ICT Skills Research Articles

The Challenges Confronted by the Asian English as Second Language Teachers on Implementation of E-Learning During Covid-19 Pandemic

Teachers in Asian countries confront major problems adjusting to online teaching and establishing a minimum extent of communication with students to support their learning and growth during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study aimed to examine the challenges faced by English as a second language teachers in Asia while implementing e-learning during COVID-19. The study employed a quantitative cross-sectional research technique using a total of 300 ESL teachers from the selected Asian countries, Malaysia, India, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and China, with different demographic backgrounds. The data was analyzed using a standard multiple regression model. The results showed that the teachers’ ICT competence, the infrastructure, and resources available to the teachers, and the suitability of working environment had a significant positive impact on implementing e-learning during Covid-19. This study suggested that policymakers can use the findings to plan curriculum by considering teachers' ICT skills as well as access to infrastructure and online resources.

Correlation of Self-Assessments in Knowledge and Skills of ICT Uses and Agency Through Active Learning Lesson at Teacher Training Course

Correlation of Self-Assessments in Knowledge and Skills of ICT Uses and Agency Through Active Learning Lesson at Teacher Training Course

APPROACHES TO ASSESSING TRANSLATION PROFICIENCY

Introduction. An important component of the system of specialized translation competence development is the assessment of its proficiency level, which should be based on the latest developments in the field of translator training methodology, the translation service industry requirements, and current national and international academic standards. The purpose of this paper is to analyze approaches to translation competence assessment and to distinguish those relevant to assessing specialized translation proficiency of 4th-year Philology students. The author applies theoretical research methods: analyzing research papers referring to translation assessment and academic standards namely the CEFR and the PETRA-E Framework, collating and generalizing their key ideas and provisions as well as synthesizing them in order to outline the approaches to specialized translation competence assessment. Discussion. The level-based approach should be implemented through defining the initial and target levels of specialized translation proficiency separately for English-Ukrainian and Ukrainian-English language pairs and taking into account the CEFR global scale descriptors concerning translating a written text in writing, modified with regard to text type, translation variation (full, fragmentary, summary, abstract), and ICT skills; as well as the PETRA-E Framework competence-based descriptors, altered in accordance with specialized translation features, in particular, terminology and subject matter knowledge and relevant skills. The process-oriented approach is better manifested during formative assessment, the purpose of which is to receive feedback on the effect of specialized translation knowledge acquisition and skill formation. It is implemented through the check-list method and translation text analysis. The product-oriented approach involves evaluating the target text using holistic, analytic (analytic proper, error count, check-list, and norm-referenced) and combined methods depending on translation variation, type and purpose of assessment. Conclusions. Assessing specialized translation competence of 4th-year students majoring in Philology is a complex multifaceted process that is grounded on the level-based, process-oriented and product-oriented approaches. Their implementation relies on the modified CEFR and PETRA-E Framework proficiency descriptors and depends on translation variation, assessment type and purpose.

Chinese EFL Teachers’ Use of Digital Resources in Doing Research: Its Current Status and Influential Factors

This paper is designed to explore the current status of Chinese EFL teachers’ use of digital resources in doing research and its influential factors. It classifies digital resources into six types aligned to the research process and uses the revised TAM to find out and explain its influential factors. A total of 180 teachers were investigated via the online questionnaire. The results show the Chinese EFL teachers’ use of six-type resources is at an intermediate low level. Among them, the type of resources for getting data analysis software is most frequently used; The type of resources for managing literature is least frequently used. However, teachers’ intention to use the resources is relatively high. Frequency of doing research, facilitating condition (FC), and perceived ease of use of resources (PEOU) are the direct predictive factors for EFL teachers’ actual use of digital resources (AU). Self-efficacy in using resources, ICT skill, and FC are significant direct predictors of PEOU, and they are indirect predictors of AU.

