Information And Communication Technology Resources Research Articles

Personal Donation System Using a Blockchain for Enhanced Transparency

Driven by the development of information and communication technology (ICT) along with the social consciousness of civil societies, a cultural practice of donation using ICT resources is emerging. However, owing to problems with the trust and transparency of donation systems and public revelations of corruption on the part of some groups accepting donations, the donation participation rate is gradually decreasing. Because social welfare is considered a problem that cannot be solved only by the state, the operation of sound social welfare organizations that individuals can consistently trust and donate to is necessary. In this study, we propose a personal donation system designed to help ensure transparency in the operation of groups accepting donations and to encourage personal donations. To this end, we review the main factors in participant decisions to donate and make continuous donations. The proposed system and detailed module were designed based on a consortium blockchain and implemented by configuring the blockchain channel. We aim to provide a meaningful solution to important social problems using ICT and blockchain technology.

Dual Mediating Effects of Information and Communication Technology Resources and Family Satisfaction on COVID-19 Knowledge Among Middle School Students

Little is known about underlying pathways regarding how middle school students can improve their COVID-19 knowledge. This study investigates the relationship between subjective poverty and COVID-19 knowledge by considering a dual mediation model. A total of 328 middle school students were included. We used a multiple mediator model developed by Preacher and Hayes, using bootstrapping approach to include a first and sequence mediators. We employed the PROCESS macro 3.4 for SPSS to test the dual mediating effects. Both Information and Communication Technology (ICT) resources and family satisfaction mediated the association between subjective poverty and knowledge about COVID-19. Further, an indirect effect of subjective poverty via the dual mediators of ICT resources and family satisfaction was found. Further, middle school students who more satisfied with their family dynamics and who had more ICT resources were more likely to have greater levels of knowledge about COVID-19. This study contributes to further understanding of pathways between subjective poverty and COVID-19 knowledge in the context of dual mediators. It is imperative to help households in poverty before and since COVID-19; specific financial supports that focus on ICT resources should be provided to increase middle school students’ quality of online learning, which then helps to improve family satisfaction. The pathways influence COVID-19 knowledge.

Effect of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) on Corporate Performance: A Study of Selected Quoted Banks

The study investigates the effect of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) on corporate performance using Zenith Bank Nigeria Plc. and United Bank for Africa Plc. asa study. Data were obtained from annual financial statement published by the bank from 2010 -2016.Corporate performance was proxied by Return on Equity, Return on Asset and Earnings per Share. The ordinary least square regression technique with the aid of the statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) version 21were employed in the analysis. Findings revealed that ICT has a very weak (low) effect on corporate performance measured with return on equity, almost no effect at all on corporate performance measured with return on assets, and positive effect on corporate performance measured with earnings per share. Therefore the study recommends that; there is need for the bank management team to prioritize the ICT need of the bank to avoid unnecessary investment on ICT gadgets in order to reduce the cost associated to ICT operations of the bank. Also, staff training and development are paramount to enable the effective and efficient utilization of the ICT resources. Furthermore, government should rise up to her duty to provide enabling environment for the thriving of businesses.

How does Information and Communications Technology Influence Turkish Students’ Science Achievement?

This study aims to evaluate the science achievements of Turkish students based on 2018 PISA data both according to Information and Communications Technology (ICT) variables of student and school levels. With a relational research model, regression analysis was used to measure the variance factors affecting science achievement. Also, two-level Hierarchical Linear Modelling (HLM) analysis was used to add school-level analysis. According to the results, it can be said that student-level ICT variables explain approximately 20% of the total variance in science success of students. The positive determinants are ICT resources, subject-related ICT use during lessons, and perceived ICT competence. The negative determinants are the use of ICT at school in general, ICT use as social interaction, and ICT use outside of school.

