.

Subject Advisors’ Perceptions of the Difficulties Related to the Availability of Resources in Their Work Environment

It is well acknowledged that in South Africa’s educational system, subject advisors are not given adequate assistance in preparing teachers. Several subject advisors have expressed concerns over their capacity to meet teachers’ needs because of various issues that reduce their effectiveness. According to a research review, poor instruction in South African primary schools is caused mainly by a lack of teaching and learning resources, hindering learning and the quality of teaching. The qualitative case study was grounded in an interpretivist paradigm and aimed to investigate subject advisors’ perceptions of the challenges posed by a shortage of resources to support teachers’ professional development in the workplace. According to research from numerous literary sources, subject advisors have difficulties that make it challenging to provide Foundation Phase teachers with the best possible training. Teachers must facilitate their lessons using the conventional teaching method throughout professional development rather than utilising various teaching techniques. In the Motheo District of South Africa, four (n = 5) female Foundation Phase Subject Advisors were purposefully selected for one-on-one, semi-structured interviews. The interviews were conducted in their offices. The subject advisors assessed that a lack of ICT facilities, transportation, offices, phones, and computers, among other resources, was one of the leading causes of the unfulfilled results. It has been recommended that the Department of Basic Education take quick action to remedy this.

Teachers’ Perceptions and Use of ICT Facilities in Teaching Mathematics: A Case of Selected Secondary Schools in Gasabo District, Rwanda

This study investigated the perspectives of mathematics teachers on the integration of ICT facilities in teaching within four public secondary schools in the Gasabo District. Employing a mixed-methods approach with 23 participants selected through simple random sampling, the study utilized a questionnaire, structured interview and classroom observation checklists for data collection. Results indicated a generally positive perception among mathematics teachers towards the incorporation of ICT in their teaching practices and their perceptions towards ICT in education support its integration into mathematics teaching practices. Notably, teachers actively utilized smartphones and computers for tasks such as writing lesson plans, creating teaching materials, grading and collaborating with peers. The study suggests ongoing encouragement for the use of technology in classrooms to further enhance ICT integration in secondary education.

Unveiling Users Perspective

The public library is an abode of information and knowledge, committed to education, culture, and Library advocacy. Though public libraries are called “people’s University” and cater to varied categories of users and their infinite information needs without any discrimination but still in India many such libraries are still not providing effective services to the user community. In India, out of 28 states, 19 states have already enacted library legislation with the latest entrant being Telangana State (2015) and though Haryana State enacted the Act in the year 1989 but still very few comprehensive studies conducted either by any public library or the users’(RRRLF). Well, the present study attempts to check out the ground reality of the State Central Library along with 2 District Libraries of the State of Haryana in terms of library collection, services, facilities, and user satisfaction. A descriptive survey research design was employed, and 500 library users across three public libraries were surveyed using a structured questionnaire, out of which 396 responses(n=396) were found eligible for the analysis. The study found an improvement in the use of public libraries in the region but identified some inadequate facilities like lack of enhanced library services along with updated collection, and poor internet/ICT services as major factors affecting user satisfaction. The findings suggest that the Haryana government should increase funding to public libraries to acquire adequate information resources and ICT facilities, thereby increasing the utilization of public libraries and meeting the information needs of the users.

Remittance Outflow and Economic Growth Linkage: The Role of Trade,ICT, Human, and Physical Capital

This study focuses on how remittance outflow shapes the economic growth (EG) performance in leading remittance-sending nations, considering the role of trade, ICT, and human and physical capital as control variables. It utilizes panel data from 1990 to 2021 and utilizes second-generation econometric methods. Our findings reveal a cointegration among variables and show that remittance outflow is growth-enhancing in leading remittance-paying countries. Trade, capital formation, and ICT deployment positively impact economic performance and appear to be a blessing for EG. While the role of HC is insignificant, indicating that it does not affect EG. The outcome suggests that remittance outflow is not an economic problem for the remittance-paying nations; instead, they must utilize the talent and skills of migrant labor to achieve EG. Our results suggest that policymakers should concentrate on using the talent and skills of migrant labor, consider trade as a source of growth, develop policies to improve the skills and competencies of the local workforce and deploy and utilize ICT facilities effectively to achieve sustainable EG.

Mapping Cloud Based Facilities for Academic Use

The pay-as-you-use service model is one of the key factors for the success of cloud computing paradigm: resources are used only when needed and charged on basis of their actual usage. There are ICT services through cloud which are even provided free to educational institutions and institutions can benefit from these services. Universities necessarily do not have enough resources to spend on subscribing or establishing ICT facilities but these facilities are essential for improving the way faculty & student interact, communicate, and carry research activities. Faculty, staff and students have access to services like institutional email, 1 TB drive space, Office applications free which otherwise require purchased licenses. In this paper, the different free services provided for educational use are discussed, analysed for perception of its adoption. Further, case study of these services implemented at university of Kashmir has been chosen as the research methodology to discuss and demonstrate the educational cloud services. According to the results, clear understanding and operational ease, high reliability, ease of accessibility with no financial implications is achieved. This guarantees the desired performance level and minimises the expenditure otherwise to be incurred on setting up or subscribing to such services