Nursing Students' Computer Anxiety and Attitudes Before and During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Purpose of this research was to investigate how the COVID-19 pandemic affected the level of computer anxiety of nursing students and also their attitude related to computer use. A cross-sectional study was conducted in two periods, one before the COVID-19 pandemic (1st period) and the second during the COVID-19 pandemic (2nd period). The research instrument consisted of three parts, a questionnaire with questions about demographic and educational characteristics such as gender and semester of study, the Computer Anxiety Rating Scale (CARS), that used to assess the nursing students' levels of computer anxiety and the Computer Attitude Scale (CAS) that used to measure nursing students' positive and negative attitudes towards computers. Data from 957 undergraduate nursing students were obtained. Specifically, in the 1st period, 370 nursing students participated (38.66%), while in the 2nd period 587 (61.34%) undergraduates participated. The anxiety of participants during COVID-19 pandemic period was reduced compared to that of participants before the COVID-19 period. Respondents during the COVID-19 pandemic have fewer negative feelings towards computers, based on their answers in contrast to the participants in the study before the COVID-19 pandemic. Computer anxiety and attitudes have change among nursing students among COVID-19 pandemic. Nursing students after the implementation of online training are reporting positive feeling towards computer use and are more confident for their ICT skills.

Factors Hindering the Adoption of the Customs Electronic Licensing System (CELS) by Clearing and Forwarding Agents in Zambia

While the Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) aims at improving and making it much easier, more efficient and faster to process clearing agents’ licenses added to mass sensitization and training on the Customs Electronic Licensing System (CELS), the adoption and utilization of the system among the clearing and forwarding agents in all the Zambian border posts is very low. This study aimed at determining the factors that impede the adoption and implementation of the CELS by the clearing agents and recommending the best ways in which ZRA can enhance the utilization of the electronic platform and boost compliance. The study was conducted within the population of the Zambia Revenue Authority and duly licensed Clearing Agents domiciled at Kenneth Kaunda International Airport (KKIA) as well as those working at Nakonde, Chirundu, Mwami, Katima Mulilo, Kasumbalesa and Kazungula border posts. We employed the mixed method approach, the quantitative and qualitative methods with a study sample of 263 licensed clearing and forwarding agents. However, analysis was based on 178 agents (the response rate was 68%). Binary Logistic was fitted on the date to determine the bottlenecks to the adoption of CELS. Factors which determined as bottlenecks to the adoption of the CELS are “Not Having ICT Skills”, “Not Having an electronic Device PC/Smartphone”, “No Access to Internet”, “Difficulty of Use of the CELS” and “Not Having Knowledge on CELS”. The challenges faced by clearing and forwarding agents include; not having electronic devices personal computers (PCs) or Smartphones, not having the required information technology skills, not having access to internet, and not having adequate knowledge about the system. To promote compliance among the agents, ZRA needs to do the following; make the possession of a computer or smartphone to be a mandatory requirement for an individual to be given the clearing and forwarding license; provide the required information technology skills training specifically on CELS; provide free internet only accessible to the registered agents to allow them to fully access the CELS, as well sensitization programs to ensure that all agents have knowledge on CELS.

EFFECTIVENESS OF THE USE OF TECHNOLOGY IN TEACHING FOR PROMOTING ECONOMIC GROWTH AMONG BUSINESS EDUCATION GRADUATES IN EKITI STATE

The use of technology in the preparation of business education graduates is expected to improve the worth and reduce unemployment among recipients. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the use of technology for economic growth by graduates of this programme in Ekiti State. Descriptive research design was employed. The population of the study was 3,538 business education graduates (Colleges of Education and University) working in public and private organisations in Ekiti State. 354 business education graduates, representing 10% of the population were randomly selected as sample. A validated structured instrument titled “Questionnaire on the Use of Technology for Economic Growth (QUTEG) with 22 items was used for data collection on the two research questions. The reliability coefficient of 0.87 was obtained, using split half and Pearson Product Moment Correlation formula. The findings showed that the use of technology has improved graduates’ productivity, creativity, ICT skills, thereby reducing the cost of retraining by their employers. It was recommended that business education graduates should always acquire technological skills for improved worth as employees and to engage in entrepreneurial outfits for the nation’s economic development.

