Information And Communication Technologies Research Research Articles

Dissemination of ICT Research in Ibero-America: an Approach to Trends in Education

Objective: The aim of this study is to identify some patterns in the publication of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) articles on education in Ibero-America. Theoretical Framework: This theme presents the main concepts and theories underpinning ICT research in the field of education, identifying predictive biometric studies in education. Method: The methodology adopted for this content research comprises bibliometric methods commonly used in the field. Data collection was carried out by consulting the SCOPUS database. Results and Discussion: The results obtained revealed an increase in production and more so after the COVID-19 pandemic. An increase in collaboration between authors and the emergence of research topics associated with social networks is evident. Research Implications: The results indicate that academic institutions and researchers need to further foster collaborations to maximise research opportunities and to address global challenges more effectively. Originality/Value: This study contributes to identify patterns of production in the ICT area. It offers a list of descriptions that will provide guidance on those aspects that are less researched and that can be addressed in the future.

Key value indicators: A framework for values-driven next-generation ICT solutions

Technology design, development and evaluation has long been driven by functional performance optimization and estimated market opportunities. Today, societal challenges and sustainable development goals are calling for a paradigm shift towards aligning technology development with a values-based consideration and re-prioritization of different ecological, social and economic outcomes. Values have been identified as key drivers of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) research. They are taken into account in the development of 6G networks, e.g. in the context of EU research funding frameworks, but a clear conceptual framework for values-driven development is still missing. This paper deals with the concept of Key Value Indicators (KVIs) as a method for analyzing the values-related outcomes stemming from ICT developments. Leveraging established definitions, frameworks and value identification methods, the paper proposes a structured KVI framework tailored to the ICT research and development (R&D) sector. The proposed framework comprises five steps, starting from the use case-related identification of values to the assessment of value outcomes. ICT-enabled smart cities are analyzed as an example use case to illustrate how this framework can be applied. The KVI framework is aimed to be a useful tool for the ICT research sector (to be used - primarily but not exclusively - by ICT research projects and programs) to address social challenges in technology design and development phases and to identify and estimate value outcomes from technology use. In addition, the proposed framework aims to assist policy makers to establish value-related targets and set requirements and conditions for ICT developments.

Promoting Digital Literacy: Assessing Teachers Readiness in Utilizing Information and Communication Technology for Learning in Rural Area

This research aims to evaluate and ascertain the readiness of teachers to utilize Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in educational settings, with a particular focus on rural environments. By examining teachers' preparedness in employing ICT, the study sheds light on the unique conditions and phenomena associated with technology use in learning activities in rural areas. The methodology adopted for this research was a descriptive qualitative approach, using a case study design focused on the island of Belitung. The study involved 12 classroom teachers from three elementary schools in Badau Village as research subjects. Data were gathered through interviews and document analysis, employing thematic analysis techniques for data interpretation. To ensure the validity of the data, techniques of technical and source triangulation were used. The findings indicate six themes regarding the teachers' readiness to use ICT, including teachers' proficiency in operating laptops/computers, and their capability to plan, select, and integrate ICT tools for educational and administrative purposes. Additionally, skills in collaboration, using the internet, and leveraging other advanced applications are deemed crucial. The study also reveals that teachers need to comprehend their roles and functions in adapting to ICT developments, thereby aligning their readiness with the standards of professional teacher competency. The study highlights the need for teachers to understand their roles in ICT adaptation, aligning with professional competency standards. These insights provide a framework for future research, policymaking, and practice enhancement in educational ICT, aiming to improve educational quality and effectiveness in the digital age.

Bridging the theory-practice gap: a critical reflection on information and communication technology research

Purpose Through critically reflecting on existing research on information and communication technology (ICT) in hospitality, the purpose of this study is to propose recommendations for future research to further narrow the theory-practice gap. Design/methodology/approach Personal experiences along with evidence from the literature provide a foundation for discussion, which is further enriched by integrating industry practitioners’ points of view. Findings Single-perspective and technology adoption studies have dominated ICT research in the hospitality literature. Technology effectiveness has often been measured indirectly. Oversimplifying technological issues has limited the generalizability of research findings. Research limitations/implications Future studies are suggested to go beyond examining technology adoption, embrace multi-perspective approaches and incorporate a wider range of situational and contextual factors. Originality/value Through a unique perspective, this study highlights the limitations of previous ICT research in the hospitality literature and provides suggestions for future research to better meet the needs of practitioners. The arguments presented are not purely from an academic standpoint, as they have been endorsed by senior industry executives.