Deciphering drivers of ICT use in agricultural education

Information and Communication Technology (ICT) is an important element in the education scenario to prepare citizens for the future. Since, its inception factors influencing the use have not been studied more, hence an exploratory research study has been framed for finding those factors among the students of CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar, Haryana during 2018-19. The data were collected from 200 respondents using structured interview schedule and analyzed using standard methodology. The findings revealed that the institutional factors were perceived highest with composite index value (CIV) of 70.18, followed by personal (67.35), technical (59.15) and economic constraints (47.33). Although, these factors could be overcome through implementing remedies suggested by students like; teaching should be through ICTs, followed by improved internet connection, training programme related to use of ICTs, etc. but an effective national level policy related to infrastructure facilities, software licensing, availability of high quality ICT gadgets at subsidized rates, free and regular training programmes, etc. are possible ways to deal with these factors especially during COVID-19 pandemic. The correlation and regression of different variables, i.e. age, education, family education, scientism, annual expenditure, mass media exposure, information seeking behaviour and risk orientation exhibited negative and significant effect with their perceived personal factors at 0.05 level of probability. Hence, the paper recommends that effective utilization of ICT depends not only upon the available ICT resources, but also effective utilization of the same.

Performance Analysis of Information & Communication Technology in Library and Information Science

Abstract: There is no doubt that the integration of ICT in the provision of library services can bring great benefits to the entire community and the nation. ICTs, which continue to be a support tool for the provision of up-to-date and timely information and library services, are also essential for sustainable development .This paper is an attempt to examine the critical role that information and communication technology (ICT). How it plays important role in the management and delivery of library services in sustainable development. Despite the wide range of opportunities offered by the advent of ICT, it has been observed that the application of ICT to library services appears inadequate, probably due to several challenges. Using the simple literature search methodology, the paper sought to review the related literature on ICT resources and ICT-based services in libraries, the benefits of ICT and the role of libraries in sustainable development. The document also identified the challenges of using ICT in libraries. Among other things, it was recommended to improve the capacity and level of adoption of ICT by libraries. Keywords: Information and Communication Technology (ICT), Libraries, Sustainable Development, ICT-based library services

Investigation and Analysis of ICT development index (IDI) for measuring ICT resources in Georgia

Abstract. Information and communication technologies (ICT) are a set of equipment (devices, systems, etc.) and techniques with associated software (software systems and software tools) that have been developed and used for more efficient communication, creation, distribution, storage and management of information. The IDI (ICT Development Index) index is most often used to measure ICT resources, which is defined as a composite index that combines 11 indicators (classified into 3 sub-indices: Access, Use and Skills). Data on values of IDI index has been retrieved from Measuring the Information Society Report (MISR), which since 2008 has been publishing by International Telecommunications Union (ITU). The IDI index for 2017 was determined for 176 countries of the world, with the first on the ranking list was Iceland with IDI2017=8.98 and the last Eritrea with IDI2017=0.96. The mean value of IDI index for 2017 was Avg=5.11, standard deviation was StD=2.22 and coefficient of variation was CoV=43.52. In this paper is given of analysis of IDI (ICT development index) for measuring ICT resources in Georgia. The data were approximated using a 3rd degree polynomial regression model (PRM3) with a correlation coefficient R=0.9964, determination coefficient R2=0.9928 and adjustment coefficient of determination is AdjR2=0.9885.

Impact of information and communication technologies (ICT) on student’s learning: a case from university of the Punjab, Pakistan

