Use Of Information And Communication Technologies Research Articles

A moderated mediation model of the relationship between Indian elementary school teachers' autonomy and perceived ease of ICT use

AbstractIn the 21st century, Information and Communication Technology (ICT) is a critical component of innovative teaching and learning. This study looked at the impact of teachers' autonomy on their perceived ease of using ICT and the intricate relationship between the two, involving their self‐efficacy, job satisfaction, and perceived incentives to change. Using a descriptive survey approach, 311 (134 female) Indian elementary school teachers participated in the study and provided self‐reported data. A structural equation model was employed to test the mediating roles of self‐efficacy and job satisfaction, and the moderation of perceived incentives. The results affirmed that teacher autonomy had a direct and moderately positive effect on their perceived ease of ICT use. Self‐efficacy and job satisfaction significantly and partially mediated the indirect relationships between autonomy and ease of ICT use. In the three relationship paths the perceived incentive to change had a significantly positive moderation to catalyze the relationships. Considering Indian elementary school teachers' glaring lack of autonomy, this paper suggests a policy shift involving greater teacher autonomy and the use of incentives for improved efficacy, job satisfaction, and ICT use. The relationship matrix will serve as a reference for researchers and practitioners to gain a deeper understanding of the role of teacher autonomy in addressing the global issue of limited adoption and integration of ICT by school teachers.

ICT (Information and Communications Technology) in Education: Change brings Challenges

The history of use of ICT in Education goes back to the era of introduction of calculators, usage of overhead projectors, video projectors, and interactive boards and so on. Our current education system promotes usage of Computer and Mobile technologies for providing education. The Covid-19 pandemic situation has made us all dependent in a positive way on ICT to continue imparting education. It has also helped in providing a platform for interaction between students, teachers, parents and educational institutions. But as with any new change there are challenges. And to understand the challenges, one needs to ask the beneficiaries and check on their experiences. It will help to get the answer of whether we are able to achieve what we intend to or is the reality very different. This paper explores the role of ICT in education and touches upon reality by analyzing the views of students and parents in rural area of Gujarat. The paper also highlights areas of concern and need for change to make ICT more effective in Education. Keywords: Covid-19, challenges, education, ICT, Information Technology, online learning, rural area.

ОСОБЛИВОСТІ ВИКОРИСТАННЯ СУЧАСНИХ ІНФОРМАЦІЙНОКОМУНІКАЦІЙНИХ ТЕХНОЛОГІЙ У ВИЩІЙ МАТЕМАТИЧНІЙ ОСВІТІ

The article discusses the relevance of using information and communication technologies (ICT) in higher mathematical education within the context of the contemporary educational environment characterized by rapid technological changes. It is noted that effective utilization of ICT, such as electronic journals, multimedia technologies, testing systems, and computer mathematics systems, contributes to the improvement of the teaching and learning process. Emphasis is placed on the necessity of reviewing and modifying teaching methodologies for mathematical disciplines to integrate innovative solutions. Furthermore, the use of information and communication technologies in higher mathematical education is deemed highly relevant due to the rapid development of the modern technological environment and the needs of the contemporary job market. The implementation of electronic journals, multimedia technologies, testing systems, and computer mathematics not only enhances the efficiency of teaching mathematical disciplines but also helps create a solid foundation for the future professional success of students. Electronic journals serve not only as convenient tools for administrative processes but also as platforms for active interaction among students, teachers, and administration, fostering the development of academic community and stimulating discussions and collaboration. Multimedia technologies, such as video lessons, interactive exercises, and simulations, provide students with opportunities to better grasp material and understand complex concepts, opening up new possibilities for personalized learning and adaptation to various learning styles. Testing systems, particularly those based on interactive platforms, enable instructors to effectively monitor students' knowledge and track their progress, as well as provide opportunities for personalized learning through automatic adaptation of task complexity Computer mathematics systems, including software packages for numerical and symbolic computations, become an integral part of modern mathematical education, empowering students to efficiently solve complex mathematical problems and explore new concepts, thus stimulating their creative potential and innovative approach to problem-solving. Together with educational platforms and distance learning systems, these tools contribute to the modernization and optimization of the educational process, leading to the improvement of the quality of higher mathematical education and the preparation of qualified professionals for the contemporary world.