HOW DOES ICT INTEGRATION PERCEPTION IN KINDERGARTEN TEACHERS IN BANYUMAS, INDONESIA?

In the last decade, the use of information and communication technology (ICT) in education is a crucial issue that is often researched, also ICT research at the kindergarten level. However, the most common issue in ICT integration at school is teacher readiness in the integration of ICT. Especially if it applies to kindergarten teachers, integrating ICT in kindergarten students will add positive value to the learning process and students’ study results. The method used in this research is the quantitative method using the ICT integration perception scale questionnaire in learning (α Cronbach = 0,926) which was modified so the questionnaire will match with the research. Thirty kindergarten teachers from the Banyumas area in Indonesia joined this study. The main analysis technique in this research used descriptive analysis and helped with Jamovi 1.8.4. This research shows teachers’ perception of ICT is still in the medium category. There is also an additional finding that age negatively correlates with ICT perception. The discussion related to the findings is also discussed.

Problems and Prospects of Integrating ICT in Geography and Environmental Sciences.

No doubt, the entire world is gaining momentum into digital media information. This is making Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) an important aspect of the development. Presently, geography and environmental sciences in Nigeria is experiencing a major transformation in terms of access, equity, and quality which is highly influenced by the integration of ICTs. In other words, the introduction of ICTs into the discipline has serious implications especially in dealing with the key issues of access, equity, management, efficiency, pedagogy and quality. The optimal utilization of opportunity arising from the integration of ICTs presents a serious challenge to the discipline of geography and environmental sciences especially in the areas of data collection, management and analysis. The concern of this paper, therefore, is the ways in which ICTs is integrated into the discipline, the attendant prospects, and the challenges posed by the integration. Literature search of information from articles from Google scholar, academia, libraries, etc. coupled with personal survey research using telephone interview are the major sources of information. Results reveal, that the field of study is experiencing a serious threat in spite of the introduction of ICTs. This results from the way in which the ICTs has been conceptualized into the field of study – ideas of positivist and empiricist science are embraced while geographical knowledge based on humanists and realist approaches to science have been neglected. However, it is suggested that especially in the area of data collection, a holistic approach should be considered. Tools that will enhance collection of data related to field of study should be developed and not just for a particular variable. Also, Government should properly fund ICTs research and provide institutions with up-to-date technologies for development and innovation, and teachers should ensure participation in training provided by institutions' management, self-enroll or access training on internet resources. Keywords: Education, Geography and Environmental Sciences, ICT

Utilisation of Information and Communication Technology for Environmental Sustainability: A Global Perspective

There has been a rapid development of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) globally, and ICT have been used as a tool to attain environment sustainability all over the world. There are diverse environmental challenges faced by developing countries such as ecosystem deterioration, pollution, resource depletion, loss of biodiversity and climate change and the management of above problems is difficult because they involve multiple actors and its occurrence is over time and space. Environmental Scientists have raised concerns on how these environmental challenges can be tackled bringing into lamplight, how ICT and environmental science research can be used to wedge these challenges in developing countries. The study is exploratory and employed the use of survey questionnaires as an instrument to collect data. Findings revealed that a lot needs to be done for ICT to be effectively used in the environment, factors such as inadequate facilities, problem of acceptance and adaptation of technology, lack of awareness and illiteracy, mismanagement, lack of technical know-how and unstable internet service are challenges that should be looked at to leverage ICT in the environment. The study also noted the fact that ICT has affected the society and its environments in other negative ways such as the production of unwanted by-products called pollution and depletion of natural resources.

