ICT Policy Research Articles

Electronic Resources Adoption by Academic Staff in Public Universities in Tanzania Using the Technology Acceptance Model

Abstract This paper analyzes emerging issues on the use of electronic resources (e-resources) by academic staff in public universities in Tanzania. Notable issues include factors influencing adoption of e-resources by academic staff. A quantitative research design based on a cross-sectional survey of academic staff in four public universities was used. The study was informed by the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) with demographic and institutional factors like awareness on ICT policy and regulations added. A sample of 292 academic staff obtained through a combination of stratified and random sampling was used. Cross-tabulations and Chi-Square statistics were used for analysis of association to establish the influence of the factors on adoption. Through TAM, perceived benefits were measured by eagerness for promotion and increase in income. Perceived ease of use was measured by capacity built on ICT use and perception on ICT infrastructure. Awareness was measured by members’ recognition of ICT policy and regulations. The findings show that experience, age, and awareness have a significant correlation with e-resources adoption. Also, the mostly accessed and used e-resources by academic staff are scholarly search engines such as Google Scholar.

Evaluating the Role of Electronic Security Surveillance in Enhancing Safety in Secondary Schools: A Case Study of Trans Nzoia County, Kenya

Secondary school safety is critical to sustaining comparable academic performance outcomes. However, there are so many threats that affect the safety of schools that make up this necessity throughout the world. Security challenges in secondary schools in Kenya includes fires, theft and radicalization have been witnessed in school. Nevertheless, the application of electronic security surveillance systems still remains rather low. They work under very high risks and many schools in Trans Nzoia County are especially vulnerable leaving the school community at risk. This research aimed at evaluating the extent to which these systems enhance safety. Based on Situational Crime Prevention Theory and Contingency Theory, the study adopted descriptive survey research design and targeted 14 second schools with previous security threats and deployed with surveillance systems. Participants were 14 principals, 14 boarding teachers, 14 security personnel, 70 students- 10 students from each of the 7 schools, County Director of Education, and the Chief Fire Officer. The sample size for the study was 128 respondents. Data was collected using questionnaires, interview schedules and Focus Group Discussions. The data was analysed through using Social Package for Social Sciences version 25. Regarding electronic surveillance system improvement of school security, 80.8 percent of respondents supported its effectiveness. When national ICT and school safety policies had been included, it was found that the improvement of these systems for the safety of schools has proved 40.9% different (R² = 0.409, F (2, 75) = 26.003, p = 0.000). Of all the forms of surveillance, the study noted that CCTV cameras were the most widely used in secondary schools. That being said, the efficiency of their use in achieving safety objectives was somewhat hampered by operational obstacles. The study therefore suggests that while emphasizing on the use of additional technologies like fire alarms, burglar alarms, Metal detectors and Biometric systems, the school management boards in collaboration with Ministry of education and ICT should devise way of extending the use of such gadgets. Secondly, to guarantee full coverage of the school premises, it is necessary to step up investment in electronic security systems, and improve the support of personnel pertaining to the detection of threats.

COP28 roadmap: Do ICT, education, and renewable energy consumption matter for environmental quality? Quantile evidence for emerging economies

Renewable energy consumption (REC) is not the only potent tool that can ameliorate the difficulties associated with rising CO2 emissions and ecological distortions. Besides, the role of ICT penetration and education on environmental quality cannot be overshadowed by their contributions to economic growth and improved human well-being. This study scrutinizes the effects of ICT, education, and REC on the ecological footprint (EF) and CO2 emissions in the IMF-selected emerging economies. The study utilizes three variables for the ICT index, computed through principal component analysis. The augmented mean group estimator results suggest that ICT, education, and REC reduce the EF, whereas FDI contributes significantly to environmental degradation. On the flip side, ICT reduces CO2 emissions and EF in both the medium and upper quantiles. It suggests that ICT penetration heals the environment and that a higher level of ICT consumption could be a panacea for sustainable development in emerging economies. The causality results show evidence of a feedback causality between economic growth, REC, and CO2 emissions. However, a unidirectional causality flows from economic growth and FDI to EF. Finally, to maximize the benefits associated with the positive effects of REC and ICT on environmental betterment, several renewable energy and ICT policies have been mentioned and discussed.

