ICT Policy Research Articles

Digital Information Literacy of Undergraduate Students in Higher Education Institutions in Malawi: Challenges and Policy Implications

Digital Information Literacy (DIL) skills have been recognized as critical skills in the 21st Century Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) as the world moves from print to digital environment. DIL enables students to master information content, become self-directed and assume greater control over their own learning without relying on lecture notes given by their teachers. DIL also helps students know how to learn because they know how knowledge is organized, how to find information and how to use this information for their satisfaction. Furthermore, when students possess adequate DIL skills, their confidence and ability to work independently is improved since they can think critically, interpret information and make informed judgments. Previous studies suggest that though, a majority of students in higher education institutions in developing world now have access to digital information resources, such resources are often under-utilized due to lack of DIL skills among students. In Malawi, like other developing countries, a large proportion of students registering in HEIs come from environments where there are no computers, Internet, and libraries. Consequently, they face challenges in utilizing digital information resources as they transition from high school to university environments. A closer examination of the Malawi’s National Education Policy (2013), ICT Policy (2013), and National ICT for Development (ICT4D) Policy (2006) make no specific provision or guidelines on the development of DIL for citizens in the country in general and that of students in HEIs. In addition, these policies are structured more on print information than digital/electronic information. The dearth of literature in DIL in Malawi has also led to lack of informed policy decisions on how DIL programs can be developed and implemented in the country. This study therefore, sought to investigate the current status of DIL skills of students in HEIs in Malawi, so that the findings would inform policy direction. The University of Livingstonia (UNILIA), a private institution of higher learning in Northern Malawi, was adopted as a case study, targeting first year undergraduate students.

Constraints Hindering Adoption of ICT in Government Secondary Schools in Tanzania: The Case of Hanang District

This paper addresses teachers’ skills on ICT Integration in teaching and learning and constraints that hinder the adoption in Government owned secondary schools. The study employed a cross-section research design which guided the collection of both quantitative and qualitative data. Simple random sampling was employed in the selection of participants of which data were collected from 75 teachers in government secondary schools, 15 Heads of Schools, 1 DEO and 3 Quality Assurers. Questionnaires and interviews were used to obtain data. Qualitative data were analysed through content analysis while descriptive statistics was used to analyse quantitative data with the aid of SPSS version 21. The findings revealed that, most of the secondary school teachers had minimal skills of integrating ICT in teaching and learning due to different challenges such as lack of ICT facilities, inadequate computer labs in schools, and inadequate pre-service and in-service teachers training. Finally, the paper recommends a holistic approach in harmonising the curriculum requirements and the ICT policy strategies so as to create awareness among teachers, thus develop the required ICT pedagogical skills.

Current status of ICT policy at the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare

Current status of ICT policy at the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare

SME Cloud Adoption in Botswana: Its Challenges and Successes

The standard office or business in Botswana hosts their resources in-house. This means that a company will have their hardware, software and support staff as part of their daily work operations. Technology has brought a shift to the office environment with Cloud Computing. Botswana has seen the growth of the Cloud Technologies, within its own boundaries where companies have embraced the new technology to mobilize and push their operational agenda with the same tenacity as the rest of the world using the technology. Cloud computing has taken root in Botswana and it shows that a lot of SMEs are using cloud computing, whilst some are non-adopters to the technology. Edgar Tsimane reported the take up on cloud computing in Botswana. Botswana uses the National ICT policy to guide on technological advances and development, i.e the Maitlamo policy. This paper is considering aspects influencing the company’s decisions on utilizing the cloud as a service, both opportunistic and challenges. Some of the questions to address for the study are: how effective is cloud computing for businesses in Botswana; what challenges and successes these companies have had, is there any particular framework they had to follow to guide them in adopting the services? Finally, the paper was to take consideration in recommending a framework that can be adopted within the Botswana.

DIGITAL FARMING APPROACH CHANGES THE CONTEXT

A new context is emerging under introducing of precision agriculture, impacted by top-down ICT policies and bottom-up collaborative activities. Food chain is changing by a holistic technology policy of integration in the fields of breeding, farm production, processing, transportation, and market in consumers. A new ICT strategy was issued by the government for precision agriculture to enhance the interoperability and portability of data/information sets collected from the field. The administration focused on standardization of data/information protocol, common terminology to share the information and knowledge. Intellectual properties produced by collaboration of growers and industry, such patents and know-hows, are also issues to be handled. On the basis of a platform of agricultural information some value-chains should be produced. Agro-medical food is also an emerging program for value-added produce with a high function of encouraging the quality of lifestyle. The agricultural sector must be changed into suppliers of fairly controlled products to the medical sector, which requires controlled protocols of production with traceable management. The medical sector confirms the evidence of effectiveness against disease prevention and wellness in medical science. The nutrition and dietetics sector provides personalized diets using agro-medical foods.