Challenges of ICT Tools for Managerial Functions in Private Secondary Schools

The study examined the challenges of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) tools for managerial functions among private secondary school administrators in Ilorin metropolis, Kwara State, Nigeria. Both primary and secondary data were used in the paper. Using a standardized questionnaire, the principals of the private secondary schools in the Ilorin Metropolis provided the data. The total population of Private Secondary Schools within Ilorin Metropolis is 141. The entire population was used as a sample for the study. Findings from the study showed that the majority of the respondents strongly disagreed that there is a non-availability of computers in private secondary schools. The respondents disagreed with the unavailability of internet services in the Ilorin metropolis. The majority of the respondents agree that inadequate Information and Communication Technology tools in private secondary schools. The study concluded that fear of technology use among principals, inadequate Information and Communication Technology tools, and power failure are the challenges confronting the effective use of ICT among principals in private secondary schools in the Ilorin metropolis. The paper recommended that the proprietors of private secondary schools in the Ilorin metropolis should procure more Information and Communication Technology tools. Computer literacy experts should be appointed as the principal. The management should introduce solar energy to save the school from the interrupted power supply.

The evolution of stakeholder participation in European UNESCO Biosphere Reserves: challenges and opportunities of the COVID pandemic and the digital shift

ABSTRACT Stakeholder participation in European Biosphere Reserves (BRs) has been extensively studied; however, the evolution of participation at different levels and the impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic have been less explored. A mixed-method approach was used to investigate this evolution, including a literature review, analysis of a European longitudinal survey conducted in 2008 and 2021, case study interviews and a questionnaire to Biosphere Reserve managers. Results indicate that stakeholder participation in BRs has become more important over time, with both an increase in the number and diversity of stakeholders involved at higher levels of participation. This increase was augmented by the use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) during the pandemic. However, the increased use of ICTs had its challenges, such as the exclusion of certain types of stakeholders from the participatory process. Solutions, such as creating hybrid meeting arenas, are suggested to address these challenges. We conclude by providing recommendations for further enhancing our knowledge base on new forms of participation based on digital platforms.

Assessment of the Use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) in Agricultural Extension Service Delivery among Farmers in Yobe State, Nigeria

The study assessed the use of information and communication technologies (ICTs) in agricultural extension services delivery among farmers in Yobe state, Nigeria. The specific objectives of the study were to identify the ICTs available to the farmers in the study area, ascertain the level of access to ICTs among the farmers in the study area and identify, determine the use of ICTs among the farmers in the study area, identify the constraints to the use of ICTs among the farmers in the study area. A multistage sampling procedure was used to select 130 respondents for the study. The target populations were obtained from the sampling frame of all contact farmers in the state Agricultural Zones. Both Primary and secondary data were used in the study. Primary data were collected using a well-structured questionnaire and interview schedule, while secondary data were obtained from records of YOSADP, articles, and publications. Data were analyzed using frequency counts, percentages, mean, and Likert scale. The analysis results revealed that mobile phones, radio, internet, and television were the most available and accessible ICT tools used by the sampled respondents in the study area. The severity of the constraints to the use of ICT facilities among the respondents shows lack of electricity supply as the 1st ranked impediment among others (WMS of 3.6), followed by lack of funds and high illiteracy level (WMS of 3.2) each and inadequate access to ICT gadgets (WMS of 3.1). In conclusion, there was low usage of ICT facilities in the study area, and the respondents had low knowledge of useful information, as imposed by some constraining factors. Overcoming these challenges would ensure increased use of ICTs for agricultural activities in the study area. Recommendations such as awareness/sensitization on the use of ICT facilities such as the internet and computer to enable farmers utilize the tools effectively for agricultural information transfer and retrieval, dissemination of agricultural-related information through radio and television programs, as well as mobile phones, would be recommended for agricultural development, the use of renewable energy such as solar panels in the utilization of ICT tools particularly in rural areas and enactment of new government policy for the incorporation of ICT gadgets in extension services delivery to farmers to increase their confidence, competence and skills in using ICTs.

Implementasi Teknologi Informasi Dan Komunikasi Dalam Manajemen Organisasi Pendidikan

The utilization of information and communication technology (ICT) in the management of educational institutions has become a key element of improving operational efficiency and effectiveness in the digital era. This study aims to investigate the role of ICT in data management, management, learning processes, and communication in educational environments. Using literature review techniques and secondary data analysis, this study found that the use of ICT increases information transparency, accuracy and speed, improving resource management and decision-making. However, ICT implementation also faces many challenges, such as infrastructure limitations, lack of technical capacity of human resources, and resistance to change. Overcoming these barriers requires a comprehensive and sustainable strategy. The results of this study are expected to provide insights to stakeholders in education regarding better management and optimization of ICT utilization to achieve quality education.unik.