THE UN ACTIVITIES ON FACILITATING THE APPLICATION OF INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATIONS TECHNOLOGY FOR THE PURPOSES OF DEVELOPMENT IN THE 1990S

In the early 3rd decade in the 21st century, the information and communications technology (hereinafter referred to as ICT) is regarded as an inalienable factor of the international development. This article presents the analysis of the events related to the outset of the UN involvement in this factor promotion at the turn of the 1980s and further until the late 90s. It marks out the most important measures initiated at the UN main and subsidiary bodies aiming at the ICT study as a development factor and the international community’s political will mobilisation on the ICT’s broadest possible adoption and application. Within the period under consideration, three stages marking the expansion of the UN involvement in the ICT issues, from attracting general attention to their importance in the development towards the drafting of recommendations for the international community on bridging the digital divide, are proposed by us. The article finds out that these recommendations just as other UN activities in the development field worked in favour of the globalisation and evidently reflected the neoliberal paradigm. However, in the meantime they counterbalanced market fundamentalists and provided the grounds for the need of planning the international aid for developing nations and guaranteeing social focus in the national ICT policies.

Analyzing developmental strategies and the role of ICT in underdeveloped economies: implications for North Korea

We analyze developmental strategies in various sectors in countries with underdeveloped economies and their implications for North Korea. We investigate the development plans of four underdeveloped transitional economies during the 1990s using the World Bank’s engagement reports. We find an emphasis on energy, transportation, and agriculture in those countries, while development strategies in North Korea focused on ICT in addition to energy, transportation, and agriculture during the same period. Statistical regression analysis reveals that ICT has the greatest potential impact on economic growth. Historically, domestic and external constraints have limited the performance of North Korea’s ICT policy. However, we recommend that ICT should have high priority in North Korea’s strategic development plan for the following reasons: the socio-economic environment is changing; ICT service trade across borders has been increasing; the population is aging; and our analysis identifies disruptive

Competency and Barriers in Using ICT among Public School Teachers in Tagoloan District

Technology integration in education transforms teaching and learning by improving efficiency, accessibility, and student participation in the classroom. This study examines the teachers' profile, competency, and barriers that influence the use of ICT between public school teachers in Tagoloan East and West Districts during the School Year 2023–2024. Specifically, the study sought to determine the respondents’ level of competency in the ICT domain and the barriers to using ICT. This study involved two hundred thirty-six (236) respondents from the public elementary and secondary schools of Tagoloan District using the Slovins formula. It used the descriptive research design and an adapted and modified survey questionnaire to collect data. The descriptive correlational method was used to evaluate the samples with statistical analysis including standard deviation, frequency, percentage, mean scores, and Pearson r correlation. The findings showed that teachers' ICT ability is significantly influenced by age, teaching experience, and attitude, and there is a notable relationship between ICT skills and barriers related to manpower, policy, and facilities. Further, enhancing teachers' ICT competence through advanced technology training and effective integration methods aims to provide proficient educational experiences for 21st-century learners and improve teaching professionalism and efficacy. It is concluded that teachers face challenges in implementing ICT policies, including limited resources, reluctance to change, technological issues, and inadequate training. Factors like age, experience, and attitude influence these barriers. Additionally, it is recommended that schools should train proficient teachers as ICT experts to assist in incorporating technology into classroom teaching. This expert should provide ongoing support and training through mentoring programs. Teachers with limited technology experience are encouraged to improve their ICT integration skills, ensuring they can adapt to current trends and provide advanced educational experiences in the 21st century.

Analysis of The Readiness of The Regional Government of Malinau District North Kalimantan Province in Commemorate Digital Transformation