Teachers’ Use of ICT Facilities in Mathematics Education

Mathematics education is a crucial component of a well-rounded education, providing students with essential problem-solving skills and critical thinking abilities. Utilization of ICT in the teaching context has had a major positive impression, especially on teachers. ICT facilities are now used as a tool for mathematics teaching and learning to satisfy the needs of both teachers and learners. This study aimed to investigate teachers’ technology use in Mathematics Education in four selected public secondary schools. The study employed a survey design. A straightforward random selection method was used to select and include fourteen individuals in this investigation. The data presented was gathered through questionnaires. Using percentage and mean, the information that was collected was examined. Fourteen mathematics teachers that were selected for the study had an average mean of 3.68, revealing that the majority of secondary mathematics teachers use of ICT facilities to support the teaching of mathematics. To increase the use of ICT facilities in secondary schools, it is advised that teachers keep utilizing technology in the classroom. The findings of this study contribute to the existing body of research on effective ICT utilization in Mathematics Education.

An Investigation on the Use of Electronic Resources by Faculty and Research Scholars of National Law Universities of North India

The purpose of this study is to examine how research scholars and faculty at National Law Universities of North India use and are aware of electronic resources for legal information. The parameters used to determine the level of awareness of e-resources include the easiest way to access legal e-resources, obstacles and difficulties encountered when doing so, the most popular online legal database, and recommendations for e-resource promotion. A well-structured questionnaire intended for faculty members and research scholars at a select National Law Universities of North India was used to gather the necessary data for the study. According to the study, the most popular online databases are Manupatra and SCC Online, while the most popular e-resources are law reform reports and case law databases. Upgrading of ICT facilities, the acquisition of new databases and e-resources, and the planning of end-user training programs are all ways to improve end-user awareness and utilization of e-resources. The study further highlighted the need for NLUs to maintain a set of guidelines and policies regarding encouraging users to use electronic resources in order to improve usage.

Using ICT Facilities by Science Teachers during COVID-19 Pandemic in Higher Education

Several adverse educational impacts are observed due to COVID-19 pandemic in academic sessions in the Nepalese higher education system. The aim of the study was to describe the exiting situation of using of ICT tools for online teaching by science education teachers at higher level both in constituent and affiliated campuses in Madhesh Province, Nepal. The study followed descriptive research design with in quantitative framework. The population of the study were science teachers from both the constituent and affiliated campuses and by applying census sampling all 103 teachers were selected for the study. The data were collected through survey questionnaires. I analyzed data by applying Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) Version 20. The result shows that constitute campuses hadbetter ICT facilities than affiliated campuses but the practice was adverse. Less than one-third teachers had better practice of ICT tools for online teaching and learning. It was also found that MS Teams and Zoom were two widely used learning platforms but Zoom was more popular. Most of the science teachers had limited knowledge of ICT with poor ICT friendly culture. However, teachers’ ICT competencies significantly support for the paradigm shift towards online science teaching in Madhesh Province.

Teachers’ Perceptions on the Role and Challenges of using ICT in English Language Classrooms

This paper assessed teachers’ perceived role and limitations on using ICT as a pedagogical tool in enhancing English language fluency. The study employed a descriptive case study design in which interviews, focus group discussions and document analysis were used to collect data. The collected data were analyzed qualitatively through recording the data for thematic procedures. It was found that teachers perceived ICT as an important pedagogical tool for enhancing grammar, vocabulary and accurate pronunciation. However, the use of ICT for teaching English language was limited due to poor ICT infrastructures, insufficient training, teachers’ readiness and unclear policies. The study recommends the government to make a critical investment in ICT facilities and ensure high internet connectivity in secondary schools. A practical training for English teachers on the adoption and integration of ICT through virtual platforms would certainly improve the practice.

Assessment of physical condition and status of maintenance of public primary schools infrastructure in Port Harcourt metropolis

This study presents a comprehensive assessment of the physical condition and maintenance status of public primary school infrastructure in Port Harcourt Metropolis. The investigation delves into various aspects, including the establishment and age of schools, building components, furniture conditions, security infrastructure, basic amenities, and environmental elements. The majority of schools were established after 1960, with a notable concentration of building construction between 2010-2020, indicating recent infrastructural development. While essential components such as classrooms, administrative offices, auditoriums, libraries, and ICT facilities are universally present, variations in the conditions of roofs, ceilings, and electricity supply from the national grid emphasize the need for targeted maintenance efforts. The study identifies a commendable commitment to transparency and accountability, as evidenced by the reporting of infrastructure conditions to higher authorities. However, a significant percentage reporting no major maintenance in the past 5 years raises concerns about the longevity of infrastructure. Recommendations include prioritizing maintenance on critical components, strategic investments in security infrastructure, and fostering sustainability through ongoing maintenance practices. The findings underscore the importance of a multifaceted approach to infrastructure management, aiming for a conducive and sustainable learning environment in public primary schools. The commitment to transparency, coupled with proactive maintenance strategies, is essential for fostering an environment conducive to effective teaching and learning, ultimately contributing to the overall well-being of the educational system in Port Harcourt Metropolis.