Information And Communication Technology Devices Research Articles

Internet addiction among teachers: A systematic review

The proliferation of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) within educational spheres has undeniably enriched pedagogical practices through the integration of digital tools. Despite these advancements, the escalating use of ICT devices harbors the potential for internet addiction among educators. This systematic review scrutinizes the prevalence, symptomatology, and predictive indicators of internet addiction in the teaching profession, in addition to examining its association with physical and psychological well-being. Employing a methodical approach aligned with the PRISMA guidelines, an analysis of 15 rigorously selected scholarly articles, sourced from the Web of Science and Google Scholar, was conducted. The findings reveal a prevalence rate of internet addiction among educators ranging from 5.2% to 35%, pinpointing specific behaviors that may predispose individuals to higher addiction risks. Given the paucity of research pertaining to internet addiction among teachers, the corpus of articles ultimately incorporated into this study was constrained. However, the implications of these findings are multifaceted, highlighting the critical need for targeted interventions to ameliorate the detrimental effects of internet addiction on educators, thereby fostering a more conducive teaching and learning environment.

Climate impacts of digital use supply chains

Information and communications technology (ICT) has become an indispensable part of our lives. Prior research on climate impact of ICT devices and services mostly makes use of life cycle assessment and energy modeling frameworks focused on embodied greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Because these perspectives emphasize the GHGs emissions associated with the construction and distribution of digital devices along production supply chains, not much is known about the GHGs emissions monitored or facilitated by digital device use. In this study, we propose the concept of digital use supply chains (DUSCs) as an orthogonal dimension of digital devices’ life cycle. DUSC refers to the production activities and resource consumption recorded by digital devices. We propose a framework to conceptualize and quantify digital behavior-related GHGs emissions through use of the Screenomics paradigm, where users’ digital screen data are unobtrusively collected moment-by-moment. Through Screenomics’ granular recording of users’ digital behavior, we evaluate behavior-based GHGs emissions traced by the digital devices. DUSC connects individual’s digital behaviors to their global climate change impact, contributing to a more nuanced and complete evaluation of the climate impacts of the digital economy. Our single-case study indicates the estimated scale of the GHGs emissions linked to a user’s one-day digital activities could be three orders of magnitude (1000 times) higher than the emissions associated with the device life cycle alone. DUSC could enable climate change mitigation at a meaningful, actionable level through personalized educational or behavior change programs, and also facilitate novel data-driven feedback loops that may provide digital device users with insights into their personal climate impacts. Recognition and future study of DUSC could accelerate the quantification and standardization of a ‘carbon handprint’ of digital devices and create positive climate impacts from digital products and services.

The Originality of Digital Evidence and the Retention of Seized Digital Devices by Law Enforcement Officers in South Africa

Information and communication technology (ICT) devices, including mobile phones, laptops, computers and data storage mediums, such as memory sticks, are being seized daily by law enforcement agents. These devices are seized for different reasons in terms of the provisions of sections 21 to 23 of the Criminal Procedure Act 51 of 1977 and now, in terms of the provisions of sections 28 and 29 of the Cybercrimes Act 19 of 2020. The seizure and extended retention of such devices by law enforcement can have a devastating impact on businesses and individuals. In virtually all cases, the main objective of seizing an ICT device is to secure its data for purposes of investigation and the collection of evidence. This excludes, inter alia, cases where a device contains contraband and cannot be handed back to the suspect or in a case where circumstances justify forfeiture to the state. This article is limited to cases where the physical device has no evidential value. It is contended that the content of the evidential data and the requirement of originality on an ICT device is met by scientifically created forensic duplicates of the data, which negate law enforcement from unnecessary seizure and retaining the original device. The authors contend that ICT devices should only be seized in situations where a forensic duplicate of the evidential data cannot be created on the scene and, if seized, the evidential data should be forensically duplicated, and the original device returned within a pre-determined period. An extension of the pre-determined period should only be granted by a magistrate upon application. It is recommended that the subject be researched further, to arrive at a reasonable, pre-determined period, and that the Criminal Procedure Act 51 of 1977 and Cybercrimes Act 19 of 2020 be amended accordingly.