A Study of Telecommunication Policies and Broadband Penetration for Sweden and South Korea

Internet broadband technology is the next phase in internet evolution. The emergence of broadband brought many options to internet users. It is evident that in the future, broadband Internet may introduce a big difference in the lives of the public, industry, and the government. However, the diffusion of Broadband is clogged at the regulation crossroads between market, government, and consumer, especially with regard to allow third parties to be involved in building the broadband infrastructure. Controlling access to the development of broadband infrastructure may produce a monopolizing market and limiting the variety and quality of available services. The current study investigates the development of broadband and its penetration in South Korea (the highest country with the access to broadband services), and Sweden (the second highest rate of internet penetration among the OECD countries). The paper overviews the broadband markets in both countries, focusing on their government policies in promoting the technology used and the growth of the market. The paper argues about the challenges facing the market for developing broadband technology, such as increase in the demand and supply for higher speed broadband, increase in the traffic congestion as users spend more time using internet and more data are transferred between individual, software, and applications, etc. the paper finally derives a number of ICT policy objectives and classifies the two countries based on their market approach into: laissez faire (free markets) and markets led by the government’s national plan, with quantified objectives and the regulators instruments strategies to meet the mentioned objectives.

A Decade of LMS Acceptance and Adoption Research in Sub-Sahara African Higher Education: A Systematic Review of Models, Methodologies, Milestones and Main Challenges

A decade has elapsed since the Learning Management System (LMS) technology permeated its way into higher education in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), offering new paradigms of both blended and online mode e-learning delivery. Parallel to other continents, the introduction of LMS stimulated acceptance and adoption intentions among stakeholders in higher education. This necessitated research into faculty members’ and students’ LMS acceptance and adoption intentions. While some research has been conducted in this dimension, the evidential facts are scattered. There is a need to agglomerate these studies to project a better picture of study patterns and results, to be abreast of the current state of the literature and better direct future research. This study sought to bridge the gap by way of a systematic review of previous studies within a decade of LMS acceptance research in SSA, placing them in contextual paradigms of models, methodologies, milestones, subjects, countries, findings and challenges. Results from a systematic review of 31 studies, revealed key determinants of LMS acceptance/adoption to be Attitude and Perceived Usefulness; followed by Performance Expectancy and Perceived Ease of Use; then lastly Social Influence. Major challenges to LMS implementation identified were ICT infrastructure; LMS usage skills and training; LMS system quality, LMS use policy and management support. TAM1 was the dominant model employed and students were the main subject of studies. Moreover, quantitative approach was the preferred design with Regression as the main statistical tool used for data analysis. The study recommended among others that more UTAUT or TAM3 based studies employing mixed method design with instructors as subjects, using structural equation modelling analysis are needed in SSA LMS research. Leadership and top management of higher education institutions should focus more on ICT infrastructure, LMS usage skills/training, LMS quality related issues, support and ICT policy formulation.

Growing a cyber-safety culture amongst school learners in South Africa through gaming

Virtually all school learners today have access to ICT devices and the internet at home or at school. More and more schools are using ICT devices to improve education in South Africa. ICT devices and internet access have enormous advantages and assist learners in learning and teachers in teaching more successfully. However, with these advantages come numerous ICT and cyber-risks and threats that can harm learners, for example cyber-bullying, identity theft and access to inappropriate material. Currently, South Africa does not have a long-term plan to grow a cyber-safety culture in its schools. This research therefore proposes a short-term initiative in the form of a game-based approach, which will assist school learners in becoming more cyber safe and teach learners about the relevant cyber-related risks and threats. The research is based on a quantitative survey that was conducted among primary school learners to establish if the game-based approach would be a feasible short-term initiative. The aim of the research is to establish if a game based approach can be used to improve cyber-safety awareness. This approach was plotted into the required ICT and cyber-safety policy required by all schools.

Critical Mass of Women Legislators and Oversight for National ICT Policy of Malawi

This article analyses how the representation of women legislators may affect the oversight of national ICT policy. The article uses Critical Mass Theory (CMT) to explain the composition of the Media and Communications Committee (MCC) of parliament. The case of Malawi is analysed, which represented a low-income economy in Africa. The article uses electoral reports and legislative documents. The results show that women legislators in the MCC achieved a critical mass despite the decrease in the representation of women in parliament. The women legislators have the opportunity to support gender issues related to ICT legislations and national ICT policy oversight. However, the functions of MCC related to national ICT policy oversight were not aligned with the gender equity strategies. This may affect the priority of gender issues in the policy oversight. The article contributes towards literature on national ICT policy oversight in the context of developing countries.