PurposeThis study aims to investigate the impact of information and communication technologies (ICT) on student’s learning primarily concentrating on the following factors: including availability, accessibility and user-ability of using ICT resources. This investigation will highlight the role of ICT in the pedagogical activities of students, especially in their learning.Design/methodology/approachA questionnaire was designed to comprehend the questions related to the objectives and a sample of 275 students through convenience sampling technique was selected that was enrolled in various degree programs of the University of the Punjab, Pakistan. Primarily the descriptive analysis was made and data were presented in tabulated form. However, for inferential analysis, the Pearson correlation test was applied to determine the relationship among the dependent and independent variables including (availability, accessibility user-ability and student’s learning) and to test the hypotheses of the study.FindingsThe findings disclose that students at the University of the Punjab have access to various kinds of ICT applications and resources. Moreover, they have an adequate number of ICT equipment available for their use and they are familiar with various kinds of ICT applications and resources which they use in various educational tasks during their studies. A strong positive linear correlation exists between availability, accessibility and user-ability of using ICT resources and the student’s educational learning. This confirms that ICT plays a significant role in the student’s educational accomplishments. It helps students in searching, retrieving and consulting various types of information sources. It also helps them in completing their educational tasks in a quick manner. Students at all levels also see it as a matter of great importance to acquire ICT-related skills as this can help them to be more productive in their educational accomplishments.Originality/valueThis study concludes that availability, accessibility, adequacy and user ability to use the ICT resources positively impact students learning. Therefore, it is highly recommended for students to learn ICT-related skills and to make the best use of the different communication technologies in their pedagogical activities. Moreover, if academic institutions in Pakistan give more emphasis on developing ICT-based infrastructure and ICT skilled manpower then this can also bring fruitful results in the learning process of student’s educational endeavors.

Employee perceptions of information and communication technologies in work life, perceived burnout, job satisfaction and the role of work-family balance

Information and communication technologies (ICTs) evolve rapidly, and employees perceive ICTs as both resources and demands. Based on the job-demands-resources model, we develop an ICT demands-resources model to analyze how employees’ perceptions of ICTs impact burnout, work-family balance and job satisfaction. Three surveys of employees were conducted: two before and one during the COVID-19 pandemic. Results show that employees perceive ICTs more strongly as resources than as demands. However, while ICT demands have a strong negative impact, ICT resources have no (before COVID-19) or only a weak (during COVID-19) positive impact on burnout and work-family balance. Mediation analyses indicate that work-family balance mitigates the negative effects of ICT demands on burnout. Higher burnout levels reduce job satisfaction. Qualitative survey responses allow for additional implications regarding how to improve work-related ICT use. Overall, findings imply that companies and employees need to focus more on ICT demands than on ICT resource management.

ICT resources and use: examining differences in pathways to improved small firm performance

PurposeThe paper shows how small firms perceive the pathways through which access to and adoption of superfast broadband-enabled resources strengthen business performance. Improvements to broadband infrastructure do not automatically lead to adoption of opportunities made available through the broadband resource. Then, interventions can be used to alert small firms to new opportunities. However, the quality of interventions in terms of education and digital audits can be better targeted with information available on how small firms perceive the benefits from broadband access and whether these perceptions are reflected in business performance outcomes.Design/methodology/approachData are used from the Digital Maturity Survey from Wales. The study uses principal component analysis and a dual stage cluster approach to show how SMEs believe they are benefitting from broadband access. These belief-based perceptions of broadband inferred business benefits are tested against business performance variables.FindingsThe analysis shows variation in SME perceptions of the benefits of broadband-enabled services. This study reveals a cluster of firms which perceived routes to business value in terms of variables linked to security and risk management, and then more commonly held notions linked to communication, competition enhancement and productivity.Originality/valueWhile the research literature points to Information and Communication Technology (ICT) resources (ICT investment and skills) and use (digital applications), leading to new to business value improvements, this study suggests less work has sought to identify the critical themes identified by business owners in explaining how ICT resources and use tie to observed business performance. The study identifies these critical themes. The analysis suggests that these critical themes in terms of business value benefits as perceived by business owners can be summarised in terms of communication and competition benefits, and security and risk related benefits. The findings have a series of implications for interventions in the space.