Weather information, farm-level climate adaptation and farmers' adaptive capacity: Examining the role of information and communication technologies

Previous studies on farmers’ capacity to adapt to weather and climate variability tend to follow the resource endowment perspective and ignore the role of information. The paper examines farmers’ access to weather information as a resource and its relationship to the uptake of farm-level adaptation strategies while controlling other related variables. It also looks at information and communication technologies (ICTs) to provide information to farmers. Four dimensions of ICTs are considered – physical access to ICT devices, farmer’s ability to use ICTs, farmer’s intent to use ICTs for productive purposes, and farmer’s presence in the social ecosystem pertaining to use of ICTs. Structural equation modelling analysis of 463 farmers highlighted the potential of information in facilitating the uptake of farm-level adaptation strategies. The information-adaptation link becomes even stronger with the moderation effect of the farmer’s social ecosystem pertaining to use of ICTs. Farmers’ abilities to use ICTs are vital in improving their access to weather information. Farmers’ intent to use ICTs for productive purposes positively correlates with their stronger presence in the social ecosystem pertaining to use of ICTs. While wealth is an essential determinant of farmers’ access to other resources, it is not directly associated with the uptake of farm-level adaptation strategies. The paper highlights ways to enhance farmers’ adaptive capacity through non-economic means and facilitate farm-level adaptation.

An Adaptive Energy-Saving Scheme for Green Optical Networking: Combining Flow-Aware Load Adaptive Routing and Flow-Aware Distance Adaptive Routing

ABSTRACT Nowadays, there is an increasing need for advanced technological solutions due to concerns about the energy crisis and environmental protection. In particular, there has been a growing focus on developing green Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) solutions, as the energy consumption of ICT devices has been rapidly increasing in recent decades. This paper introduces EPSO-based flow-aware routing mechanisms that aim to minimize Queueing Delay, Power Consumption (Energy Dissipation), and Load Deviation. Two flow-aware mechanisms, namely, the Flow-aware load adaptive scheme (FA-LAR) and the flow-aware distance adaptive scheme (FA-DAR), are utilized in this study. The goal is to avoid traffic congestion across the routes by selecting the most direct and efficient paths for the flows. These routed paths are optimized using the MEPSO-based FA-DAR routing algorithm, resulting in significant energy savings. Extensive numerical simulations are conducted to evaluate the proposed algorithms using metrics such as throughput, routing efficiency, queuing delay, load deviation, and energy efficiency. The simulation results demonstrate that the proposed method outperforms existing benchmark methods in all metrics. Furthermore, it ensures lower power consumption, queuing delay, and load deviation. The method exhibits a 30% improvement in throughput and a 24% improvement in energy efficiency compared to existing benchmark methods.

Information and communication technology diffusion and the urban–rural income gap in China

AbstractThe income gap between urban and rural households is a prevalent social issue in many countries, including China. This study examines the effect of information and communication technology (ICT) diffusion on the urban–rural income gap in China. We theoretically analyse how ICT infrastructure construction, financed by fiscal transfers, in rural areas narrows the rural–urban income gap. Further, our empirical results show that both ICT penetration at county level and ICT usage at household level narrow the rural–urban income gap. Moreover, compared to computer access, the newer generation of ICT devices (smartphones) has stronger effects in narrowing the rural–urban income gap. We find that smartphones play a key role in the reduction of this income gap by increasing the agricultural product operational income of rural households.

Older adults' experiences with using information and communication technology and tech support services in New York City: findings and recommendations for post-pandemic digital pedagogy for older adults.

