ICT Literacy Research Articles

Challenges and Coping Strategies of Intermediate Teachers in Handling Generation Z Learners

The learners as of the present are called Generation Z learners. This study aimed to come up with the common challenges and coping strategies of teachers in handling Generation Z learners in the intermediate level. The study was conducted during the school year 2019-2020. The participants were the intermediate teachers in District 10 of Ozamiz City Division. This study employed a phenomenological qualitative research design. The focus of this study was to gather the common challenges and coping strategies of teachers based on their experiences. The responses were analyzed through the use of thematic analysis. It was found out that the challenges commonly met by the intermediate teachers were learners’ difficult behaviors, negative impact of technology/inappropriate use of technology and poor academic performance. The study also revealed that the coping strategies of the teachers were ICT integration in teaching, imposing friendly classroom discipline, parent-teacher partnership, and enhancing teachers’ ICT literacy. This study suggested that in planning teachers’ training programs, administrators of the Department of Education should also include topics that focuses on how to cope up teachers’ challenges met in their classrooms. Topics may involve handling Generation Z learners and developing necessary skills in innovative teaching.

Advancing understanding of digital well-being at the intersection of technology and leisure

As new technologies emerge and are inserted within peoples’ lives each day, scholarly examination of the intersections between these innovations and leisure is increasingly vital. Researchers and their methods must continue to advance, in order to better anticipate and inform theory, industry, and society. This closing article of the Journal of Leisure Research special issue on technology, innovation, and leisure (TIL) provides a brief targeted bibliometric review of recent Web of Science (WoS) indexed research related to TIL, identifying research co-occurrence trends for 111 recent articles. These trends, along with commonalities within keyword co-occurrence clusters, and contributions from the seven special issue articles, informed ten proposed areas of TIL research priority that will often interact and overlap: Technology enhanced travel behavior; Psychology of social networks/media; Game-based educational innovation; Aging and digital leisure; Health and well-being technological design; Gender considerations; ICT attitudes, adoption, and literacy; Youth and adolescent technology and leisure; Social aspects of technology and leisure in urban settings; and Digital leisure DEI. Specific research needs within these ten areas are identified, based on the insights and recommendations of the special issue contributors.

Effects of digital skills and other individual factors on retirement decision-making and their gender differences

Increasing the pension age as a dominant solution to population ageing does not bring desirable outcomes, if not accompanied by other essential measures in lifelong learning and fighting age discrimination. Moreover, rapid digitalisation and automation in the labour market bring additional uncertainties for the growing group of older workers. The analysis is based on the SHARE data from Waves 5, 6, and 7 and examines predictors of retirement intentions by two different estimation methods. While digital skills are positively associated with a willingness to stay in the labour market in the random-effect modelling, fixed-effects regression shows no correlation between digital skills and retirement intentions. This difference means that digital skills do not correlate with retirement intentions once we control for time-invariant individual characteristics. Thus, increasing ICT literacy among older workers can have a very limited potential for extending working lives. In contrast to this result, starting to be self-employed, health improvement, having an additional grandchild, and losing a partner increase the willingness to work longer. The study identifies the factors shaping retirement intentions, which should be reflected in any effective social policy.

How well does the digital home learning environment predict ICT literacy and ICT self-efficacy? Comparing the predictive power of adolescent and parent reports

Although the home environment is considered as a key factor in the acquisition of children's ICT literacy, only few studies have examined the relationship between ICT-related parental beliefs and practices and children's ICT literacy. Moreover, most of these studies, predominantly based on the construct of parental mediation, use self-assessments which are not considered valid indicators of actual ICT literacy. By investigating different aspects of a digital home learning environment, we extended prior research by (a) using an objective test of ICT literacy to examine this question. In addition, (b) we included children's ICT self-efficacy as a second outcome variable, which is an important motivational variable for self-directed and lifelong learning, and (c) to gain a comprehensive understanding of ICT-related parental beliefs and practices, both adolescent and parent perspectives were considered and examined for their predictive power. Using data from 422 children (aged between 11 and 14 years) and their parents, adolescent and parent reports showed medium correlations. The results show that parental ICT values (beliefs about the importance of being able to work with ICT) positively predict ICT literacy while monitoring/supervision (e.g., controlling children's online activities) negatively predicts ICT literacy. According to predictive power, after controlling for gender and students’ educational level, adolescent reports predicted ICT self-efficacy (27%) better than parent reports (9%), while the opposite was found for ICT literacy (adolescents: 8%; parents: 18%).

