Teachers' professional development on self-efficacy, attitudes, and digital competencies in the digital era.

The use of information and communication technologies (ICTs) in education has become necessary due to the various global challenges faced in this area. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of a pedagogical intervention based on the technology pedagogical content knowledge (TPACK) model that integrates ICTs to develop phonological awareness and letter recognition in kindergarten children. The methodology supporting this research is quantitative; the phonological awareness evaluation test (PAET) and letter recognition test (LRT) were administered. The sample consisted of 118 kindergarten children, 59 in the intervention group, and 59 in the control group. The information was analyzed using descriptive statistics, a paired t-test, and the non-parametric Mann-Whitney U test. The results show significant differences between the two groups, with the intervention group achieving better results. The TPACK model’s guidance for implementing the intervention, professional development in using and integrating ICTs in the classroom, and collaborative work among professionals are highlighted.

Understanding the impact of digitalization transition of Senegal and its implication on human health and wellbeing

While scholarship on information and communication technologies for development (commonly referred to as ICT4D) emphasizes the technological utility of information and communication technology (ICT) expansion for fostering global development and solving global poverty, critical approaches highlight the technologies’ adverse effects. Although these perspectives have been historically placed in opposition to each other, in this paper, we use a novel data set on mobile phone use patterns in 27 Global South countries to evaluate both perspectives simultaneously. We draw from data produced by the GSMA, an organization of mobile phone network providers with access to granular data on Global South mobile phone use, ranging from social networking to agricultural support. Descriptive usage patterns and multivariate regression analyses reveal an intriguing contradiction: while people with greater access to ICTs are more likely to enjoy previously inaccessible utilities like healthcare information and government services, they are also more likely to contribute their attention as a commodity for the profit of tech companies. This suggests that reaping the development benefits of ICTs is not possible without accepting the political-economic risks—unless ICT companies and organizations are more thoroughly regulated to prevent extractive practices.

Purpose This study aims to investigate the determinants of efficiency and profitability among fintech firms in China and India, with a particular focus on macro-level information and communication technology (ICT) development as a key factor. Design/methodology/approach The study sample includes fintech firms from China and India. We apply instrumental variable techniques and the Arellano–Bond model to panel data from each country and compare the results. Findings The findings show substantial disparities between China and India. In China, a robust digital infrastructure has consistently enhanced fintech profitability and efficiency by facilitating customer acquisition and operational optimization. In contrast, India's fintech sector has yet to fully capitalize on the country's ICT growth. Practical implications These findings highlight that investing in technology alone is insufficient – it must be complemented by broader ecosystem development. In China, efforts should focus on managing costs while deepening innovation. In India, critical actions include addressing regional digital divides, improving service reliability and advancing digital inclusion to unlock the full potential of ICT for fintech performance. In both countries, mobile payment systems should be reviewed to identify opportunities for reducing costs and creating value. Originality/value This paper advances the fintech literature by empirically examining the impact of macro-level ICT development on fintech firm performance in China and India, moving beyond previous research focused predominantly on the micro level. Moreover, the study investigates the underlying mechanisms driving these associations, including scalability, customer acquisition and operational optimization. Building on previous research, we employ both static and dynamic econometric models to ensure robustness and methodological rigor, effectively capturing both cross-sectional and time-dependent effects. Furthermore, by analyzing the COVID-19 period, the study offers insights into fintech resilience and adaptability to external shocks.