One of the efforts to realize the goals of bureaucratic reform is the modernization of the government bureaucracy which focuses on the orientation of public services to community satisfaction through optimizing the use of information technology. The purpose of this research is to analyse the readiness of the Regional Government of Malinau Regency in commemorate digital transformation and to identify supporting and inhibiting factors for the readiness of the Regional Government of Malinau Regency in commemorate digital transformation. This study uses a qualitative research design with descriptive methods, by adapting the An Integration Information Rich E-Readiness Assessment Tool readiness analysis model, proposed by Mutula & Brakel 2006. This research uses a triagulation analysis method on observation data, interviews and documentation in the field. The research results of the five dimensions of assessment show 1) Information Readiness with information access indicators categorized as ready and information mechanism indicators categorized as quite ready; 2) Institutional Readiness with Organizational Structure indicators categorized as ready, ICT Policy indicators categorized as quite ready and ICT Budget Readiness categorized as ready; 3) HR readiness with HR composition indicators categorized as quite ready, ICT HR qualification indicators categorized as unprepared, and ICT HR preparation indicators categorized as unprepared. 4) Infrastructure Availability with hardware and software infrastructure indicators categorized as ready and internet connection indicators categorized as quite ready; 5) External Environment Readiness with telecommunications service quality indicators categorized as quite ready.

Environmental policy stringency, ICT, and technological innovation for achieving sustainable development: Assessing the importance of governance and infrastructure

Achieving sustainable development goals (SDGs) has garnered significant attention from academia and policymakers worldwide. In this study, we examine the impact of ICT, technological innovation (TI), and environmental policy stringency (EPS) on SDI, considering the moderating role of governance quality (GQI) and transport infrastructure (TIS). A comprehensive dataset of 17 advanced nations is utilized from 1996 to 2021. To capture the dynamic and extreme marginal impacts of these policy instruments on SDG attainment, we employ the advanced technique of Feasible Generalized Least Square (FGLS). The results demonstrate that ICT has a positive and significant effect on SDGs, particularly when combined with high levels of governance quality (GOV) and transport infrastructure (TIS). Likewise, TI has a positive impact on SDGs, especially in the presence of strong governance. Furthermore, EPS exhibits a positive association with SDGs. The findings also reveal that while governance hurts SDGs, this effect diminishes when combined with higher levels of ICT, TI, and EPS, and when TIS positively moderates the relationships. The robustness estimations using DOLS and PCSE methods validate the FGLS findings. These results underscore the importance of ICT, TI, and EPS in advancing sustainable development. Moreover, they highlight the significance of good governance and robust transport infrastructure in maximizing the positive effects of these factors. These findings hold implications for policymakers and stakeholders involved in promoting sustainable development.

Nature and Extent of Electronic Security Surveillance Systems in Secondary School Safety in Kenya

Secondary safety is paramount to the sustainability of school performance; however, threats leveled against schools globally are interfering with safety. Schools in Kenya have experienced a horde of threats such as fire and theft coupled with radicalization. There is hardly the use of electronic security surveillance systems to mitigate threats. In Trans Nzoia County, secondary schools have been a recipient of security threats threatening the safety of the school community. Against this backdrop, this study assessed the influence of electronic security surveillance systems on the sustainability of secondary school safety in Trans Nzoia County, Kenya. The specific objective of the study was to establish the nature and extent of electronic security surveillance systems in secondary schools in Kenya. The descriptive survey research design was used to study electronic security surveillance systems in secondary school safety in Trans Nzoia County. The study population was composed of 14 secondary schools that had previous security threats and had installed electronic security surveillance systems (unit of analysis). The sampling strategy in this study was simple random and purposive sampling. Quantitative data was analyzed descriptively and inferentially with the aid of SPSS version 25. The data was analyzed at a 0.05 probability level and presented in tables and figures in percentages and frequencies. Results: CCTV was installed in all the secondary schools surveyed sampled. It was agreeable by the respondents (76.9%) that the nature and extent of electronic security surveillance systems in secondary schools promoted safety in the school community. The interaction between the electronic security surveillance systems installed in schools and the implementation of national ICT policy and school safety policy had a 29.9% impact on promoting safety in secondary schools (R2 = 0.299, (F (2, 75) = 15.966, p = 0.000). About 80.8% of the respondents agreed that electronic security surveillance systems effectively promote safety in secondary schools.