Navigating Nuances: Intermediate Teachers’ Experiences Handling Generation Z Learners

Education in the 21st century is centered on equipping new learners with skills relevant to their daily lives, particularly Generation Z learners. As the backbone of the education system, teachers must have the competence and skills to effectively teach and cater to this cohort's unique needs. This study aimed to explore the specific challenges and coping strategies of teachers handling Generation Z learners at the intermediate level. This study employed a phenomenological research design involving twelve (12) intermediate teachers in District 10 of Ozamiz City. Thematic analysis was used to examine the data revealing commonly faced challenges, including Generation Z learners' disruptive behaviour, inappropriate use of technology, and poor academic performance. Furthermore, it was revealed that intermediate teachers use varied coping strategies in handling Generation Z learners. These strategies include the application of proper classroom discipline, partnership between parents and teachers, and enhancing teachers' ICT literacy. The result of this study offers valuable perspectives for teachers, school administration, and policymakers. In conclusion, addressing these challenges can elevate Generation Z learners' learning experiences and improve their academic performance. Furthermore, it encourages teachers to be more innovative and prepared to meet the demands of 21st-century education.

Examining measurement invariance of an ICT literacy self-efficacy scale across gender: a comparative study

PurposeDespite the ever-increasing importance of cultivating information, communication and technology literacy skills among college students, they have yet to be related to comprehensive measuring instruments. A glance at the empirical literature reveals that most pertinent scales have been confined to measuring Internet literacy skills, whereas educators in the 21st century advocate an inclusive conceptualization of ICT literacy. Such a comprehensive conceptualization embodies technical, critical, cognitive and emotional competencies. Additionally, more empirical evidence is needed to indicate gaps in testing measurement invariance of ICT literacy scales across genders or cultures. To that end, the current study aims to adapt and cross-validate an ICT literacy self-efficacy scale across gender by testing the measurement invariance using a multiple-sampling confirmatory factor analysis (MCFA). Furthermore, the current study aims to verify the ICT literacy self-efficacy scale's psychometric properties to establish its construct validity and understand the scale's underlying factorial structure.Design/methodology/approachThe current study has administered the scale to a cross-sectional sample of 3560 undergraduate students enrolled in six universities in the Sultanate of Oman.FindingsThe results have revealed that the ICT literacy self-efficacy exhibits satisfactory indices of construct validity. On the other hand, the results of MCFA demonstrate that the differences in the goodness of fit indices between the nested models and the baseline model were below the cut-off criterion of 0.01, indicating invariance. Therefore, the scale has proved to be amenable for comparing genders on their ICT literacy self-efficacy using an one-way multivariate analysis of variance.Originality/valueThe study has several implications for research and pedagogical practices. The study provides empirical evidence for establishing ICT literacy self-efficacy as a distinct high-domain construct of task-specific self-efficacy beliefs.

Validity of E-Book Based on Problem-Based Learning with Higher Order Thinking Skills Oriented for Senior High School

Human resources with a high level of thinking abilities, such as critical thinking, creativity, communication, teamwork, independence, cross-cultural understanding, and ICT literacy, are needed for the growth of the 21st century. However, cultivating a high level of thinking abilities is still insufficient and does not fulfill the necessities of the 21st century. An e-book based on problem-based learning and oriented toward higher-order thinking skills is developed as a result of this research. Measurement of the e-book’s validity is the aim of this study. This research used a descriptive methodology and a questionnaire for collecting data. The questionnaire instrument is a validation sheet with four e-book validation criteria consisting of several indicators. E-book validation has shown valid findings with an average of 0.87 valid categories. The results of the research show that the product can be used as a learning resource for students and teachers to achieve learning goals and meet the demands of the 21st century.

Use of smartphone as ICT literacy media and learning resources among college students

Use of smartphone as ICT literacy media and learning resources among college students

The impacts of E-Procurement on cost reduction: A case of Gweru city council

Many businesses choose to employ information technology to develop and improve their operations. The improvement of public services has also benefited from the usage of information technology. Such efficient information technology in the commercial, public, and private sectors can have good effects in addition to introducing hazards and new vulnerabilities in a fully autonomous system. The purpose of this study was to examine the efficacy of e-government technologies and the obstacles to their efficient use. The study adopted a quantitative research approach and data were collected using questionnaires. The use of e-government has been shown to improve traditional methods of conducting business and providing services while also enabling access to information and services online, reducing the need for rework, increasing transparency and accountability, and encouraging citizen participation. The ineffective use of e-government in local authorities was hampered by a lack of funding, inadequate enabling infrastructure, low ICT literacy levels, and the digital divide, among other factors. In conclusion, e-government and improved service delivery have a positive link, as indicated by the Pearson correlation coefficient of 81,9 percent that was found between the two variables in the research problem.