Exploring the Perspectives of Basic School Ghanaian Language Teachers on the Integration of ICTs in Teaching and Learning

Since the advent of Information and Communication Technology (ICT), teaching and learning have somewhat taken a paradigm shift. It is, thus, imperative for teachers in all disciplines to appreciate the essence of integrating ICTs in teaching and learning. In this regard, this study sought to explore Basic School Ghanaian Language teachers’ perceptions of ICT integration in Ghanaian language teaching. The study employed a descriptive survey design. Stratified random sampling was used to obtain data from 205 teachers in the Bono, Bono East and Ahafo region of Ghana. Analysis of data collected through a self-developed questionnaire reveals that Ghanaian language teachers exhibit a positive perception of ICT integration in education. However, in practice, they tend to integrate ICT in their instruction on occasional basis. Also, it was revealed that a lack of financial support for ICT resources and lack of in-service training on ICT use were factors that militated against ICT integration in Ghanaian language teaching. Finally, the study revealed a statistically significant difference between degree holders and diploma holders’ perception of ICT integration in teaching and learning Ghanaian language.

Commercial Cloud Services for a Robust Mobile Application Backend Data Storage

Rapid advancements in the infrastructure of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) have led to radically new but ubiquitous technology; cloud computing. Cloud computing has gracefully emerged offering services that possess on-demand scalability, huge computing power, and a utility-like availability, all at a relatively low cost. It has unsurprisingly become a paradigm shift in ICT, gaining adoptions in all forms of application i.e., personal, academic, business, or government. Not only for its cost-effectiveness but also for its inherent ability to meet business goals and provide strategic ICT resources. More recently there have been advances in cloud computing leading to the evolution of newer commercial cloud services, one of which is the Mobile backend as a Service (MBaaS). The MBaaS is important and required for a robust mobile application back-end data storage and management. Its wide adoption and importance stem from its ability to simplify application development and deployment. Also, MBaaS is robust, with the ability to cope with errors by providing nifty tools and other features. These enable rapid scaffolding of mobile applications. This paper reviews Mobile backend as a Service (MBaaS) and provides required background knowledge on some cloud services and their providers to enable stakeholders to make informed decisions and appropriate choices.

Will\u2013skill\u2013tool (WST) model of technology integration in teaching science and mathematics in the Philippines

The proliferation of information and communication technologies (ICT) in the twenty-first century has challenged the status quo of educational setting and led to a paradigm shift in teaching and learning processes. ICT use and integration in teaching then, becomes an essential component of pedagogical processes to have an effective teacher–student interaction and to optimize learning. While past studies have already established evidence that attitude toward ICT (will), ICT skills (skill), and availability of ICT resources (tool) elements are indeed important contributors to the integration of ICT in teaching, little attention has been paid yet to differences in these elements and in this model of ICT integration between subject areas of science and mathematics. Thus, this study aims to examine the significant differences in these factors between science and mathematics (S&M) teaching guided by the Will–Skill–Tool (WST) model developed by Christensen and Knezek (2001, 2008). Using independent samples t test and multiple linear regression, results show that science teachers had higher scores in will, skill, tool, and ICT integration indices compared to mathematics teachers. Findings also revealed that WST model of ICT integration differs between science and mathematics areas, particularly in terms of which among the factors had the strongest influence on ICT integration. The study recommends distinct approaches in providing capacity training development on ICT integration for teachers considering the context of subject specific area.

Time to Disentangle the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Constructs: Developing a Taxonomy around ICT Use for Occupational Health Research.

The use of information and communication technology (ICT) in the workplace has gained considerable research attention in the occupational health field due to its effects on employee stress and well-being. Consequently, new ICT-related constructs have proliferated in occupational health research, resulting in a need to take stock of both potential redundancies and deficiencies in the current measures. This paper disentangles ICT-related constructs, developing a taxonomy of ICT-related constructs in terms of ICT demands, resources, motivation, use, and strains. We then integrate this taxonomy with stress and motivation theories to identify three key implications for ICT and workplace health research and practices in terms of providing suggestions on understudied areas for building better theories, highlighting important psychometric issues for building better constructs and measures, and offering recommendations for building better interventions. This review aims to serve as a guide for researchers to move forward with the current state of research and provide recommendations for organizations in terms of both potential repercussions and best practices for ICT use in the workplace.