The Impact of COVID-19 on Digital Competence

The study looked into how COVID-19 affected the digital competence of a group of preservice teacher education students at a higher education institution in the Sultanate of Oman. The paper examined students’ digital profile in five areas namely information and data literacy, communication and collaboration, digital content creation, safety and problem solving. Data from 32 undergraduate students was collected by utilizing DigComp, a European Commission digital skills self-assessment tool and findings from a survey. The digital competence framework measures the set of skills, knowledge and attitudes that describes what it means to be digitally competent. These skills are important for students to be effective global citizens in the 21st century. The results of the study revealed that the majority of the students scored Level 3 (Intermediate) in their self-assessment competency test score. The majority of the students perceived that their digital competence improved significantly as the result of online learning which was accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic. The rationale of this investigation is that it helps educators understand the students’ level of digital competence and the students’ perspectives on ICT skills. In turn, it informs us the ways to monitor the students’ digital progress and the next steps in developing their digital competency.

Impacts of E-mutation: A Study on Service Recipients’ Perception

Land management has gained the utmost importance in the development arena worldwide in recent years. Land-related targets and indicators were incorporated in 5 goals, 8 targets, and 12 indicators of SDG. Different studies have identified the conventional land management system as a reason for inefficient land management in Bangladesh. The government of Bangladesh has taken some initiatives to digitise the land management system. Since 2018, the Land Administration has launched an E-mutation system to update land records. The objective of this research is to investigate the impacts of E-mutation on the service recipients and their perception about it. The research covers 03 circles in Savar Upazila, Union Land Offices, and their service recipients. The target respondents of the study are mutation applicants, Assistant Commissioner (Land), and Union Land Assistant Officers. Both quantitative and qualitative data are used to validate the results of this research. The study reveals that the impact of E mutation on the service recipients is positive, being pleased with the E-mutation system; as it reduces time, cost, and visit (TCV). In addition, it reduces the nuisance by brokers and ensures better service quality. However, nearly four- fifths of the service recipients are dependent to apply for E-mutation due to a lack of knowledge of land-related documents and poor ICT skills. This paper would aid the policymakers to devise further strategies for efficient land management in Bangladesh.

Effects of Teacher’s Qualifications on Students’ Academic Performance in Mathematics Subject in Public Boarding Secondary Schools in Rwanda. A Case of Rubavu District

This research focused on examining the influence of teacher qualifications on students’ academic performance in mathematics at public boarding secondary schools in Rwanda’s Rubavu District. It aimed to identify which teacher qualifications in mathematics impact students’ math performance, analyze how teacher qualifications affect math performance, and investigate the connection between teacher qualifications and student performance in mathematics. The study used a descriptive and correlational design with a mixed approach of qualitative and quantitative approaches to examine the impact of teacher qualifications on students’ academic performance in mathematics subject in public boarding secondary schools in Rwanda, a case of Rubavu District. The target population included 343 respondents, including 225 mathematics teachers and 118 mathematics leaders. The researcher determined the sample size of 185 respondents using Yamane formula. Respondents were selected using a purposive sampling technique using questionnaires and documentary research techniques as data collection tools and taking into account pilot studies. The results were analyzed using SPSS version 21 and interpretations were made based on the results reported by the respondents. Key findings showed that independence in learning, exam and test results, homework completion, and class participation were positively associated with students’ performance in mathematics. Moreover, teacher qualifications were significantly related to various research variables, such as mastery of math content, classroom management, use of ICT skills, and education level. These factors collectively had a positive influence on students’ academic performance in mathematics. The study’s recommendations include providing training for mathematics teachers to enhance their qualifications, improving the mathematics curriculum, increasing the availability of learning materials, and conducting further research on teaching methodologies and student perceptions of math education.