Information and Communication Technology Usage in School Management: A Case of Selected Hwange District Schools in Matabeleland North Province, Zimbabwe

Apart from the fundamental function of teaching and learning, schools also ensure the realisation of the institutions' aims and vision. This is possible through use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) which has been identified as an essential global phenomenon for efficient and effective schools. Hence, the purpose of this study was to examine usage of ICT in school management in Hwange District. A qualitative approach driven by the interpretivism paradigm was adopted. A case study design focusing on selected schools was employed. Thematically analysed data were collected through semi-structured interviews and document analysis. Findings indicated that the selected school heads mainly used ICT platforms such as WhatsApp, emails and printed documents for communication. Parents, through School Development Committee, provided internet connectivity for easy communication while the school heads used their personal smart phones. The study found that school heads faced various hurdles in using ICT in their management duties. These challenges included lack of resources, inadequate knowledge and skills to use ICT tools, work overload, inadequate funds to acquire ICT hardware and software equipment, lack of appropriate ICT infrastructure, limited internet access and sporadic power supplies. Despite the difficulties encountered, the study concluded that there were visible pockets of good practices in the use of ICT by selected school heads. The study recommended that the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education should capacitate school heads through ICT training. This will result in efficiency and effectiveness of school heads in execution of their management functions.

Exploring ICT-based learning adoption in higher education: An extended perspective of the technology acceptance model

This article analyses the self-perception of digital technology learning competence among engineering and science students. The use of information and communication technologies (ICT) is now considered highly essential in higher education. Today's higher education institutions (HEIs) seldom employ traditional methods of instruction; instead, sophisticated ICT is starting to emerge as a feasible paradigm for fundamental change. To this end, Pakistan's Higher Education Commission (HEC) has heavily invested in technology in the education sector and initiated several programs. The ramifications of ICT utilization on the environment, student academic performance, and capabilities remain ambiguous. In delving into how students embrace and utilize ICT systems for learning in HEIs, researchers felt the need to grasp the factors that influence students' acceptance and utilization of ICT skills through the lens of the Extended Technology Acceptance Model (TAM). This study develops an exclusive conceptual model by incorporating TAM with a set of latent variables identified in the available literature: interest, ICT self-efficacy, economic cost, and performance expectancy. The adapted TAM model developed in this study considers the influence of these variables on students’ ICT acceptance and its impact on academic performance in emerging countries. As part of this study, reports on the development of instruments and validation in the research field were managed using a cross-sectional survey method and SPSS-22 and Smart PLS-4 software. In addition, association rule mining applied in demographic data. A sample of 69 students was randomly selected from three universities representing engineering, medical, and general HEIs in the Sindh province. Though the sample size was small, it showcases that the reliability of the scales is within an acceptable range and can be used to test the main study hypotheses. A conceptual framework model is introduced to offer a comprehensive framework derived from the amalgamation of various acceptance and usage models of technology. The results demonstrate that the survey items are appropriate and suitable for further research.

Tax colletion and the use of ICT through the referenced payment: the perspective of taxpayers in Texcoco, State of Mexico, in 2019

In Mexico, the Tax Administration has committed to the use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) to avoid tax evasion and avoidance, which is why the Mexican government has proposed an information system to comply with tax obligations. This work aimed to evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of a new system called Referenced Payment. 110 taxpayers in the municipality of Texcoco, State of Mexico, were surveyed through directed sampling. The type of research was basic and the research approach was mixed and descriptive. SPSS software version 15.0 for Windows was used to systematize and analyze the data collected in the surveys. The results show a positive acceptance by taxpayers despite being a system that changed the way in which, for many decades, calculations and payments had been made to the treasury in Mexico.