Understanding Parents' Intention to Use a Learning Community Management System in K-12 Schools

Information systems that facilitate communication among faculty, staff, and parents are increasingly being adopted by K–12 schools. Despite their promise, schools are resisting these systems. The Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) has been rarely tested to explain behavioral intention, acceptance, and sustained use of technology in the context of developing nations. We apply the UTAUT model to examine behavioral intention to use a learning community management system at a K-12 school in the Bahamas. Data were collected from 162 parents through a survey questionnaire. Results showed that facilitating conditions (FC), performance expectancy (PE), and effort expectancy (EE) are significantly related to behavioral intention. In addition, Age has a moderating role in PE and FC with respect to their effects on behavioral intention. Our findings extend the validation of the UTAUT model in different environments and may help educators, administrators, and policymakers implement meaningful ICT policies in line with their community's educational aspirations.

Analysis Instead of Summation: Why Indices Are Not Enough for ICT Policy and Regulation

This paper demonstrates that analysing ICT indicators, based on benchmarking through the application of a dynamic diagnostic approach with context relevant indicators, provides a far more valid evidence-base for ICT policy and regulation than using the ranking of a country on one of the global ICT indices. Both approaches - composite indices and benchmarking - use the same data but differ in how the data is analysed. Both approaches have shortcomings. However, the benchmarking approach used in this paper is seen as the starting point for further analysis, showing clearly the linkages between individual indicators. Global ICT indices, as they are currently formulated, disguise these linkages by providing a composite measure, encouraging the perception that the index is the end result of the analysis, rather than the beginning. Ranking all countries, from poorest to the richest, leads to an automatically high correlation of an index to GDP per capita, making the latter the best predictor for the index score.

Expectations versus Reality: A Case of Internet in Nepal

AbstractThe relation between Internet and development rests on the preconditions of minimum access, quality, affordability and many more. Presenting the picture of access, quality, and affordability, we raise doubts that Nepali internet infrastructure in its present form has any contribution to economic development. The Nepali policy circle also has felt the necessity of proliferating Internet access and use. But we argue major targets of the Nepali ICT policies are detached from the reality and hence failure prone. The formulation of a robust ICT policy cannot bypass the analyses of actualities of the demand side. There is a dearth of detailed statistics of ICT access, use, and affordability in Nepal. We thus recommend the government should conduct a census of ICT access, use, and affordability that would help the formulation of more grounded policies.

Bridging the gap: Barriers and potential for scaling reuse practices in the Swedish ICT sector

This paper presents two case studies of Swedish ICT ‘gap exploiter’ companies to provide a nuanced perspective in the investigation of ICT reuse business models and policies. Gap exploiters are third-party firms that create value through the re-utilization of existing products. While extending product life through the gap exploiter model is promising in the transition to a circular economy, business models and policies related to ICT reuse are under-researched in literature and existing studies are characterized by general approaches. While the generalizability of this study has limitations based on size and geographic location, this paper provides an in-depth look at how circular economy strategies can be embodied in the gap exploiter business model within the ICT sector. Main findings include barriers to business operations and opportunities to address them through business model innovation and policy intervention. The study furthers understanding of ICT reuse operations and their related business models. It also contributes to the upcoming policy debate on how to encourage and create a more resource efficient and circular economy.

Digital competences of non-university students

This research aims to know the level of digital competence that non-university education students have from their own perspective. In addition, hypotheses have been made to know if there are differences in these perceptions according to different sociological variables. For the evaluation of the digital competences, the theoretical model proposed by Ala-Mutka (2011), for the systematization and /or breakdown of digital competence, was adapted on a Likert scale. In this research an intentional sampling is applied circumscribed to centers previously identified as centers that have participated in the "School 2.0 Program" selected by the Center of Teachers of Seville as centers of good ICT practices.The sample consists of a total of 336 students, 49,8% were boy-students and 50,2% are girl-students, of which 50,3% were Primary school students and 49,7% are Secondary. Overall, the results show that students perceived to have an average level of digital skills. Moreover, significant differences in this perception as to be detected if the students have internet at home (ρ = 0.012), if they have received ultra-laptops in schools (ρ = 0.001), and with respect to the age at which the students began using the computer (ρ = 0.038). The results obtained here are relevant to appraise the impact of ICT policies and digital competences of students.