Advancement of Smart Academic Libraries in Northern Nigeria: Issues and Way Forward

The 21st century is known as the beginning of the knowledge age; a millennium characterized by leveraging on information to stay ahead using technology. The library occupies a critical place in the quality of information accessed and leveraged on by researchers and students. Academic libraries in Nigeria are not disconnected from this technology-based-information revolution. This study looked at advancement of smart academic libraries in Northern Nigeria: issues and way forward. Its objectives was to determine smart services available, investigate the extent of deployment, examine the underlying issues that hinder effective smart service delivery and proffer strategies for way forward in Northern university public academic libraries in Nigeria. The study adopted a review of documents and literature on smart academic libraries in Nigeria. Five public universities were purposively observed and sampled on their smart library perspective and capacity. Google-Forms-structured questionnaire was used through different online platforms. Simple percentage and frequencies were used in analyzing data collected. Findings showed that there are existing smart library services in the academic libraries of Northern Nigerian public universities but the extent of deployment of smart library services in their academic libraries is low. The research also revealed the numerous issues faced in providing smart services. The study recommended that the institution and library managements of academic libraries in Northern Nigerian public universities step up on ICT policy framework, practical deployment of smart library technologies and training of library staff for improved smart services.

Teachers' technological literacy for ICT integration to implement competence-based curriculum in public secondary schools in Tanzania

This study investigated teachers’ understanding of ICT integration in implementing a competence-based curriculum (CBC) among public secondary schools. Interviews and focus group discussions were used to collect the data from 139 teachers, academic teachers and the head teachers. Simple random and purposive sampling was used to obtain participants. The thematic analysis covers the whole process of data analysis. The study findings revealed that most teachers are aware of the Education and Training Policy and ICT Policy. However, they could not link their teaching practices in the classroom to meet policy goals, 85% of teachers did not integrate ICT as a pedagogical tool in their teaching and learning process, most teachers did not use online assessment, and the most used ICT devices were smartphones, computers and laptops. The study found that most teachers understand the benefit of ICT in implementing a competence-based curriculum. The study recommends aligning our policies and practices, especially in real school environments.

Digital Economy: ICT Framework for Farming Information Dissemination and Management in DRC By IJISRT

The agricultural sector is increasingly becoming both knowledge-intensive and techno-intensive. Generally speaking, agriculture sector is dynamic, farmers actively seek timely, accurate and relevant information to keep up with daily challenges. These challenges will significantly grow as a result of climate change that causes changing rainfall patterns and extreme weather events including, more frequent droughts and floods. ICTs has been instrumental for information broadcasting to farmers. Policy makers, extension practitioners, scholars and development agencies including, NGOs are advocating ICTs as a tool to foster smallholder farmers productivity, efficiency and performance through information including, new variety of seeds, fertilizer, livestock breeds, emerging diseases, vaccines, farming technologies, use of pesticides as well as market information. In addition, they enable large hub of know-how and sharing opportunity between agriculturalists, investors and entrepreneurs. Most African countries are essentially agrarian economies and agriculture turns out to be livelihoods of hundreds of millions households as well as a key driver of the economic development. However, most farmers in the Democratic Republic of Congo – especially smallholder farmers – perform below their potential. Many governments and scholars have developed innovative solutions related agricultural practice. The challenge is to enable information dissemination by large numbers of smallholder farmers. The study aims to propose a framework and policies for farmers to share information through ICTs. It used both quantitative and qualitative methods. The case study design is applied where empirical data was collected using questionnaires, interviews, documents analysis, and group discussions with farmer groups. Based on the research objectives, it was discovered that ICT policies is quasi-inexistent in agricultural sector. The government provides no agricultural information to farmers. In terms of ICT access, 36% of farmers own a telephone. 58% use basic feature phone while 42% of the respondents use smartphone. 66% of farmers would like to be provided information by a mobile phone. 63 % of farmers would prefer to have information in video format while 34 % in audio format. 95% of respondent strongly agree that ICT can improve their farming condition.