Although Information and Communication Technology (ICT) has great potential to help older adults cope with challenges associated with aging, the intended benefits of ICT are not always realized in this population due to access barriers and low digital literacy. During the COVID-19 pandemic, numerous tech support initiatives for older adults got underway. However, evaluation of the effectiveness of these initiatives is less common. This research partnered with a large, multi-service organization in New York City that gave some groups of their clients ICT devices, unlimited broadband, and access to technology training in response to COVID-19 lockdowns. This study investigates older adults' experiences with ICT and ICT support services to better inform the existing and emerging tech support for older adults during and beyond the pandemic. Data were obtained from interviewer-administered surveys of 35 older adult recipients of ICT devices, connectivity, and training in New York City. The average age was 74 years (range = 55-90 years). The group was diverse regarding race/ethnicity (Black 29%, Latino 19%, White 43%). All had low incomes. Surveys consisted of multiple-choice items and open-ended responses. The study found that one size does not fit all when it comes to ICT training and support for older adults. While connection to devices and services and tech support led to a degree of ICT adoption, the newly learned skills did not always lead to expanded device usage. The readily available tech support training and support do not guarantee service utilization, as success with tech services is related to one's pre-existing ICT competence. The study concludes that customized training based on individuals' skills rather than age is needed. Tech support training should start by understanding an individual's interests and incorporate tech education to help users identify a wide range of existing and emerging online services that can meet their needs. Service organizations should consider including an assessment of ICT access, use, and skills into their standard intake protocols to ensure effective service delivery.

Constraints to the use of ICT tools in Anambra State, Nigeria

The study investigated whether there are some constraints to the use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) by rice farmers in Anambra State, Nigeria. Multi-stage, purposive and random sampling techniques were used to select 120 rice farmers for the study. The data was collected with a well-structured questionnaire, and analyzed with descriptive statistics and mean scores from the 5-point Likert scale. The results revealed that the majority (60%) of the respondents were males with a good level of education and a mean age of about 49 years among other socioeconomic profiles. With regards to information needs, the study found that the majority (90.80%) of the farmers needed information on pests and disease management, followed by information on appropriate planting dates and techniques (87.50%), among others. Major sources of agricultural information among the rice farmers were fellow farmers or progressive farmers (98.30%), extension agents (87.50%), and mobile phones (84.20%). However, farmers preferred channels for receiving information are through fellow farmers and extension agents. Haven found that the major constraints to the effective use of ICTs are inadequate funds, the high cost of acquiring ICT tools, irregular power supply, and inadequate time for farmers. The study recommends that key stakeholders should be encouraged to provide affordable credit facilities to farmers to reduce the financial burden of acquiring and maintaining certain ICT devices.

Digitalization and sustainability: A systematic literature analysis of ICT for Sustainability research

Close scrutiny of the ICT for Sustainability conference proceedings on digitalization and sustainability reveals a bias on (technological) efficiency solutions. This bias is mirrored in blind spots in the public discourse and the political debate. The sustainable transformation of society calls for more comprehensive research ‐ and research funding ‐ to fill the gaps and integrate efficiency, consistency, and sufficiency strategies on the levels of life-cycle, enabling, and structural effects.In order to govern processes of digitalization for the purpose of the common good, it is important to understand the opportunities and risks of information and communications technology (ICT) for a sustainable transformation of society. In this article, we systematically review 215 publications from the ICT for Sustainability (ICT4S) conference corpus in order to investigate the state of debate. We analyze to what extent research covers sustainability implications of ICT, 1. regarding different levels of actions and effects, as well as 2. regarding the three different strategies of sustainability ‐ efficiency, consistency, and sufficiency. We find that ICT4S research has a one-sided focus on digital efficiency improvements and on life-cycle impacts of ICT devices and applications. There is far less research on digitalization’s potential to advance sufficiency-oriented practices, and questions of how to foster digital sustainability transformations at macro- and structural level are only marginally treated. We draw conclusions for funding and science politics.

Can healthcare apps and smart speakers improve the health behavior and depression of older adults? A quasi-experimental study.

This study identified the effects of applying information and communication technologies (ICT) to the health management of older adults aged 65 or older. Older adults registered at public health centers were provided with the health management app "Health Today" and a smart speaker for 6 months to perform assigned healthcare missions. The program was conducted for 6 months by dividing participants into two groups: one that received both the health management app and the smart speaker, and another that used only the health management app. Depression, self-efficacy, number of days of moderate-intensity exercise, relative grip strength, balance tests, and five-times-sit-to-stand tests were measured during the pre- and post-evaluation. Both groups showed a positive health status and behavioral changes at post-evaluation. However, no reduced depression was observed due to communication and music listening functions in the group that was additionally provided smart speakers. ICT use in healthcare can be beneficial for older adults. However, whether these devices meet the purpose of the national health project must be determined, and an effect evaluation must be undertaken prior to providing these ICT devices for the health management of older adults in the public domain.