Utilisation of Information and Communication Technology for Environmental Sustainability: A Global Perspective

There has been a rapid development of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) globally, and ICT have been used as a tool to attain environment sustainability all over the world. There are diverse environmental challenges faced by developing countries such as ecosystem deterioration, pollution, resource depletion, loss of biodiversity and climate change and the management of above problems is difficult because they involve multiple actors and its occurrence is over time and space. Environmental Scientists have raised concerns on how these environmental challenges can be tackled bringing into lamplight, how ICT and environmental science research can be used to wedge these challenges in developing countries. The study is exploratory and employed the use of survey questionnaires as an instrument to collect data. Findings revealed that a lot needs to be done for ICT to be effectively used in the environment, factors such as inadequate facilities, problem of acceptance and adaptation of technology, lack of awareness and illiteracy, mismanagement, lack of technical know-how and unstable internet service are challenges that should be looked at to leverage ICT in the environment. The study also noted the fact that ICT has affected the society and its environments in other negative ways such as the production of unwanted by-products called pollution and depletion of natural resources.

Research on online education consumer choice behavior path based on informatization

The application of information and communications technology(ICT) in the education industry is becoming more and more extensive, and online education realized through ICT is developing in full swing. The influence of ICT on online education consumer's choice behavior is the core issue of online education industry development research. The research on the interactive path and methods of information and online education consumer choice behavior is worth exploring and revealing. This study introduces the word-of-mouth factor as a new research variable under the framework of the Rational Choice Theory model (RCT) and the structural equation method to conduct empirical research and theoretical analysis to verify the validity of the hypothesis and model. The fifth-Generation mobile communication system(5G) analyses the factors affecting online education consumer behavior choices based on the premise of ICT. Research on the path between ICT and choice behavior provides new ideas for online education consumer choice behavior research and ICT and content and provides a new scenario. This article is a cross-disciplinary research content in theory, and its innovation opens up a new path for the management of ICT research. The research results have innovative significance and value at both the theoretical and practical levels.

Unpacking the Nordic Gender Equality Paradox in ICT Research and Innovation

Most fields of technology-driven research and innovation are highly male-dominated across the Western world. However, in the Nordic countries, recognised as the most gender equal in the world, this gender segregation appears as a paradox. With Norway as an example, the present article explores the paradox that appears to be entangled with the yet unsolved question of why women are still a minority in information and communication technology (ICT) disciplines. The analysis draws examples from five studies of girls and women in contexts of ICT training, education, and work to analyse the fabric of the paradox through the ‘free choice’ argument, ‘affluent nations’ argument, and ‘nation vs. individual women’ argument. The analysis suggests that the paradox, by putting the nation’s gender equality ideal against atomized individuals’ choices, contributes to obscuring the situation regarding the underrepresentation of women in ICT.

Defrag and reboot? Consolidating information and communication technology research in I-O psychology

AbstractSeveral decades of research have addressed the role of information and communication technologies (ICTs) in industrial-organizational (I-O) psychology. However, segmented research streams with myriad terminologies run the risk of construct proliferation and lack an integrated theoretical justification of the contributions of ICT concepts. Therefore, by identifying important trends and reflecting on key constructs, findings, and theories, our review seeks to determine whether a compelling case can be made for the uniqueness of ICT-related concepts in studying employee and performance in I-O psychology. Two major themes emerge from our review of the ICT literature: (a) a technology behavior perspective and (b) a technology experience perspective. The technology behavior perspective with three subcategories (the “where” of work design, the “when” of work extension, and the “what” of work inattention) explores how individual technology use can be informative for predicting employee well-being and performance. The technology experience perspective theme with two subcategories (the “how” of ICT appraisals and “why” of motives) emphasizes unique psychological (as opposed to behavioral) experiences arising from the technological work context. Based on this review, we outline key challenges of current ICT research perspectives and opportunities for further enhancing our understanding of technological implications for individual workers and organizations.