Information technology, gender economic inclusion and environment sustainability in sub-Sahara Africa

PurposeThis study examines the relevance of information and communication technologies in the effect of gender economic inclusion on environmental sustainability.Design/methodology/approachThe focus is on a panel of 42 sub-Saharan African countries over the period 2005–2020. The empirical evidence is based on generalized method of moments. The environmental sustainability indicator used is CO2 emissions per capita. Three indicators of women’s economic inclusion are considered: female labour force participation, female employment and female unemployment. The chosen ICT indicators are mobile phone penetration, Internet penetration and fixed broadband subscriptions.FindingsThe results show that: (1) fixed broadband subscriptions represent the most relevant ICT moderator of gender economic inclusion for an effect on CO2 emissions; (2) negative net effects are apparent for the most part with fixed broadband subscriptions (3) both positive ICT thresholds (i.e., critical levels for complementary policies) and negative ICT thresholds (i.e., minimum ICT levels for negative net effects) are provided; (4) ICT synergy effects are apparent for female unemployment, but not for female employment. In general, the joint effect of ICTs or their synergies and economic inclusion should be a concern for policymakers in order to better ensure sustainable development. Moreover, the relevant ICT policy thresholds and mobile phone threshold for complementary policy are essential in promoting a green economy.Originality/valueThe study complements the extant literature by assessing linkages between information technology, gender economic inclusion and environmental sustainability.

An Empirical Study of the Uptake of Electronic Government Services by the Limpopo Department of Home Affairs

Technology adoption models play an important role in understanding the different factors affecting the adoption and use of new technology. The development of well-informed e-Government strategies is the first stepping stone in the right direction for the successful implementation and successful use of e-Government. This paper investigated from the officials; perspective factors that affect the uptake of e-government services provided by the Limpopo departments of Home Affairs. Using a qualitative research approach whereby three different Department of Home Affairs’ service Centres namely Polokwane, Waterberg, and Sekhukhune in Limpopo province were used as case studies, the study conducted semi-structured interviews with nine (9) officials comprised of management, ICT department, and street-level officials to identify and understand better the factors affecting uptake of e-government in the DHA. The study found that lake of skills and access to e-government programmes were at the top of the list of challenges faced at the Centres. Therefore, the study recommended amendments to the ICT policy of the department so that it accommodates different languages spoken in societies particularly the eleven official languages currently spoken in South Africa. This article further recommends several solutions that can enhance the uptake of e-government in the DHA.

Management Support and Acceptance of the Implementation of Classroom Technology Integration Among Private School Teachers

This study evaluated the level of support provided to teachers in leadership, instructional practices, technology infrastructure, and professional development, and measured the extent of technology integration in classrooms. It also investigated the correlation between classroom technology integration, management support, and teachers' acceptance of technology. The study employed a quantitative, descriptive analytical approach. Findings indicate that teachers have a positive perception of technology integration, particularly when they receive robust support from school leaders, have access to adequate resources, and possess sufficient technological knowledge. Furthermore, the study reveals a significant relationship between management support and teachers' acceptance of technology integration in the classroom, underscoring the crucial role of administrative support in facilitating technology adoption in education. Based on these results, the study offers recommendations for policymakers, school leaders, and educators to enhance technology integration. Recommendations include developing comprehensive ICT policies, ensuring adequate support and resources for teachers, implementing mentorship and training programs, and fostering a culture of continuous professional development. The study highlights the importance of aligning management support with teachers' acceptance to effectively integrate technology and improve educational outcomes in private secondary schools.

E-Governance for Functional Bureaucratization in Nigeria: Benefits and Challenges

This paper examined the challenges and potential benefits in e-governance for effective bureaucratization in Nigeria. The study through review of extant works in e-governance and bureaucracy assessed the concepts of bureaucracy, bureaucratization and e-governance. An instrumental case study research design was adopted for the study. Data for the study was collected through secondary sources, personal observations and interactions during conferences. Content analysis was utilized to analyze information generated. The paper, therefore found out that application of modern information and communication technologies stand to improve on public bureaucracy by infusing accountability, accessibility, and flexibility in public administration. These could be achieved through the use of close circuit cameras, computer applications and software as well as artificial intelligence in public offices. However, the challenges in tapping into this gold mine of technology in public administration in Nigeria ranges from inadequacy of skilled ICT personnels, corruption and bureaucratic resistance, poor/inconsistent policies and regulatory frameworks, inadequate public and digital awareness, inadequate ICT infrastructure and digital divide, among others. The study consequently recommended among others that government should provide modern ICT infrastructure, promote cybersecurity and theft consciousness and develop ICT policies in Nigeria.