A Study on the ICT Policy Governance in Historical Context

A Study on the ICT Policy Governance in Historical Context

A Study on the ICT Policy Governance in Historical Context

A Study on the ICT Policy Governance in Historical Context

1038 OBJECTIVE CORRELATES OF SLEEP COMPLAINT IN CANCER PATIENTS ON CHEMOTHERAPY TELE-MONITORED AT HOME: NIGHT-BY-NIGHT ANALYSIS.

Current wrist-actigraphy parameters poorly identify the cancer patients, who subjectively report poor sleep. However, most studies average multiple nights of data, not accounting for the changes that can occur while on treatment. Hence, our aim was to understand, on a night-by-night basis, the objective measures which best correlated with subjective sleep complaints. We investigated associations between sleep duration, timing, efficiency, latency and fragmentation, objectively measured by wrist-actigraphy, and the severity of self-rated sleep disturbance reported on the following day using a 0–10 scale questionnaire (M.D. Anderson Symptom Inventory) completed on a touch-screen computer at home. We used a dataset of 595 nights in 31 patients with advanced cancer participating in a pilot domomedicine study (inCASA project). First, we evaluated associations between actigraphy parameters and subjective sleep rating with Spearman’s correlations. Then, we categorised the objective sleep data into two groups depending on whether sleep disturbance was rated lower or higher than 2, which was previously found as corresponding to a level of intensity comfortable for the patient. Actigraphy parameters were compared in both groups using Mann-Whitney U-test. Multivariate regressions and classification and regression tree analysis were performed to identify independent predictors of subjective sleep. Sleep complaint severity was negatively correlated with timing of awakening (r=-0.22, p<0.001), total sleep time (r=-0.19, p<0.001) and sleep efficiency (r=-0.19, p<0.001). These associations were confirmed (p<0.001), with a median 40-min advance in timing of awakening, a median total sleep time shorter by 36 minutes, and a median sleep efficiency less by 2% for the nights rated as associated to sleep disruption as compared to comfortable sleep. The night-by-night approach within a multidimensional home tele-monitoring framework identified early awakening, short total sleep time and low sleep efficiency as significant objective correlates of poor sleep complaint in cancer patients on chemotherapy. These findings, if confirmed, will inform the development of both effective interventions and real time assessment in this frail patient population. European Commission through the ICT Policy Support Programme project inCASA (Contract CIP 250505, FP7), and the Coordinating Action Systems Medicine (CASyM) through research exchange grants in Systems Medicine.

ICT Adoption by Micro and Small Scale Enterprises in Nigeria: A Case Study of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja

The study investigates the determinants of ICT adoption by MSEs using a primary data analysis in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, Nigeria. The study adopted the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and Technological Organizational Environment (TOE) framework. The data for the study were gathered using the convenience and purposive sampling technique through a well structured questionnaire. The study strengthens the empirical knowledge on the usage level of ICT system and software among MSEs and likewise establishes that competitive pressure, government support, employer’s skill and knowledge influence the adoption of ICT by MSEs in the Nigeria. The study recommends that in line with national ICT policy, government should ensure efforts are geared towards the attainment of full ICT adoption by MSEs in Nigeria.

E-Governance and the ICT Legislative Framework

This study assesses the effect of ICT policies and practices toward ensuring the governance supported by information sharing in Tanzania. Logically, the work is organized in four main categories. The first category introduces the study through providing the background, statement of the problem and objectives. This part is followed by a research method. The study was based on Interpretive principles, and it used secondary data to arrive to its conclusions. The analysis is conducted through grouping elements, which responds to the same pattern of the study, under the same section. The last part of the study provides the conclusion and recommendations to the local legislative framework.

The Impact of Connectivity in Africa: Grand Visions and the Mirage of Inclusive Digital Development

AbstractCorporations, development organisations and governments have launched ambitious programmes to ‘connect the unconnected’, reasoning that this creates economic growth and inclusive development. This paper contrasts these actors’ discourses with evidence from academic research. The evidence suggests a highly uneven economic impact of Internet connectivity across geographies and social strata. The analysed sources of discourse (African ICT policies and reports by international organisations) instead propose Grand Visions of connectivity, attributing a self‐evident positive, widespread, and transformational impact to the Internet. We discuss technological determinism, acontextual modernism, and optimistic simplism as underlying this contrast, calling for more reflexivity towards the opportunities of ‘digital development’.