Literature review of the relationship between E-procurement and cost reduction

The purpose of this desktop study was to examine the efficacy of e-government technologies and the obstacles to their efficient use. The researchers assessed how well e-government affected service delivery, how it might result in cost savings and the advantages and difficulties of adopting and using it. The study also looked at the advantages of using e-government to investigate this. E-efficiency in providing services was demonstrated by greater citizen involvement and interaction with the local government, increased openness and accountability, and cost savings. The study revealed that the use of e-government improves traditional methods of conducting business and providing services while also enabling access to information and services online, reducing the need for rework, increasing transparency and accountability, and encouraging citizen participation. The ineffective use of e-government in local authorities was hampered by a lack of funding, inadequate enabling infrastructure, low ICT literacy levels, and the digital divide, among other factors. It was evidenced in this study, that e-procurement leads to cost savings, thus it affects cost reduction strategies positively. Thus, e-procurement reduces inventory costs.

An empirical study of television commercials of FMCG among rural consumers of Odisha

The purpose of this desktop study was to examine the efficacy of e-government technologies and the obstacles to their efficient use. The researchers assessed how well e-government affected service delivery, how it might result in cost savings and the advantages and difficulties of adopting and using it. The study also looked at the advantages of using e-government to investigate this. E-efficiency in providing services was demonstrated by greater citizen involvement and interaction with the local government, increased openness and accountability, and cost savings. The study revealed that the use of e-government improves traditional methods of conducting business and providing services while also enabling access to information and services online, reducing the need for rework, increasing transparency and accountability, and encouraging citizen participation. The ineffective use of e-government in local authorities was hampered by a lack of funding, inadequate enabling infrastructure, low ICT literacy levels, and the digital divide, among other factors. It was evidenced in this study, that e-procurement leads to cost savings, thus it affects cost reduction strategies positively. Thus, e-procurement reduces inventory costs.

Problems Facing Research Programme In Nigerian Tertiary Institutions

This paper examined the problems facing research programme in Nigerian tertiary institutions. Secondary data were used to gather data for the paper. The data were sourced from print and online publication. The paper identified inadequate founding, infrastructure facilities, poor synergy between universities and private institutions, unattractive working conditions for research workers, insecurity, poor mentorship, corruption and mismanagement, weak research institutions, Brain-drain and poor technological advancement/ poor ICT literacy as problems militating in against reassert development in tertiary institutions in Nigeria. To solve these problems, the paper hereby recommended among others that, the government should increase the research funding in tertiary institutions in Nigeria and also create alternative sources for research funding. There is a need for multiple streams of funding, say scientists in Nigeria.

CHALLENGES FACING ONLINE TEACHING AND LEARNING IN AFRICAN HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS: EMPIRICAL REVIEW

Increasing demand for higher education coupled with globalization has led to the adoption of online teaching and learning to cope with the growing number of students. Even though online teaching and learning have advantages, some challenges bedevil its smooth implementation. The purpose of this article was to present a literature review of the challenges that higher education institutions in Africa face concerning online teaching and learning. The method that was employed in the review was the scoping review method. Empirical studies from 25 African countries published between 2000 and 2023 were assembled and reviewed. In all, 65 studies were reviewed in terms of three themes namely: 1) level of readiness/preparedness for online teaching and learning 2) access and participation in online teaching and learning, and 3) effectiveness of online teaching and learning. The results suggest that most of the challenges confronting online teaching and learning in African higher education institutions include inadequate preparation/readiness to adopt an online mode of teaching and learning. Issues of lack of readiness include inadequate ICT infrastructure, low levels of ICT literacy among students and teachers, weak pedagogical skills of teachers, and weak institutional policy framework to drive online teaching and learning. The results further revealed that access and participation of students in online teaching and learning in most parts of Africa are poor due to poor internet connectivity, lack of electricity, lack of access devices such as laptops and smartphones as well as higher cost of data. The review additionally revealed issues of effectiveness such as limited collaboration and interaction among participants in the e-teaching and learning, inability to engage in practical work such as laboratory practical and some mathematical computations. Other issues discovered include poor pedagogical skills of teachers. These challenges must be addressed to enable African higher education institutions catch up with the rest of the world in the adoption and utilization of ICT in teaching and learning.<p> </p><p><strong> Article visualizations:</strong></p><p><img src="/-counters-/soc/0075/a.php" alt="Hit counter" /></p>