Critical Factors for the Adoption of Virtualization Software: An Empirical Study

The growth of virtualization technologies has allowed cloud adopters to make better use of computing resources. Despite its rapid expansion, adopters are having difficulty locating an appropriate virtualization solution and realizing the desired benefits.
 Six adoption factors were found to be the essential aspects of virtualization software for a seamless transition from physical to virtual computing after 43 tools and seven constructs were extracted using technology diffusion techniques. Based on the effect level, they are the software features, innovation risk, environmental factor, relative advantage, perceived usefulness, and social system. For public entities, the transition is specifically driven by ICT policies, regulations, and costs, whereas private sectors rely on market trends, the business status quo, and expert ranking. Adopters can utilize the study's findings as a strategic signal for a risk-free switch from physical to virtual computing, while vendors can leverage the design attributes to enhance software functionality.
 

ICT-driven Transparency: Empirical Evidence from Selected Asian Countries

We are living in the digital era and ICTs have become necessities in this contemporary world. The aim of this study is to investigate transparency in Asia through ICT’s diffusion by using Driscoll-Kraay standard error technique. We used panel data for 17 Asian countries from 2010 to 2019 and we use control of corruption as a proxy for transparency checking. The results show that ICTs leave a positive effect on the control of corruption. Other determinants of transparency in this paper, such as political stability and effective governance, have a positive effect on control of corruption. ICT policy can play an important role in curbing corruption. So, there is a strong need for ICT diffusion, suggesting that effective governance helped to reduce corruption in the Asian region and establish a surveillance-based system in public institutions.

Tensions between technology integration practices of teachers and ICT in education policy expectations: implications for change in teacher knowledge, beliefs and teaching practices

AbstractIn line with ICT in education policies and curricula in Ghana and many other countries, teachers are expected to integrate digital technologies into instruction to facilitate meaningful and engaging student learning experiences. More research is however needed to investigate teachers’ actual classroom practices with technology to determine whether these align with national ICT in education policies and curricula expectations. This qualitative study conducted phone interviews with twenty teachers from twelve schools and used a synthesised ICT pedagogy classification framework as a lens to investigate teachers’ technology integration practices in relation to Ghana's ICT policies and curricula requirements. Following a thematic analysis procedure, the article finds that teachers mainly use technology conveniently for lesson preparation and direct instruction delivery, treating technology primarily as a productivity tool to support traditional teacher-centred teaching tasks. The use of technology for constructivist practices and fostering student-centred learning appears to be limited, which contradicts the priorities outlined in ICT in education policies and curricula in Ghana. The findings highlight a discrepancy between the requirements of ICT policies and the actual classroom practices of teachers. The implications of the findings are discussed, emphasising the need to action change in teachers’ knowledge, beliefs, and teaching practices in order to bridge the gap and effectively translate ICT curricula and policy plans into actual teaching practices.

Digitalization in School Management: Efficacy and Attitude in Public Secondary Schools in Rungwe District, Mbeya-Tanzania

School management is a sunshade for accomplishing school achievement, improving output and refining the enlightening system at the school level. The adoption of digital technologies in Tanzania is perceived as vital for enhancing efficient managerial function in public secondary schools. However, the implementation of digital technologies in school management appears to be turbulent. This study attempted to explore digitalization in school management: efficacy and attitude in public secondary schools in Rungwe district Mbeya, Tanzania. The study was underpinned by two objectives: to determine the extent to which digital technology is effective in school management in public secondary schools and to examine the attitude of public secondary schools towards the use of digital technology in school management. This study adopted concurrent mixed research methods. Systematic and purposive sampling techniques were adopted to select 180 participants, consisting of 160 teachers and 20 heads of schools. Questionnaires, interview guides and observation methods were employed to gather information from the participants. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics with the aid of Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 21 and qualitative data were systematized into themes and evaluated thematically. The findings indicated that to a large extent, digital technology has been efficacious in communication, finance, updating school information, student registration, transfer of information, and record-keeping. It was also revealed that public secondary schools perceive digitalization in school management as a complicated issue due to low networking, inadequate technical know-how, and inadequate technical support and complicated digital systems. The study recommended that the government should commit to up-to-date ICT policy, effectively building digital skills for the school leaders, integrating digital learning into secondary education programs, private sector engagement in digital technologies ventures in schools, and enhancing school networking infrastructures.