TPACK-RELATED PROGRAMS FOR PRE-SERVICE ENGLISH TEACHERS: AN IN-DEPTH ANALYSIS ON EFFORTS AND ISSUES OF ICT INTEGRATION

As the advances of technology bring some changes in education, technology affects teacher training institutions, especially on the integration of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) that supports Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge (TPACK) programs for English pre-service teachers. Regarding the ICT integration in TPACK-related programs, this study was then conducted to investigate the efforts done by the universities and lecturers and issues faced by the lecturers during the integration processes. This case study was conducted in Indonesia. The participants were 79 lecturers from 25 teacher education institutions implementing TPACK-related programs. This study employed an explanatory sequential mixed-method design in which the data were collected by means of questionnaires consisting of 23 items and interviews containing 5 questions. The results revealed that in general, almost all universities had provided ICT resources, accessibilities, ICT competence development programs, and policies on ICT implementation. On the one hand, for the sake of ICT integration in TPACK related programs, the lecturers provided students with accessibilities, knowledge of ICT, and classroom regulations. However, there are problems faced by those lecturers to integrate ICT in TPACK-related programs. Thus, some possible implications of ICT integration are presented in this study.

Dimensional Entrepreneurial Deployment of Information and Communication Technology for Economic Empowerment in Nigeria

The success of entrepreneurship practice largely depends on the opportunities provided by an environment and the intuition and innovativeness of the enterprising individuals to leverage on the opportunities. The emerging information and communication technologies (ICT) in Nigeria brought about arrays of opportunities for ICT entrepreneurship practice in the country. Conscientious examination of the dimensional exploration of the information-driven technologies for economic activities among the enterprising individuals revealed extensive exploitation for fast-tracking online businesses and merchandising of ICT resources. Socioeconomic impacts of the ICT entrepreneurship thus range through increased employment opportunity in the informal sector to satisfaction of basic needs of such employees. The need to strengthen the ICT sector through enabling policy for economic growth of the micro, small and medium entrepreneurs is recommended.

Early childhood development teachers’ perceptions on the use of technology in teaching young children

Background: Although technology plays a significant role in the development and learning of young children, early childhood development (ECD) practitioners are often under-informed and lack confidence in using information and communications technology (ICT).Aim: Understanding ECD teachers’ acceptance of technology usage is crucial to the implementation and integration of ICT resources. This study examines the perceptions of ECD teachers regarding the use of technology in South Africa’s early childhood classrooms.Setting: A sample of eight Grade R teachers was conveniently and purposefully selected from inner-city ECD centres in Pretoria, South Africa.Methods: A qualitative research methodology was used. Data were collected by using semi-structured interviews and classroom observation. This study is grounded in the extended technology acceptance model.Results: It was found that the teachers understood the advantage of technology incorporation in early childhood education and also have a positive mind-set about the use of ICT in teaching and learning in early years. However, the acceptance level of ICT use by these teachers appear to be low because of barriers such as poor parental and school support towards technology use, lack of technological resources, teachers’ poor knowledge and lack of practical training on the use of developmentally appropriate technology for children as claimed by the teachers.Conclusion: Despite this positive belief and attitude towards ICT use for supporting playful learning and child’s development in young children outside the classroom, teachers are less inclined to using ICT in teaching and play activities in their classrooms.

Mathematics Teachers’ Perceptions of the Introduction of ICT: The Relationship between Motivation and Use in the Teaching Function