Age and gender difference in ICT literacy and biometrics knowledge

Accelerated digitalization during the COVID-19 pandemic and the transition from mobile phones to smartphones have increased the need for ICT literacy among the general public, including knowledge of the potential risks and their management. Generally, it is assumed that some population groups are more at risk of being left behind. Original empirical data collected in autumn 2020 as part of the PRECOBI project were used to identify the sociodemographic groups at risk of insufficient knowledge of biometrics and ICT safety. The novelty Biometrics Knowledge and ICT Safety Index (BIKIS index) was constructed to identify these and analyzed in the context of the Czech Republic. The OLS regression shows that the combination of higher age and lower education is associated with the highest risk of digital illiteracy, potentially resulting in digital exclusion. Regarding biometrics and ICT safety knowledge, the age of 50 is the cut-off point, with those with elementary and lower secondary education at a disadvantage compared to those with higher levels of education. The results show that in terms of ICT literacy, old age starts considerably earlier than in other societal contexts, which is important to note when designing ICT and biometrics-related risk mitigation strategies. The role of early life educational attainment should be supported to ensure ICT literacy in later life.

School Teachers' Quality of Life: Do ICT Literacy, Psychological Factors, and Working Environment Matter?

The unprecedented phenomenon of the COVID-19 pandemic has dramatically impacted people’s and society’s well-being. Secondary school teachers’ is no exception. The purpose of the study deems to investigate the factors that affect the quality of life among secondary teachers during the COVID-19 pandemic. The obtained data on ICT literacy, psychology, the working environment, and teachers’ quality of life was done through an adapted questionnaire distributed among 122 secondary teachers using google form WhatsApp due to the pandemic period. The Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) software is employed to analyse both descriptive analyses of demographic characteristics and inferential statistics to analyse the data. The findings indicate a significant positive correlation between ICT literacy, psychology, and the working environment and secondary teachers’ quality of life. However, ICT literacy does not affect the quality of life. This finding would shed light on the knowledge of well-being, and research builds a strong basis and foundation for continued exploration to understand the complexity of this issue.
 Keywords: pandemic COVID-19, quality of life, school teachers, psychology, working environment

Designing a Project Governance Framework for ICT Project Implementation in Public Sectors in Tanzania

This research study focuses on the implementation of ICT project governance in public sectors and aims to identify the challenges faced and provide recommendations for effective governance practices. Through data analysis and findings from various sources, including stakeholders' perspectives, the study identifies common challenges such as lack of stakeholder involvement, limited ICT literacy and awareness, resistance to change, finance issues, ICT policy and leadership, and the digital divide. Addressing these challenges is crucial for successful project governance implementation. The study proposes key principles to avoid project governance failure, including involving senior managers, prioritizing governance goals, assigning ownership and accountability, designing governance at multiple levels, providing transparency, and promoting continuous learning and education. These principles enhance decision-making, align projects with objectives, and foster a culture of improvement. The study also presents a validated project governance framework and recommends incorporating technical and non-technical challenges. Furthermore, recommendations are provided to enhance stakeholder involvement, promote ICT literacy and awareness, implement change management strategies, improve financial management, strengthen ICT policy and leadership, and bridge the digital divide. The research suggests further exploration through empirical studies, comparative case studies, longitudinal studies, cross-cultural investigations, examination of emerging technologies, and understanding stakeholder perspectives. By implementing these recommendations and conducting further research, public sectors can overcome challenges, improve governance practices, and enhance the success of ICT projects

Teacher’s challenges on ICT: Policy & literacy

In the modern digital era, ICT is used in numerous fields, including English language teaching. ICT in education has the potential to make teaching and learning easier for both teachers and students. However, having an understanding of ICT as a teacher involves more than just implementing ICT in class, the teacher must also be aware of whether the school is implementing ICT policies. In addition, the teacher must also be literate in ICT, and one effort is to attend training. The objectives of this research are to investigate the challenges of English teachers regarding ICT policy in schools and to find out the challenges of English teachers in exploring ICT literacy. This study used a qualitative descriptive design. The respondents in this study are two English teachers from SMK Budi Tresna Muhammadiyah Cirebon. In this study, the researcher used structured interviews as an instrument. The results showed that English teachers experienced challenges related to ICT policy in school: (a). Lack of ICT facilities in schools. and English teachers experienced challenges in exploring ICT literacy: (a). Lack of ICT training in schools, (b). Lack of information about ICT training Keyword: ICT; education; ELT; challenges; teachers