Effect of Digital Literature, Performance, and Organization-Culture on Development of Smart Government In Forming Good Governance of Village

This study analyzed the level of relationship and effect of digital literacy, performance, and organizational culture on smart government towards good governance. The research method used was quantitative with a questionnaire instrument. The data analysis used Structural Equation Model (SEM) by testing direct and mediation relationships. The results showed that digital literacy, performance, and organizational culture had a positive and significant effect on smart government. Second, digital literacy, performance, and organizational culture had a positive and significant effect on good governance through smart government mediation. The model used was classified in the sufficient category. This study can be used as material for further research with the results that have been achieved. The utilization of ICT builds smart government by considering the quality of digital literacy, performance, and organizational culture. The achievement of good governance in the future will also be a form of improving the quality of government, especially in services to the community.

The Effects of High School Students’ Self-directed Learning on Academic Achievement through ICT Utilization Ability

The Effects of High School Students’ Self-directed Learning on Academic Achievement through ICT Utilization Ability

Habilidades matemáticas docentes y sus perspectivas acerca de cómo desarrollan las competencias matemáticas de los estudiantes

The objectives of the research were to determine the level of teachers' mathematical skills and understand the perspectives of how they develop mathematical competencies in students. We quantitatively surveyed 48 math teachers, using a mixed approach to measure their math teaching expertise in four dimensions: communication, representation, symbol handling, and problem solving. Qualitative research was conducted with 13 teachers using an interview questionnaire. The teachers showcased outstanding math proficiency, specifically in problem-solving, mathematical modeling, and the utilization of ICT. The forms frequently employed by teachers for developing students' mathematical competencies were meaningful problem situations, problem-solving approach, and mathematical argumentation.

Challenges in developing information and communication technology (ICT) use for rural e‐governance: An ecology perspective

AbstractThe utilisation of information and communication technology (ICT) has a profound impact on e‐governance across countries, albeit, with limited attention to rural areas. The existing literature on this topic either examines the positive effects of ICT use on e‐governance at the individual level or from the urban–rural dichotomy perspective. Meanwhile, the majority of studies are conducted within an urban context, but they scarcely focus on identifying the challenges in developing rural e‐governance. As such, we contend that an ecology perspective is necessary to identify the specific distinctions of ICT use on e‐governance in various rural ecosystems. To this end, we employ various empirical specifications, namely a fixed‐effects model and an instrumental variable approach, to provide evidence of distinct influences of ICT use on e‐governance. As follows, we adopt a qualitative research approach to gather evidence on the differentiations of ICT use on rural e‐governance within diverse ecosystems. Subsequently, we have identified five crucial obstacles encountered by rural ecosystems in Western China while attempting to develop e‐governance. Furthermore, we delineate an all‐encompassing internal‐external strategy to overcome these challenges.

Whom Does Remote Work Make Happy? The Digital Divide in Remote Workers' Well-Being.

The global shift to remote work during the COVID-19 pandemic has intensified scholarly attention to remote workers' well-being. Although existing studies explore the varied impacts of remote work, there is a gap in understanding remote workers' well-being through the lenses of social disparity and the digital divide. Extending digital divide scholarship to the remote work context, this study disentangles why some remote workers experience better well-being than others. We conducted a two-wave longitudinal panel study in South Korea during the COVID-19 pandemic (Wave 1: February 2021, Wave 2: October 2021). Among the 501 participants who participated in both waves, we found that individuals with lower education levels were less likely to have remote work opportunities. We focused our further analyses on a subset of 144 employees who had remote work opportunities within organizations with typical hierarchical structures. We found that socioeconomic status (SES) did not directly influence remote workers' well-being but indirectly influenced it by contributing to the diversity in using information and communication technologies (ICTs). Workers with higher SES or more diversity in using ICTs demonstrated lower vulnerability and more effectiveness in maintaining their well-being in virtual organizational communication situations. This study highlights social disparities in remote workers' well-being, which arise from the complex interplay of SES either indirectly influencing the diversity in ICT usage or interacting with virtual organizational communication satisfaction and duration. This study advances remote work scholarship by restructuring theoretical discussions on social stratification and the digital divide reproduced within the evolving work environment.