Digital self-efficacy and the amount of perceived support from the school can improve teachers’ motivation to increase the use of information and communication technology (ICT) in the classroom. Likewise, attitude, perception, gender, and experience of mathematics teachers are factors that influence their use of ICT. This study aimed to analyze the profiles of mathematics teachers, determine the existence of differences between them, and identify the sample size necessary to detect significant differences. A total of 73 high school teachers were included in this cross-sectional study. Teaching practice, ICT resources, ICT in the classroom, skills, and uses of ICT were assessed through a validated 19-item questionnaire. Statistical analysis revealed that the required sample to detect significant differences was 53 subjects. Further, 67.21% of the mathematics teachers surveyed in Melilla were younger than 40 years of age, and 62.30% had less than 6 years of teaching experience. In addition, 81.97 and 47.54% of mathematics teachers stated that they consider themselves to have sufficient ICT resources at home for their work and in the classroom, respectively. Through different clusters, mathematics teachers can be identified and classified according to their motivational and competence profiles in pedagogical and digital areas. In addition, young teachers with some teaching experience had positive perceptions of technology, as reflected by high scores in the motivation indicator for ICT.

Technological Factors That Influence the Mathematics Performance of Secondary School Students

Although the value of information and communication technology (ICT) is positive and its use is widespread, its potential as a teaching tool in mathematics is not optimized and its methodological integration is rare. In addition, the availability of ICT resources in schools is positively associated with the academic success of students, and the availability of ICT resources at home is negatively associated with their success. To determine the relationships among academic performance, uses, and available ICT resources, a total of 2018 secondary school students participated in the present study. The uses and available ICT resources, and the learning of mathematics and ICT, were evaluated using a validated 11-item questionnaire. Statistical analysis reveals that, of the secondary education levels, the lowest results are observed in the third year. A total of 64% of students affirm that they use ICT at home to study mathematics. In addition, 33.61% of the students affirm that they use their mobile phones frequently while studying at home. However, it should be noted that between 23.80% and 28.44% affirm that they dedicate more than 4 h per day to phone calls. Educational level is a predictor of academic performance in mathematics associated with students’ uses of ICT. The scores indicate that the computer is generally used for Internet searches, thus, limiting the use of ICT for educational purposes. Furthermore, there is a difference regarding gender.

ICT RESOURCES AVAILABLE FOR TEACHERS IN BASIC SCHOOLS IN ADANSI ATOBIASE IN THE ADANSI SOUTH DISTRICT OF GHANA

Information and Communication Technology (ICT) has become one of the basic building blocks of modern society hence ICT resources are key in effective teaching and learning. However, there seems to be paucity of studies on ICT resources available in public basic schools in general andAdansi Atobiase in particular. This research seeks to bridge this knowledge gap by finding out ICT resources available for teachers in their teaching at public basic schools in Adansi Atobiase in the Adansi South District of the Ashanti Region of Ghana. Study methods include, the use of questionnaire (close and open-endedquestions). A total of 40 respondents (40 teachers) who took part in this study were purposively selected. The results indicate that the basic school teachers in Adansi Atobiase do not have all the ICT available resources to facilitate teaching and learning. The study also found out that ICT resources such as ICT teacher, laptop, computers, projectors, ICT laboratory and internet access are not available at basic schools in Adansi Atobiase. It emerged from the study that availability of ICT resources, students’ readiness to embrace technology, teachers’ readiness to embrace technology, availability of technical support, stable power supply and intention to facilitate teaching and learning are the factors that influence the teachers’ usage of ICT resources in teaching and learning in basic schools in Adansi Atobiase. The study recommends that ICT basic resources like computers, laptops and infrastructures should be provided to the basic schools in Adansi Atobiase in the Adansi South District of the Ashanti Region of Ghana for effective use of ICT in teaching and learning at the basic schools since it is the basic stage of equipping the youth with the necessary skills and knowledge for national development. The study finally recommends that basic school teachers in the Adansi South District especially those in Adansi Atobiase should be given the necessary training in ICT usage so that they become familiar with modern pedagogy of imparting knowledge and skills, and possible become part of curriculum structure for their professional training.Lastly the study recommends that modern ICT laboratories should be built in Adansi Atobiase to accommodate enough students at time looking at their population size for effective and efficient teaching and learning environment. Keywords:ICT, Resources, Teachers, Basic Schools, Adansi Atobiase, Adansi South District, Ghana.