This study examines the determinants of environmental pressure in selected Asian economies, with a focus on the roles of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) trade openness, energy intensity, renewable energy consumption, access to clean cooking fuels, and sustainable development. Using a balanced panel dataset and estimation techniques robust to cross-sectional dependence and heterogeneity, namely Panel Corrected Standard Errors and Feasible Generalized Least Squares, CO₂ emissions per capita are employed as a proxy for environmental pressure. The empirical results indicate a differentiated pattern of environmental dynamics. The ICT trade is found to be negatively associated with emissions, suggesting that technological diffusion improves production efficiency and reduces environmental pressure. In contrast, energy intensity exhibits a strong positive relationship with emissions, confirming that inefficient energy use remains a central driver of environmental degradation. Renewable energy consumption shows a positive association with emissions, reflecting the dominance of scale effects and the limited substitution away from fossil fuels in the early stages of energy transition. Access to clean cooking fuels contributes to lower emissions, highlighting the importance of household-level energy transition. Sustainable development is also associated with reduced environmental pressure, although its effect appears gradual and context-dependent. The findings suggest that environmental sustainability in Asian economies depends on the interaction between technological openness, energy structure, and structural transformation. Policies should prioritize improving energy efficiency, ensuring effective substitution toward clean energy, strengthening absorptive capacity for technological adoption, and promoting inclusive access to modern energy services.

Smart cities have undoubtedly emerged as a rapidly evolving research domain, attracting scholarly attention across several disciplines such as urban studies, information science, and predominantly Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs). Lately, it is evident that contemporary urban strategies are focusing increasingly on a transition toward smart city development, in order to achieve digital equity, active civic participation, and the growth of a knowledge-driven economy. However, it must be mentioned that smart city strategies should focus not only on advanced technologies but also on social and institutional frameworks as well, in order to lead to urban progress. This paper aims to identify studies that explore the intersection of smart cities and libraries, highlighting the roles libraries can assume in this context and their contribution to library and technological innovation. This work examines English-language papers from 2015 to 2025 and categorizes them according to their primary theme. The results show that libraries, currently undergoing a period of continuous change, are moving towards developing new policies, practices, and services contributing to the concept of smart cities.

As information and communication technologies (ICTs) become increasingly integrated into people's daily lives, incidents of online deviant behaviors such as cyberbullying are on the rise. This study investigates the three components of cyberbullying: the power imbalance, the social media characteristics, and the role of bystander intervention. We used social dominance orientation (SDO) to represent the power imbalance component, while anonymity and social presence are the investigated media characteristics. Additionally, we have developed measurement items to examine the impacts of assistant, defender, and outsider bystander reactions on cyberbullies. We were interested in measuring the impact of each component independently and in relation to others. To assess the model, we utilized a vignette-based survey design, gathering 512 data points through Amazon Mechanical Turk across five distinct cyberbullying vignettes. We employed a comparative SEM model to compare which one of the five research models provides a better explanation of the phenomena. Our key findings highlight that SDO and bystander apathy and assistance significantly influence cyberbullying intention, and that media characteristics can amplify the effect of SDO on cyberbullying.

This study investigates how digital communication technologies contribute to the effective marketing of tourism destinations in Cross River State, Nigeria. Drawing from contemporary literature on information and communication technologies (ICTs) and tourism marketing, the study positions digital communication as a critical strategic resource for enhancing destination awareness, stimulating tourist patronage, and achieving sustainable competitive advantage. Building on insights from relevant empirical and theoretical works, the study proposes a testable framework for ICT-enabled tourism marketing within a developing economy context. A survey research design was adopted, while data were analyzed using Pearson’s Product Moment Correlation through the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 21. The findings demonstrate that digital communication plays a significant role in promoting tourist attractions in Calabar, leading to improved tourist satisfaction. In addition, the results reveal a strong association between digital communication and the sustainable competitive advantage of tourism destinations in the study area. Keywords: Digital Communication, Information and Communication Technology, Tourism Marketing, Tourist Patronage, Sustainable Competitive Advantage.

MSMEs in the food and beverage (F&B) sector play a strategic role in labor absorption and regional development in Bandar Lampung. However, many business owners still face challenges such as limited innovation and low adoption of digital technology, which hinder their growth and performance in a dynamic market. This study aims to examine the influence of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) adoption and open innovation on the business resilience of F&B MSMEs. Using a quantitative approach, the population of this study consisted of 1,183 F&B MSME owners in Bandar Lampung who utilize ICT. A sample of 112 respondents was determined using the Slovin method with a purposive sampling technique. Data were collected through structured questionnaires with Likert scales and analyzed using multiple linear regression techniques via SPSS 25 software. The results indicate that ICT adoption (β =0,685; p =0,000) and open innovation (β =0,251$; p =0,000$) have a positive and significant effect on business resilience both partially and simultaneously. The model achieved a coefficient of determination (R2) of 0.694, meaning the independent variables explain 69.4% of the variance in business resilience.The implications of this research emphasize that strengthening internal digital literacy and external knowledge collaboration, particularly customer involvement, is crucial for increasing competitiveness and ensuring the business sustainability of MSMEs amidst local economic pressures.