Digital Distance in Times of Physical Distancing: ICT Infrastructure and Use in Long-Term Care Facilities

Although information and communication technologies (ICTs) such as smartphones, tablets, and the internet have all become increasingly important during the COVID-19 pandemic, we often forget that not everyone has access to the internet or uses ICT devices. Individuals on the wrong side of the digital divide are often older adults living in long-term care facilities (LTCFs), such as “old–old” adults, who often have various functional impairments. To shed light on the initial situation shortly before the pandemic, three data sources from Switzerland were used in this study to answer the following questions: (1) Do older adults want to have internet access if and/or when they move into a LTCF? (2) What form does ICT use take (specifically internet, smartphone, and tablet use) among LTCF residents, and what need do they have for ICT support? (3) What is the state of LTCFs’ ICT infrastructure and residents’ level of involvement in the decision-making process related to acquiring new technologies? Community-dwelling older adults in this study reported a desire to have internet access when moving into LTCFs, and 21% of LTCF residents reported using the internet just before the pandemic began. Internet access and ICT infrastructure in LTCFs, in general, are both limited, however, and LTCF managers seldom involve older adults in the ICT decision-making process. While modern ICT usage has reached the long-term care sector, the results of this study show that compensating for a lack of physical social contacts by relying on digital solutions during the COVID-19 pandemic cannot be the sole solution. The current pandemic has reminded us that a digital gap exists and that non-use of ICTs during the pandemic can produce additional feelings of social isolation.

INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY AS A BLENDED-LEARNING TOOL FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT FOR UNIVERSITY STUDENTS

Ponte Academic JournalJan 2023, Volume 79, Issue 1 INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY AS A BLENDED-LEARNING TOOL FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT FOR UNIVERSITY STUDENTSAuthor(s): Aderinsola Eunice Kayode ,Lingaliso LindaJ. Ponte - Jan 2023 - Volume 79 - Issue 1 doi: 10.21506/j.ponte.2023.1.4 Abstract:The integration of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) as a blended-learning tool into traditional classroom-based teaching and learning has been shown to improve students' academic performance at globe and is essential to economic development. These claims were investigated in a sample of undergraduate students at the faculty of Education, University of Ibadan, Nigeria. Based on the goals of the research , a purposeful sample of students was chosen. It used a mixed-method survey design. A total of 117 students completed the online survey (quantitative component); while a focus group interview with 4 students (qualitative component) was conducted. The findings showed significant barriers to, and affordances of, the use of ICT as a blended-learning tool. In addition, the study discusses student access to ICT devices and internet facilities on campus, student proficiency in using these devices and facilities, and the impact these have on students’ academic activities. Finally, conclusions and recommendations are discussed in the context of graduate career opportunities and national economic sustainable development Download full text:Check if you have access through your login credentials or your institution Username Password

Environmental effects of ICT diffusion, energy consumption, financial development, and globalization: panel evidence from SAARC economies.

The rising energy demand for information and communication technology (ICT) devices has piqued the interest of scholars and policymakers. Given that ICT devices are ubiquitous, any attempt to mitigate climate change should address the carbon footprint of the ICT sector. The present study examines the direct impact of ICT on the environment and the indirect impact through interaction with energy consumption, financial development, and globalization in SAARC economies from 2000 to 2020. Using econometric approaches robust to cross-sectional dependence, such as the Driscoll-Kraay estimator and the Dumitrescu-Hurlin causality test, the study found that ICT, renewable energy consumption, and globalization significantly reduce CO2 emission, whereas non-renewable energy consumption and financial development significantly increase emission. However, the interaction between financial development and ICT jointly reduces CO2 emissions. Similarly, renewable energy and globalization reduce emissions from increased ICT usage. The study also confirms the validity of the environmental Kuznets curve hypothesis for ICT diffusion. The causality test indicates bidirectional causality between ICT and CO2 emissions. Results suggest that SAARC economies can safely boost ICT and related applications to minimize emissions. They should also use renewable energy and green innovations in telecommunications to reduce their adverse environmental repercussions.