Language Instruction in Indonesian Elementary Schools Through Computer Assisted Language Learning: A Library Research Review

In elementary institutions around the globe, including in Indonesia, computer-assisted language learning (CALL) has gained popularity. Typically, the CALL procedure consists of four stages: preparation, instruction, practice, and evaluation. Preparation includes setting learning goals and choosing software and multimedia. During teaching, teachers present software and multimedia tools and lead pupils. Students improve their language skills individually using software and multimedia materials. Assessing pupils' language skills is the last step. However, successful implementation of CALL in Indonesian elementary schools requires resolving several obstacles, such as the scarcity of trained instructors and the need to adapt CALL to the context of Indonesia. In addition, it is crucial to balance the use of technology with traditional teaching techniques, such as group activities and face-to-face interactions. The results show that (1) language learning results based on AI relates on computer science mastery level, (2) ICT literacy relates on capabilities in operating CALL (3) Artificial Intelligence viewed a tool to teach language learning, and (4) language learning should create learning environment based on community. CALL could be a potent instrument for enhancing language proficiency and preparing Indonesian students for the challenges of the digital era if it receives adequate funding and support.

THE MEDIATING ROLE OF INFORMATION COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY LITERACY ON THE ATTITUDE TOWARDS LEARNING WITH SOCIAL MEDIA AND ONLINE NEWSPAPER READING BEHAVIOR OF STUDENTS

The study aimed to determine if information communication technology literacy significantly mediates the relationship between the attitude towards learning with social media and the online newspaper reading behavior of the students. A quantitative correlation design and mediation technique was used to investigate the relationship between and among the three variables. This study used questionnaires that had been modified and pilot tested by experts. A stratified sampling technique was used to select and interview 300 college students. The questionnaire was personally handed to the respondents by the researcher via face-to-face and Google e-survey. The statistical tools used were a mean, product- moment correlation, and path analysis. The studys findings showed high levels of attitude towards learning with social media, online newspaper reading behavior, and information communication technology literacy. Moreover, the studys findings indicated a significant connection between and among the three variables. Results showed that information communication technology literacy partially mediated attitude towards learning with social media and online newspaper reading behavior. Keywords: ict literacy, social media, online newspaper, technology, path analysis, library science, Philippines

Reconfiguring Crisis Management Skills of Teachers in the New Normal

The outbreak of coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) represents a significant danger to the general public’s health, particularly in educational institutions. This study aimed to determine the crisis management skills of teachers in the new normal. It aimed to assess the profile of the respondents and their responses to manage their skills in terms of in-placed policies and guidelines, ability to respond in emergencies, integration of crisis management in delivering instructions, and adaptive teaching practices. The study involved 80 respondents teaching in Higher Education Institutions and the Department of Education of Zamboanga City. This study employed a descriptive-quantitative design to determine the crisis management skills of the respondents in dealing with the crisis management response. The research study utilized a four-point Likert scale administered survey questionnaire consisting of two parts that include the profile of the respondents and a statement that measures the crisis management skills of teachers in the new normal. The study revealed that the majority of the respondents were between the ages 20 – 35 years old; mostly female and average ICT literacy level. It also found that the most highly applied crisis management skills of the respondents were in-placed policies and guidelines for students’ and teachers’ safety, the ability to respond to emergencies, and adaptive teaching practices during a crisis. While the integration of crisis management in delivering instructions involving teachers and students garnered only moderately applied interpretation. Respondents’ age, gender, and ICT literacy level were not predictors of crisis management skills of the respondents. Based on the findings, the following recommendations were made: implement a strategic plan that enables the institution to move forward while effectively managing and mitigating risks; encourage teachers to attend/participate in workshops that will strengthen their knowledge and skills; recalibrate the curriculum to enable teachers to revise the activities/course work/tasks/experiences that can be delivered through blending learning; and empower the faculty to reconfigure and reskill. Keywords: COVID-19, Crisis Management, Skills, Crisis, Teachers