This research investigates the impact of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) development on employability and employment quality in Vietnam, utilizing data from the Vietnam Labor Force Survey and ICT datasets for the period 2015–2021. Using a two-stage least squares model, the study finds a statistically significant positive relationship between the ICT index and indicators of employability and employment quality. Key findings show a significant positive correlation between improvements in a province’s ICT index and the probability of residents securing employment. Specifically, a 0.1-point increase in the ICT index, representing a 10% improvement on its 0–1 scale, was associated with a 7.91 percentage point increase in the number of wage-earning jobs among the employed population. Additionally, there was a 9.27 percentage point increase in the likelihood of obtaining a job in the formal sector and a 5.23 percentage point increase in the overall probability of securing a formal job. Conversely, the same increase in the ICT index was associated with a 12.98 percentage point decrease in the likelihood of individuals being employed in vulnerable jobs. These results suggest that ICT development enhances employment quality in Vietnam by promoting formal employment and reducing labor vulnerability. JEL Classification O15, J24, O33, R11

This study addresses the inconsistent understanding of how Information and Communication Technology (ICT) impacts deeply entrenched corruption, specifically nepotism and bribery, which impose significant global economic costs. Academic research is sparse on how e-government solutions mitigate these issues, particularly in regions like the Middle East where localized corruption, such as Kuwait's 'wasta' (nepotism), is pervasive. The authors investigate this using Kuwait's “Sahel” application, a unified e-government platform. Through a custom-designed user perception questionnaire, the research explores whether the availability and use of official IT applications help overcome these distinct forms of corruption. The authors hypothesize that poor informational privacy and information overload positively correlate with both nepotism and bribery. Furthermore, they posit that bribery can act as a catalyst for nepotism.

Empirical and theoretical studies suggest that access to Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) goes beyond supporting development objectives and plays a significant role in enhancing subjective well-being. However, the existing literature has largely concentrated on developed economies or specific population groups, leaving limited evidence on how ICTs affect men’s well-being in fragile and low-income settings. This study seeks to fill this gap by examining the relationship between ICT access and subjective well-being among men in the Democratic Republic of Congo, a context characterized by structural constraints, socio-economic vulnerability, and persistent inequalities. Using a representative sample of 6,161 men drawn from the Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS-Palu 2018), logistic regression models are employed to assess the associations between ICT access and self-reported life satisfaction and happiness. The results indicate that ICT access positively influences men’s subjective well-being, with heterogeneous effects across technologies: computer use consistently improves life satisfaction, while Internet access alone shows weaker and occasionally ambiguous effects. Moreover, health status, social integration, and protection against ethnic discrimination emerge as critical determinants of well-being, suggesting that the impact of ICTs is shaped by broader socio-economic and psychosocial conditions. These findings highlight the importance of policies promoting digital inclusion, computer literacy, and productive ICT use, alongside efforts to strengthen health systems and social cohesion. By providing gender-disaggregated evidence from the Congolese context, this study contributes to the literature on ICTs and subjective well-being and offers policy-relevant insights for improving men’s quality of life through technology.

ABSTRACT This study provides a scoping review of the use of international large-scale assessments (ILSAs) focused on information and communication technology (ICT) within academic research. We analyzed 114 peer-reviewed journal articles published between 1991 and November 2025, providing bibliographic information on their distribution across time, journals and regions. We offer an overview of research across four study types: scale evaluation, descriptive, effectiveness, and case studies. Our findings show that ICT-focused ILSAs have been less frequently used than other assessments. Articles are predominantly published in journals specializing in ICT in education, with research concentrated in certain regions and educational systems. We observe a shift in publication types and topics, from descriptive studies of ICT inputs and use cases to more nuanced effectiveness analyses exploring a broad range of outcomes and factors. By mapping and analyzing these patterns, this study offers a valuable reference for future research on ICT in education.