Utilization of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) for Managing Students’ Academic Records in Nigerian Schools

This study examined the utilization of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) for managing students’ academic records in Nigerian schools. A descriptive survey method was used for the study. The population of the study comprises 131 teachers in selected secondary schools in Kogi. The multi-stage sampling procedure was adopted to select 97 teachers, both male and female as samples in six (6) secondary schools in the three districts of Kogi State. Five (5) research questions guided the study. Percentile rank and mean scores were used as statistical tools for data analysis. The findings revealed that ICT facilities available for managing students’ records in the school include computers, printers, handsets, photocopiers, and diskettes, among others. The study found that insufficient knowledge and skills on how to operate ICT equipment, ignorance of the advantages of ICT devices, principals' reluctance to use ICT gadgets, inadequate physical facilities/equipment, sporadic disruption of electricity supply and inadequate funds to provide ICT devices were challenges in using ICT to manage students’ academic records in the secondary schools under study. The study, among others, recommended that school teachers and principals should be trained in the use of the latest information technologies and gadgets to be effective and efficient in their performances. Also, Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) should be incorporated into the school curriculum, especially at the secondary school level and the government should put in place power plants in every secondary school in order to solve the issue of disruption in power supply.

The frequency of the use of information and communication technologies in school age children and musculoskeletal disorders connected with their use

Introduction: information and communication technology (ICT) has multiplied its availability and use, resulting in enormous usage, especially among school-age children, who use it for an average of 7.5 hours per day. The amount of time adolescents spend in front of electronic screens has increased significantly between the ages of 10 and 14, but there are significant gender changes. For boys, this increase is 41.6 minutes per day, while for girls it is 22.7 minutes per day.
 Methods: The study is designed as an epidemiological, cross-sectional, descriptive-analytic, comparative study. The study will be conducted in the form of an online questionnaire on the Microsoft Forums platform during the period 12/15/2021 to 12/30/2021. Respondents were able to access the request for consent using a link and a QR code, which was previously signed by a parent/guardian giving consent for children to participate in this study.
 Results: The results of this study show that school-aged children generally use cell phones with a touch screen between 2 and 3 hours daily during the work week (39.2%) and TV (39.5%). Pain caused by ICT use in the past 12 months occurred mainly in the neck/shoulder area (42.4%), while pain in the previous month occurred mainly in the lower extremities (29.1%).
 Conclusion: Increased use of ICT devices was associated with higher levels of musculoskeletal symptoms. The higher pain burden in various body parts is of concern, and further research on the effects of ICT device use in adolescents is needed and warranted.

Information Communication Technology Devices for Agricultural Information Dissemination among Smallholder Farmers in Uganda (Rubanda, Mayuge Districts, and Mbarara City)

Agriculture continues to be the main source of livelihood in developing countries and smallholder farming is the most common type of agriculture practice supporting more than 70% of the population. On the other hand, information and communication technology (ICT) is quickly growing as its helping to connect easier and faster; thus, a dire need to harness it in promoting the agricultural sector. This study investigated the Information Communication Technology Devices for Agricultural Information Dissemination among Smallholder Farmers in Uganda (Rubanda, Mayuge Districts, And Mbarara City). The study adopted a cross-sectional research design that comprised a mixed methods approach of quantitative and qualitative. The instrument for this study consisted of structured questionnaires and interviews. More so, available reports and records were explored. The questionnaire was subjected to face and content validity and reliability test. Data collected were analysed using descriptive statistics of frequency counts and percentages. Findings show that the leading types of ICT devices for agricultural information dissemination in Rubanda District, Mayuge District, and Mbarara City were mobile phones and radios. The study recommends that the most important information to farmers should always be disseminated via phone conversation, texting, and radio for broadcast agricultural-related programs in respective local languages

Early childhood teachers' professional learning about ICT implementation in kindergarten curriculum: A qualitative exploratory study in China.