A review article on role of information and communication technology in agriculture and factors affecting its dissemination in Nepal

The information and communication technology (ICT) is vital for the farming communities to intensify agricultural development in Nepal. This review presents the research in ICT highlighting the role of ICT in the agriculture sector and various factors affecting the dissemination process. About 60.4% of the total population is dependent on agriculture in Nepal. However, due to lack of awareness and higher cost of technology, the smallholder’s farmers are deprived of receiving the reliable and recent information on agriculture resulting in reduction in crop production and productivity. In order to strengthen the existing extension system, it is important to minimize the cost of the technology transfer process and make people aware of the effective use of technologies. The knowledge on the new and innovative ideas need to be easily disseminated to the youth groups as they are using smart mobile phones and can easily receive the information. Furthermore, the review reveals that there is an urgent need to disseminate simple and compatible agricultural information to reduce the farming risk and maximize farm benefits

Review of Optimization Dynamically Applied in the Construction and the Application Potential of ICT

Currently, construction projects are getting more complex, applying more information and communication technologies (ICT), while few studies use real-time data to dynamically optimize construction. The purpose of this article is to study the current development status of the optimization applied dynamically in the construction phase and their potential for applying real data collected by ICT. This article reviews 72 relevant optimization methods and identified some of the ICT research studies that can provide them with dynamic data. The dynamic triggering mode of each research is first analyzed, then its dynamic way, dynamic data, data resource, optimization object, and method are identified and formulated. The results reveal the great value of dynamic optimization in dealing with the complicated and uncertain contextual conditions in construction. Different dynamic triggering modes have different affinities with real data. Then, through the analysis of ICT articles, the huge potential of these dynamic optimization methods in applying real data is shown. This paper points out the most practical dynamic mode for engineers or managers to continuously apply optimization methods to solve dynamic problems in construction, and put forward scientific questions for related researchers: How does one combine ICT with the event dynamics or uncertain parameters? Based on this, the research gap of this area is identified a conceptual solution is proposed.

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.

Beyond Individuals’ Use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs): A Multi-level Approach in Research on ICTs

Hu et al. (2020), in their focal article, discussed the past, current, and future of research on information and communication technologies (ICTs) in industrial-organizational (IO) psychology and related research fields. While Hu et al. (2020) mentioned that they “categorize current themes of ICT research […] at the individual level of analysis” (p. 6), they did not provide an explanation for why they focused their review on only individual-level studies. Despite extensive research on how ICTs influence employee attitudes and behaviors (e.g., Gajendran & Harrion, 2007), significantly less attention has been paid to the impact of ICT-use on collective outcomes. Nevertheless, ICT-related policies and practices are applied to a whole team or firm; hence, their impact on team- or firm-level outcomes is worthy of further examination. Given that the current COVID-19 pandemic has forced most organizations to implement telecommuting (Gallup, 2020), we take telecommuting, one of the ICTs discussed in Hu et al. (2020), as an example to illustrate the importance of multi-level thinking in ICT research.

ICT Services Exports and Labour Demand: A Global Perspective and the Case of Israel

In recent decades, economic growth around the world has mostly been driven by technological acceleration, along with growing consumer demand for information and communications technology (ICT) products and services. These developments have pushed ICT services exports to the forefront of the global trading system. However, overall employment in the ICT sector has not shown a similar expansion. This asymmetry could be partially explained by different employment trends prevailing in each ICT sub-sector, due to a shift in specialisation from manufacturing-intensive exports towards services-oriented exports. A particularly interesting country to examine in this regard is Israel, which has demonstrated outstanding performance in ICT services exports since the early 1990s, accompanied by a surge in demand for high-skilled employees. This article aims to identify the main determinants of labour demand in the ICT service sector across different country income groups and genders. The empirical cross-country panel analysis validates the positive contribution of ICT services exports to employment in the ICT service sector, particularly in high-income countries and among female employees. The article further highlights the considerable role of public policies in boosting labour demand in the ICT services sector, predominantly through funding for ICT research and development and tertiary education.