This study examined the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) literacy and application skills of K-to-3 teachers and explored the relationship between these competencies to inform targeted interventions. Anchored on the National ICT Competency Standard Framework (NICSF), the study employed a descriptive correlational research design. Data were collected from 30 K-to-3 teachers in public elementary schools using a researcher-developed questionnaire measuring ICT literacy and application across key areas such as word processing, spreadsheets, presentation tools, and pedagogical integration. Data analysis utilized weighted mean, Pearson Product-Moment Correlation, and t-test. Findings revealed that teachers exhibited a slightly literate level of ICT literacy (mean = 2.48) but a highly applied level of ICT application skills (mean = 3.57), indicating a gap between theoretical knowledge and actual practice. A strong positive correlation (r = 0.68, p = 0.001) was found between ICT literacy and application skills, confirming that higher literacy is associated with improved classroom application. The study also highlighted variability in pedagogical integration despite consistent use of basic ICT tools. The study concluded that K-to-3 teachers are practitioner-oriented users of ICT, demonstrating adaptability despite limited formal literacy. It recommends the implementation of targeted ICT enhancement training programs focusing on advanced technical skills and pedagogical integration, along with peer mentoring and expanded research scope. This study aligns with SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), and SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure) by promoting teacher digital competence and effective technology integration in education. It contributes to educational, technological, and institutional sustainability by strengthening teacher capacity, improving instructional quality, and supporting policy and training development for a future-ready education system.

Child protection informatics (CPI) is critical in our increasingly digitalized society and social services. This scoping review, following Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) methodology, mapped CPI research from the last decade within institutional child protection systems. Seven databases were searched for peer-reviewed English articles, identifying 80 studies for analysis using a Health and Human Services Informatics (HHSI) paradigm. Research predominantly focused on the Use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) (n = 34), encompassing diverse applications from e-services to AI-driven tools. Other HHSI research areas included Steering and Organizing of Information Management in Work Processes (n = 17), Knowledge Management and Informatics Competencies (n = 16), and Data Models and Structures (n = 13). The findings highlight the field’s active engagement with technological advancements, particularly in ICT. However, the review also identifies a need for deeper inquiry into foundational CPI principles and broader competency development to enhance the effective and ethical use of information and technology in safeguarding vulnerable children.

Agricultural extension services are crucial in enhancing farmer education, increasing agricultural productivity, and promoting sustainable farming practices worldwide. This concept paper examines the agricultural extension models in the United States, Rwanda, and Nigeria, focusing on capacity building, technology integration, and educator preparation. The US model, rooted in the cooperative extension system, integrates land-grant universities, advanced digital tools, and structured educator training. Rwanda’s Twigire Muhinzi model emphasizes community-led extension, leveraging farmer promoters and information and communication technology (ICT) driven advisory services. Nigeria’s extension system adopts a public-private partnership approach, incorporating ICT tools, decentralized extension services, and farmer support schemes such as the growth enhancement support scheme. The study identifies common themes and challenges across the three systems, including scalability issues, regional disparities, funding constraints, and the digital divide. Findings suggest that no single extension model is universally applicable; rather, successful systems must be context-specific, participatory, technology-driven and adaptable to meet the needs of their stakeholders. The study recommends cross-country collaboration, enhanced digital literacy, and policy alignment to improve extension effectiveness. By integrating best practices from each system, agricultural extension services can be more inclusive, responsive, and sustainable, ultimately strengthening global food security and rural livelihoods.