The Pre-service Teachers’ Perceptions of Integrated Teaching, Inquiry Learning, using ICT and Real-life Examples in Science Classes

The study was conducted as a case study to enhance pre-service science teachers’ readiness for integration, inquiry-based learning (IBL), the use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT), and the application of real-life examples during their teacher training courses. The objective of the research was to explore pre-service science teachers’ perceptions of integrated teaching, inquiry learning, and the use of ICT in science education, drawing on their experiences in teacher training. It also aimed to examine potential differences in their viewpoints and the evolution of their perceptions over time. A questionnaire was developed to gather insights from 50 pre-service science teachers regarding their views on the integration of science subjects before and after their 2-year teacher training courses. The collected data were analyzed using a qualitative approach with the QCAmap software, followed by a quantitative analysis utilizing the Microsoft Excel software. The findings revealed significant variances in perceptions among pre-service teachers based on the number of science subjects they studied during their training. Those who studied two or more subjects placed greater emphasis on the value of integration, IBL, ICT use, and real-life examples in science education, and exhibited more significant changes in their views throughout the 2 years of teacher training. Furthermore, the study found that nearly half of the pre-service teachers did not view IBL in science classes as crucial, and only about a quarter recognized the importance of ICT utilization.

Relationship between the Level of Using Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) and Students’ Achievement

The present study was carried out to investigate the “relationship between the level of use of information and communication technologies (ICTs) and student achievements at the university level.” The study was descriptive. Researchers used a quantitative approach to investigate the relationship between the level of use of ICTs and students’ achievements. The population of this research study was comprised of all the university students at the University of Okara. The researcher used a convenient sampling technique to select the sample. The sample of the study was comprised of 356 students of the University of Okara from different programs of study (Life Sciences, Social Sciences, and Computer Sciences). The survey technique was used to collect data through Information and communication technology scales (ICTS) from university students. The academic performance was taken from the participating students in the form of their CGPA, which students achieved after completing their coursework during their degree. SPSS-20 and Microsoft Excel were used to analyze the data. The Pearson correlation coefficient was used to determine whether there was a significant correlation between the level of use of ICTs and students’ achievements at the university level. The main findings of the study revealed that there was an insignificant correlation between levels of use of ICTs and students’ achievement.

Working smarter: Using technology-enabled processes to leverage virtual group member intelligence

Organizations use information and communication technologies (ICT) to enable remote work, yet the performance of groups using ICT varies widely. Individual intelligence is a strong predictor of individual job performance, yet research shows that when groups use ICT to support decision making tasks, group performance is not influenced by the combined intelligence of group members. Thus, group performance may be unpredictable because ICT inhibits the ability of intelligent team members to influence team outcomes. We completed two studies that examine whether an ICT-based technique for structuring collaboration to improve information integration and organization can help groups leverage the intelligence of group members. Results show that the performance of groups that used traditional commercial ICT was not related to the average intelligence of group members. In contrast, the performance of groups using our proposed technique was related to the average intelligence of group members. Thus, the more structured approach to ICT use enabled groups to perform at the level of their intelligence.

HUMAN CAPITAL AS A DEVELOPMENT FACTOR OF ORGANIC AGRICULTURE IN THE REPUBLIC OF SERBIA

Authors explore the role of human capital in organic agriculture in Serbia. Through semi-structured interviews with 64 individual farmers holding organic production certificates, key aspects of human capital, including education level, language proficiency and ICT usage were analyzed. Findings reveal a disparity between conventional and organic farming in terms of computer literacy and ICT utilization, underscoring the need for targeted interventions to enhance technological adoption in organic farming. Moreover, the study identifies the importance of membership in agricultural associations for organic farmers, facilitating knowledge exchange and market penetration. The results suggest that human capital plays a pivotal role in driving advancements in organic agriculture, with implications for the sustainability and growth of the sector in Serbia. This underscores the necessity for future research to go deeper into human capital dynamics and their implications for sustainable agricultural development.

Navigating the digital divide: unraveling the impact of ICT usage and supply on SO2 emissions in China’s Yangtze River Delta

The relationship between information and communication technology (ICT) and environmental pollution is widely recognized and complex. To better understand the environmental impact of ICT, we divide it into two facets: the supply side and the usage side. This study investigates the impact of ICT usage and ICT supply on sulfur dioxide (SO2) emissions using random effect and spatial Durbin model in China Yangtze River Delta from 2011 to 2019. The findings reveal an inverted U-shape relationship between ICT usage and SO2 emission, while the supply of ICT has a significant negative impact on SO2 emissions. Furthermore, the spillover effect of ICT usage shows insignificant outcomes, but the supply of ICT has a significant and negative impact on SO2 emissions. Collectively, these findings provide fresh insights and empirical evidence into the effects of ICT usage and ICT supply on SO2 emissions, bearing significant policy implications for promoting ICT to attain sustainable development goals.