Assessment of Entrepreneurship Education as a Strategy for Poverty Alleviation among Business Education Graduates of Universities in South-South Nigeria

This study assessed entrepreneurship education as a strategy for poverty alleviation among business education graduates from universities in South-South Nigeria. Three research questions and three null hypotheses guided the study. The study adopted the descriptive survey research design. The target population for this study comprised of 200 business education graduates in Federal/State Universities in South-South Nigeria. The entire population was used for the study, since the population is manageable. Hence there was no sampling. The instrument that was used to collect data in this study was a questionnaire. The face and content validities of the questionnaire were determined by the researcher’s supervisor and two other experts in Business Education Department. Cronbach alpha reliability index was used to determine the internal consistency of the items in the instrument. The data obtained were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Mean and standard deviation were utilized to answer the research questions while independent samples t-tests were employed to test the hypotheses at a significance level of 0.05. The findings of the study revealed that on average, undergraduate students possess high ability in the utilization of ICT skills; that on average, business education graduates possess high ability in the utilization of management skills; that on the average, business education graduates possess high ability in the utilization of marketing skills. The study also revealed that there is no significant difference between male and female business education graduates in the mean ratings of their possessed competencies in marketing. The study recommended that educational institutions should provide additional education and training for undergraduate in ICT so that they can possess high ability on how to create website, identify and open spreadsheet in another location, send and receive fast messages.

Učinkovitost izrade videa u učenju engleskoga kao drugog jezika (ESL) u Litvi

The growing number of research investigating the efficacy of Web 2.0 tools in ESP classroom (Selevičienė 2020; Almuhaisen et al 2020; Rodgers and Dhonnchadha 2018; Šulovská 2013) has revealed the positive effect of technology integration on the development of students’ language learning in higher education. However, the implementation of web-based technologies, namely digital video creation for language learning, has been scarcely discussed through the prism of K-12 environment. The purpose of this study is to examine the effectiveness of video making in L2 acquisition of English from the perspective of secondary learners and explicate the potential strengths and weaknesses of its utilisation in the ESL classroom. Qualitative research methodology was employed to analyse an open-ended survey. Tenth and ninth graders were asked to produce their responses to a two-fold questionnaire aimed at evaluating the use of video making for revisiting target vocabulary of the lesson. The current research indicates a polarised view of video making practice in the ESL classroom. Regarding the potential of video creation, learners admitted it being beneficial for the acquisition of vocabulary, when it comes to memorising it, forming strong associations, comprehending and communicating the meaning more properly. Yet the results of the study also demonstrated that creating content via video aids proved to be relatively demanding and time consuming due to lack of ICT skills in video making, not sufficient Internet connection speed or restrictions imposed on time and vocabulary limit. The study may provide English language instructors with useful insights as to how the use of video creation may facilitate the learners’ acquisition of vocabulary and how possible hindrances can be prevented to achieve more effective learning outcomes with the aid of digital video making tools in the ESL classroom. The major contribution to the research in this field is its focus on the adoption of video making method in the English as the second language classroom considering the context of secondary education in Lithuania.

Attitude of farmers towards use of information and communication technology on agricultural production and marketing

The present investigation is conducted in Marathwada region of the Maharashtra state during 2021-2022 with the objective to study “Attitude of farmers towards use of information and communication technology on agricultural production and marketing”. Parbhani district was selected randomly from Marathwada region. Three talukas from Parbhani district and five villages from each talukas were selected randomly for the study. From each selected village, ten farmers were selected randomly on the basis of awareness about ICT tools to acquire farm knowledge in this way total 150 respondents were considered for the study. An Ex-post-facto research design was followed for the study. Data was gathered using a well-structured interview schedule created with the study's objectives in mind. The collected data was analysed, classified and tabulated. Statistical tools such as frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation, and coefficient correlation were used to interpret findings and draw conclusions. Among the 150 selected farmers majority of the farmers were medium aged (67.33%), educated up to middle school level (24.00%), large family type (40.00%), high level of farming experience (51.33%), majority of occupation is farming (34.67%), medium source of awareness about ICT tools (77.33), e-learning plays major role in learning ICT skills (47.33), high utility of ICT in extension (76.67) and medium level of knowledge (60.67).