Abstract. Karim MR, Pramanik MAM, Muhammad N, Chowdhury A, Aurangozeb MK, Sultana R. 2026. Perception of climate change and driving factors for the adoption of drought tolerant rice varieties in Bangladesh. Asian J Agric 10 (1): g100137. https://doi.org/10.13057/asianjagric/g100137. The adoption of Drought Tolerant Varieties (DTV) of rice can be a significant solution to combat water scarcity and reduce grain yield loss. The main objective of the study is to determine farmers’ perceptions of climate change and to explore the drivers of the adoption of drought tolerant rice varieties. The study was conducted in two villages of Farakkhabad Union Parishad of Biral Upzila under Dinajpur District of Northern Bangladesh. The data were collected from 181 sampled rice farmers who experienced seasonal drought in crop cultivation due to decreasing rainfall over the years. The observed meteorological data on temperature and rainfall closely aligned with perceptions of climate change. The study found that 61.32% of farmers adopted the drought tolerant rice varieties. The logit regression analysis showed that eight factors, such as gender, education, farm size, income, training access, extension service, credit access, and access to Information, Communication and Technology (ICT), significantly influenced the adoption of drought tolerant rice varieties. Non-adopter farmers cited a lack of information, unavailability of seeds, and a lack of cash to purchase seeds as major obstacles to the adoption of drought tolerant rice varieties. Therefore, in term of novelty, this study highlights and incorporates the institutional factors along with socio-economic factors of the rice farmers by indicating their climate change perception and aligning with meteorological data. The study recommends that different government and non-government extension programs can promote institutional services for training, credit and information acccess to overcome the challenges of non-adoption. Further relevance policies and uptake programs could accelerate the adoption of drought tolerant rice varieties to cope with the impacts of drought.

Introduction: The study investigates teachers’ perspectives on the adaptation of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) for teaching visually impaired learners (VILs) in Full-Service schools (FSSs). By foregrounding these insights, the study seeks to contribute to the effective implementation of inclusive education (IE) for VILs in FSS across South Africa.Method: The study used a qualitative case study design grounded in an interpretive paradigm. A qualitative approach was used to obtain rich, detailed accounts of teachers’ experiences and viewpoints. Purposive sampling was applied to select participants, leading to four focus group discussions comprising five teachers each (20 in total). The collected data were examined through thematic analysis to identify recurring patterns and central ideas. The thematic analysis led to five themes to be discussed.Findings: Teachers expressed a clear readiness to adapt ICT for VILs, yet they were hindered by several barriers, including limited parental engagement, insufficient funding to procure ICT resources, the absence of reliable power sources, time constraints, and inadequate practical training. Relying solely on classroom teachers is insufficient; effective inclusion demands shared responsibility and various stakeholders to ensure that customised ICT is used effectively to support visually impaired learners.Discussion: Parents play an important role in supporting the education of VILs by sharing insights into their children’s needs and working collaboratively with teachers to adapt ICT tools. Many FSSs lack sufficient funding and resources to acquire flexible ICT tools, provide teacher training, or ensure reliable electricity for their use. The absence of backup power and limited access to workshops further hinder effective ICT integration and teaching continuity for visually impaired learners.Conclusion: The findings reveal that teachers identified key factors they regard as essential for effective ICT customisation, including parental involvement, increased funding, reliable backup power, sufficient time, and practical training. It can therefore be established that the implementation of customised ICT is indispensable in teaching visually impaired learners.

This study aims to explore the management of the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) literacy program for teachers at SMA Muhammadiyah Mlati. Using a qualitative descriptive case study, data were gathered through in-depth interviews, classroom observations, and documentation analysis. Findings reveal that the program is managed through a managed through a systematic cycle: needs-based planning, collaborative implementation (including peer mentoring and hands-on practice), and reflective evaluation via academic supervision. The program is integrated into the school’s work plan (RKS) and aligns with the Merdeka Curriculum. Results indicate that the initiative significantly enhances teachers' pedagogical-digital competencies, fostering interactive and student-centered learning environments. However, challenges such as varying teacher proficiency levels, limited training time, and infrastructure constraints persist. The study concludes that consistent managerial support, tiered training, and strengthened teacher learning communities are essential for sustainability. This research affirms ICT literacy as a strategic educational management tool to improve learning quality in the digital era.