Many teachers have begun to adopt information and communication technologies (ICT) in early childhood education (ECE) settings to support children's learning. However, research shows that ECE teachers' ICT implementation practice is not always appropriate, and their limited professional learning opportunities is one reason for this. Researchers worldwide have called for more understanding of professional learning that supports ECE teachers' use of ICT in the kindergarten curriculum. In China, although ECE teachers' ICT competencies and skills are required in national documents, little has been reported about how they are supported in learning about implementing ICT in the current curriculum. Drawing on the Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge (TPACK) model, this study investigates how a small group of ECE teachers in China have experienced professional learning regarding ICT-related curriculum. By conducting individual interviews and analyzing public and teachers' personal documents, this study finds that teacher participants had received diverse types of professional learning opportunities related to ICT implementation. These opportunities were provided by different organizations; however, one shared feature was a focus on the technical level of how to use ICT devices. This study also discusses the teaching-research culture underpinning participants' professional learning. This article provides significant implications for advancing current professional learning programs.

ICT Adoption on Cultural Preservation Amongst Indian Youth in Selangor, Malaysia

This paper presents the significant role of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) on cultural preservation among Indian Youth in Selangor, Malaysia. A middle-class youth group aged 18 to 35 years old participated in the study in Subang Jaya, Selangor. In-depth interviews, which were used as a qualitative data collection method, helped the researchers in developing a comprehensive understanding of how ICT is used to preserve culture. Usage of multiple and variety of ICT devices in daily life gave the space and opportunity to know about culture. However, some informants feel that socialization and parents imparting knowledge about culture still play an important role. It is hoped that the findings of this study will contribute to the existing literature on how ICT can play a role in preserving culture in the future and among the coming younger generation who will be leaving life in a world surrounded by ICT. Despite being a minority in Malaysia, the Indian community should be given equal rights and access to ICT to carry out their daily functions, including developing their cultural capital and cultural preservation

Disentangling the worldwide web of e-waste and climate change co-benefits

The benefits of consumer electronic products have transformed every societal sector worldwide. However, the adverse impacts of electronic waste (e-waste) disproportionately affect low-income communities and marginalized ecosystems in nations with economies in transition. The embodied carbon footprint of new electronic products, especially information and communications technology (ICT) devices, is an important source of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, accounting for 67% ± 15% of total lifetime emissions, instigated by mineral mining, manufacturing, and supply chain transportation. We estimate that between 2014 and 2020, embodied GHG emissions from selected e-waste generated from ICT devices increased by 53%, with 580 million metric tons (MMT) of CO2e emitted in 2020. Without specific interventions, emissions from this source will increase to ∼852 MMT of CO2e annually by 2030. Increasing the useful lifespan expectancy of electronic devices by 50%–100% can mitigate up to half of the total GHG emissions. Such outcomes will require coordination of eco-design and source reduction, repair, refurbishment, and reuse. These strategies can be a key to efforts towards climate neutrality for the electronics industry, which is currently among the top eight sectors accounting for more than 50% of the global carbon footprint.

Electronic Waste (E-Waste) Management of Higher Education Institutions in South Central Mindanao, Philippines

E-waste management is undoubtedly one of the important environmental concerns at present because the dependence on electronic devices has increased. There have been policies, legal provisions, and advocacy undertakings educating and introducing ways to manage and properly dispose of e-waste in the region yet there is no clear understanding of these practices, particularly in Higher Education Institutions (HEIs). The present study evaluates the e-waste management implementation of HEIs in South Central Mindanao, Philippines using survey questionnaires and in-depth interviews with 13 HEI representatives. The surveys showed that 39% of the HEIs have an annual budget of less than PhP100,000.00 (USD 1,950). Moreover, 23% of HEIs annually purchase 10-60 units of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) equipment. E-waste management among HEIs shows that 53.8% of ICT and electronic devices end up in landfills and 23.1% in informal sectors like junk shops. It can be noted that the yearly generation of e-waste among HEIs highly impacts the rise in the usage of IT equipment and electronic devices. Lack of awareness, e-waste disposal facilities, priorities, audit resolution and procedure and no definite legislation or laws among HEIs are the main challenges for e-waste management in the region. This study prompts mainstream e-waste management in HEIs and enlightens the public about appropriate strategies to address this issue. Furthermore, the findings of this study can be useful in formulating national and regional e-waste management plans and programs.