Political Innovations for ICT Institutionalization in Benin Agricultural System

Information and Communication Technology (ICT) plays a significant role in addressing the challenges in agriculture in many countries. However, the institutionalization of ICT in any country’s agricultural system highly depends on its ICT policies. Benin’s agricultural sector has undergone many policy reforms since its independence in 1960 which caused changes in the orientation of ICT usage. This article aims to analyze ICT integration policies in agriculture in Benin regarding the innovations brought to facilitate its institutionalization. Therefore, three (3) dimensions of national political innovations are explored: innovation propensity, innovation capacity and innovation practice. A qualitative approach was adopted based not only on policy documents analysis such as laws, decrees and projects/programs but also on interviews with 30 key persons involved in the sector. The results showed that: (i) ICT has long been overlooked in agricultural policies in Benin; (ii) Low propensity and capacity was noticed regarding innovation of ICT integration in agriculture from 1960 until 2014. After this period, several innovations were introduced but they are still under innovation practiced. This study shows to researchers and practitioners that high political innovation propensity in the field of ICT integration in agriculture does not guarantee its institutionalization. The three concepts –innovation propensity, innovation capacity and innovation practice are inter-linked with each other in successfully institutionalizing ICT in agricultural sector. In the case of Benin, despite the fact that several innovations have been introduced their institutionalization is lagging behind. The results are useful for ICT policies, researchers and practitioners to better understand the process of ICT integration in agricultural system.

Hydro-meteorological hazards and role of ICT during 2010-2019: A scientometric analysis

Hydro-meteorological hazards have an immense effect on this planet throughout the history of disasters from prehistoric to recent times. Despite numerous studies on hydro-meteorological hazards, however, little attention has been paid to the role of ICT in the management of these hazards. Emerging techniques of ICT (Information and Communication Technology) have encouraged the researchers to incorporate these techniques for managing hydro-meteorological hazards. Through a scientometric analysis of the bibliographic data retrieved from Scopus for 2010 to 2019 observation period, this study reveals the pattern of research on hydro-meteorological hazards and the role of various information and communication technologies in the management of these hazards worldwide. This study provides a framework for visualizing the growth of publications, role of ICT in hazards management, citation pattern, countries collaboration and most influential countries, journals and articles. The further analysis evaluates the prominent authors in each category and co-occurrence of key research areas. The results of research outputs show that remote sensing, GIS & artificial intelligence are rapidly grown technologies in the field of hydro-meteorological hazard management over the last 10 years. Since 2013 IoT, cloud computing & big data are emerging technologies in this domain. This scientometric study provides directions for future research in ICT assisted hydro-meteorological hazard management.

Empirical insights for designing Information and Communication Technology for International Disaster Response

Due to the increase in natural disasters in the past years, Disaster Response Organizations (DROs) are faced with the challenge of coping with more and larger operations. Currently appointed Information and Communications Technology (ICT) used for coordination and communication is sometimes outdated and does not scale, while novel technologies have the potential to greatly improve disaster response efficiency. To allow adoption of these novel technologies, ICT system designers have to take into account the particular needs of DROs and characteristics of International Disaster Response (IDR). This work attempts to bring the humanitarian and ICT communities closer together. In this work, we analyze IDR-related documents and conduct expert interviews. Using open coding, we extract empirical insights and translate the peculiarities of DRO coordination and operation into tangible ICT design requirements. This information is based on interviews with active IDR staff as well as DRO guidelines and reports. Ultimately, the goal of this paper is to serve as a reference for future ICT research endeavors to support and increase the efficiency of IDR operations.

Bridging the gap in creative economy and ICT research: a regional analysis in Europe

ABSTRACT Following Florida’s seminal work on the ‘creative class’ there is a great deal of interest concerning whether creativity, as an input, is important for regional growth. Answering this question requires developing a production framework that can distinguish creativity from other inputs. With data from Europe, this paper integrates the concept of information and communications technology (ICT) and the creative class into a theoretical production function. Findings reveal that not only is there a positive and interactive relationship between creative workers and ICT, but the combination of creative workers and ICT leads to higher levels of GVA growth. Moreover, creative workers were found to have a larger impact on growth in comparison with traditional human capital measures (i.e. graduates). Thus, findings from this research suggest that the creative class should not only pay attention to socio-economic preferences of individuals, but it must include wider social resources, such as ICT.