Constraints and Prospects of Online Platforms in Higher Learning Institutions: The Case of Selected Private Universities in Lusaka District, Zambia

The aim of the paper to establish the constraints and prospects of online teaching and learning platforms among lecturers and students in private Universities in Lusaka district. Multiple studies have demonstrated that COVID-19 has brought a rapid growth and paradigm shift in so many sectors of development inclusive of education worldwide. So much has been documented about COVID-19 and its impact on education mainly in public institutions. However, it has not been pronounced much in private institutions. Therefore, we sought to establish the constraints and prospects of online teaching and learning platforms among Lecturers and Students in private Universities in Lusaka District, Zambia. The study adopted a qualitative approach and utilised a descriptive design. 15 Lecturers and 30 Students were purposively sampled from three selected higher learning institutions and completed the face-face in-depth interviews and focus group discussion. This was done for a period of one month in order to better understand the constraints and prospects of online teaching and learning platforms. Constraints of online teaching and learning platform included lack of training and support, lack of technical equipment, lack of access to quality technological and digital infrastructure, Poor ICT skills, lack of reliable and stable internet connectivity, lack of computer gadgets, power outrage and non-availability of electricity and webcams in university settings. Prospects and support of online teaching and learning platform included promotion of e-learning libraries, low-cost strategies of internet facilities, mandatory ICT training, shaping of career aspirations and provision of opportunities to cater for a large number of students as opposed to the physical arrangement. Our study shows that COVID-19 pandemic is real and persistent with its negative consequences. Prospects such as low-cost strategies to internet and electricity facilities as well as ICT-supportive infrastructures and equipment across the globe are desirable.

A Competency-Based Approach to ICT Integration in Teacher Education: Perspectives from Tutors and Teacher-Trainees in Tanzania Mainland

This study aimed to examine implementation of a competency-based approach to ICT integration in Teacher Education in Tanzania. Specifically, the study sought to determine the access to ICT resources, the level of knowledge and skills among tutors and teacher-trainees for integrating ICT in teaching and learning activities and explore the views and opinions on the challenges facing the integration of ICT in Teachers Colleges in Tanzania Mainland. The study adopted mixed methods approach. Data were collected using interviews, focus groups, questionnaire and observation. Questionnaires were administered to 177(128 teacher-trainees and 49 tutors) respondents from two Teacher Training Colleges. Findings indicated that access to ICT resources and availability of training linked to integration of ICT in teaching and learning practices. For effective integration of ICT in teaching and learning there is a need to enhance access to ICT resources, training and re-training programmes more specifically in basic ICT skills and pedagogical integration of ICT and a favourable environment on use of ICT among tutors and the teacher-trainees.

Information computer technology resources and skills are vital for effective implementation of evidence based practice in nephrology nursing

ObjectiveThe ability of nurses to generate evidence, appraise and apply it in daily activities is a notable change and a catalyst that will ensure the uptake of EBP. The application of EBP is however a complex process that is impeded by many challenges including information computer technology. This article aims to explicate challenges of ICT that hinders implementation of EBP in Public Hospital nephrology units and describe recommendations that would facilitate its adoption. MethodsA qualitative, exploratory, and contextual design was followed, in which a total of 43 nephrology specialist nurses working in Gauteng Academic hospitals participated in the study on challenges faced by nephrology nurses regarding implementing EBP. Participants were divided into three groups identified as experts, nephrology specialist nurses and the leaders in the nephrology units. ResultsBoth organizational and human resource factors were identified to be impeding successful implementation of EBP. Challenges of infrastructure constraints and application of ICT skills were observed in hospitals. Internet provision was inconsistently applied and there was uneven allocation of computers. Training and development programs for ICT was absent. Human relations qualities such as resistance to adopt EBP, lack of ICT skills and resistance to change were found to be impacting on the delivery of EBP by nephrology nurses.

Digital technology and senior citizens in the city of Osijek: a quantitative study

Purpose. The world population is continuously ageing, and a significant amount of world efforts has already been dedicated to increasing the quality of life of the population in the age-group of 65+. A way to achieve this goal is to introduce older generations to the benefits of digital technology. This paper presents the findings of a study on digital technology adoption and the online information needs of senior citizens in the city of Osijek, Croatia. Methodology. The study was conducted on a sample of 188 participants from September to December 2021. The data was collected by the means of a paper survey distributed to respondents in several locations: a local senior care home, the farmers market, and a non-profit organization. Findings. The respondents in our sample prefer smartphones (49.5%) and personal computers or laptops (27.7%) over tablet computers and smartwatches. The internet is used by almost 70% of the respondents, mostly for purposeful searches for information or communication. E-learning, e-shopping, or e-government applications are used rarely. The study detected significant differences in digital technology use concerning gender, age, life satisfaction and living with a partner. Social implications. In order to support and promote the active ageing of senior citizens in Osijek, a more systematic approach at the level of city administration is needed in order to ensure a better understanding and use of digital technology by this vulnerable demographic group. Originality. The paper presents a valuable contribution to further understanding the ICT adoption, skills and online information behaviour of senior citizens in Osijek, Croatia.

Kompleksitas Penyelenggaraan Akreditasi Berbasis Online pada Lembaga PAUD

Online-based PAUD accreditation is not without problems. There are various problems that show the complexity of the implementation of online-based PAUD accreditation at PAUD institutions in Banyumas district. This study aims to describe and analyze the complexity that occurs in the implementation of online-based accreditation at PAUD institutions in Banyumas district. This study uses a quantitative method that is descriptive in nature where the researcher can describe the results of the research that has been carried out by describing the object of research at the current state based on the actual facts then analyzed and interpreted. Based on the results of the research, the findings were in the form of obstacles or problems faced in implementing online PAUD accreditation including: (1) lack of guidance related to the eight National PAUD Education Standards; (2) lack of assistance in filling in the EDS-PA on the Sispena application; (3) teachers' limited ICT skills; and (4) limited internet network in PAUD institutions.

Optimisation of IT teaching materials for students of humanities and social sciences

The demands of the 21st century mean that without digital competence and basic IT skills we cannot thrive in society. This is particularly true for students leaving higher education. Today, it is not only students in engineering and science who need to acquire ICT and IT skills. Although the latest version of the National Curriculum sets the development of digital competences as a task, the previous curriculum did not require students leaving public education to have these competences. For this reason, it is particularly important in higher education in the humanities and social sciences to develop digital competences in addition to IT skills. The paper presents the history of the introduction of IT and computing in higher education, and the process of how these subjects have been replaced in the humanities as well as in technical higher education because of the Bologna process. In addition, it presents the elements of the implementation of an IT course in an LMS system. It presents good practices and tools to increase not only students' knowledge but also their motivation, digital competences and interest in IT content.

Kompetensi Pustakawan dalam Promosi Perpustakaan Pada Media Sosial

This research intends to examine and synthesize data regarding the problems encountered when attempting to promote on library social media and the competency of librarians. The Systematic Literature Review (SLR) technique, which is being used for this descriptive research, has three stages: planning, implementation, and reporting. SLR is a thorough evaluation of studies that are pertinent to a topic that are then identified, evaluated, and synthesized methodically with the goal of eliminating bias in order to produce more trustworthy results. The examination of 23 publications that met the criteria revealed that ICT, communication, knowledge, attitude, information literacy, pedagogy, information analysis, management, and visual skills were the abilities most commonly identified to promote social media promotion. entrepreneurship, literacy, and digital literacy. Diverse information needs and behaviors, a lack of collaboration with other parties, the abundance of information sources, a failure to adapt to information search developments, a lack of staff, a lack of scientific publications that promote their work, a lack of format management skills and minimal collections, the emergence of online culture in the millennial generation, and the availability of a variety of social media platforms are all obstacles that librarians must overcome when promoting themselves on social media. The findings of this study can be used as a guide to examine trends in librarian abilities linked to social media promotion and as a basis for librarians to consider when deciding which competencies to develop for social media promotion.