Use Of Information And Communication Technologies Research Articles

Addressing the links between and internal vs. external regulation factors, achievement emotions and gender in problematic use of ICT at university.

The study of internal and external regulation in the use of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) and the analysis of academic emotions have become increasingly important due to their impact on academic life at university. This research aims to investigate the links between internal vs. external regulation factors, achievement emotions, and gender in the problematic use of ICT among university students. The study recruited 317 university students, predominantly female (72.51%), using an ex-post facto design. The SRT-ERT scale was used to assess technology-related behaviors, and the AEQ Scales measured academic emotions before, during, and after class. Correlation analysis, multiple regression analysis, and ANOVA were employed to identify significant relationships. Significant relationships were identified between regulatory behaviors, with male students exhibiting more dysregulated behavior and greater exposure to dysregulatory technology environments. Individual and contextual behavioral nonregulation and dysregulation in the use of ICT were significantly predictive of negative academic emotions. The findings suggest that both personal and contextual factors of regulation significantly influence the emotional experiences of students in academic settings. The study highlights the need for psycho-educational interventions to promote better regulatory behaviors among university students, particularly males.

Online environments, social networks and pornography: the role of teachers and managers in the provision of sex and sexuality education in Chilean schools

ABSTRACT Over the last decade, various provisions have been enshrined in law to encourage the implementation of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and Comprehensive sexuality Education in Chilean schools. However, it is unknown whether appropriate steps have been taken to advance the right to sex and sexuality education, incorporating the use of ICTs as part of existing plans. The objective of this study was to identify the role that schools and schooling might play in relation to online environments, social networks and pornography as they affect children and adolescents’ sex and sexuality education in Chile. The research took the form of a qualitative study in which 30 education professionals were interviewed to identify needs, challenges and opportunities for incorporating the use of social networks and pornography in sex and sexuality education plans. We found that teachers and school managers rarely intervene in students’ sexualised digital media consumption. While being aware of and concerned about the effects it might have, they broadly delegate responsibility to families. There is a need to create educational communities with a greater knowledge of how to spearhead innovative and participatory internal policies and practices to ensure students’ access to good quality sex and sexuality education in online environments.

Quilombola women confronting digital discrimination in Brazil

This work discusses the relationship between digital disconnection and the violation of rights in Quilombola territories. Quilombolas are an ethnic-racial group with Black origins associated with oppression and resistance over the centuries in Brazil. The research was conducted with 41 women aged between 18 and 73 who are leaders in 35 remaining Quilombola communities in Minas Gerais, Brazil. The impacts of limited access to information and communications technology (ICT) were assessed using an intersectional perspective, considering social markers of difference such as gender, social class, ethnic-racial belonging, and territory. The results show that 11 territories lack internet service, significantly restricting access to information, health, education, and social participation. The research points to the need for considering digital inequity as another matrix of intersectional oppression, as being disconnected or having restrictions on access and use of ICT increases the vulnerability of these territories, especially for the Quilombola women.

Routines and Attitudes of Smart Phone and Tablet Use for Social Participation Among Older Adults

Abstract Date Presented 03/22/24 Information and communication technology (ICT) use among older adults is associated with decreased loneliness and social isolation. This project investigated routines and attitudes of ICT use for social participation of older adults. Primary Author and Speaker: Chelsea Ann Conrad Additional Authors and Speakers: Maya Dupree, Deja Myers, Monica Le Contributing Authors: Amanda Davis

From books to bytes: a systematic review of the role of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in academic library administration

The role of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in administration is crucial as academic libraries transition from traditional repositories to dynamic digital platforms. This Systematic Literature Review (SLR) delves into ICT's impacts and applications in academic library management. The study focused on: the mechanisms and extent of ICT adoption in administrative functions, the discernible benefits and challenges associated with the deployment of ICT; and the prospective trajectories for ICT utilisation in academic libraries. Following a rigorous review methodology, twenty-six (26) peer-reviewed articles from 2020 to 2023, sourced from ScienceDirect and Web of Science, were reviewed. Findings highlight diverse applications of ICT, ranging from operational tasks such as cataloguing and analytics to strategic responsibilities like decision-making and planning. Significantly, the study uncovers latent research gaps, especially in emerging technologies, ethical ramifications, and geographical nuances, thereby delineating avenues for future academic endeavours . Additionally, the study sheds light on the variegated nature of ICT applications, pointing to success factors, challenges including digital divides, and security concerns. Thus, the study serves as a historical evaluation and prospective guide for scholars, administrators, and policymakers, delineating the intricate interplay between technological innovation, human factors, and strategic planning in academic library administration.

Teachers’ and Learners’ Perceptions To-wards the Use of ICT in EFL Classrooms: Moroccan and Korean High Schools

The use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) in many aspects of life, not only, has brought dramatic changes in the paradigms and methods practiced in the developed countries, but also, it has been expanded in developing countries. The present paper attempts to explore and shed lights on the perceptions towards the ICT use in high schools in Morocco, as a developing country, and South Korea, as a developed country. To this end, a mixed method has been designed and conducted with a total of 412 high school students and 212 EFL teachers; including the focus group participants. In this study we review the related literature and we have chosen the two appropriate research instruments to collect the data; a survey questionnaire for 400 students and a survey questionnaire for 200 EFL teachers, and a focus group for 12 students and 12 teachers. The findings reveal the levels of ICT skills of the participated teachers and students. Additionally, the data collected demonstrate that although both students and teachers possess positive attitudes towards the ICT use in EFL classrooms, the ICT integration in learning and teaching has two sides impact, positive and negative, not only on students but on teachers as well. The results recommend that ICT in education should be given higher consideration than it currently receives.

The Mediating Role of Teacher Training and Learner Orientation in ICT Integration for Competence-Based Curriculum Implementation in Kyaka II Refugee Settlement

This study explored the impact of teacher training and learner orientation on the integration of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) within the Competence-Based Curriculum (CBC) in secondary schools in Kyaka II Refugee Settlement. Despite significant efforts to improve education in refugee contexts, effective ICT integration remains a complex challenge. The research examined how teacher training and learner orientation influence ICT usage, teacher preparedness, and student engagement in this distinctive educational environment. Utilizing a descriptive survey design and questionnaires, data was collected from 455 participants, including 89 purposively selected teachers and 366 randomly selected students. Data was analyzed using SPSS to generate descriptive statistics. The findings indicate that comprehensive teacher training positively affects ICT integration, with trained educators demonstrating enhanced confidence and competence in using ICT tools, as evidenced by a moderate positive correlation coefficient (r = 0.54). Oriented learners exhibited increased interest and engagement in ICT-driven learning. The study identified a gap between training outcomes and practical classroom application, suggesting a need for more hands-on and continuous professional development. Challenges such as inadequate ICT infrastructure, poor internet connectivity, and limited administrative support were significant barriers to optimal ICT integration. The study recommends implementing ongoing, hands-on teacher training programs, improving ICT infrastructure, establishing robust support systems within schools, and enhancing student access to ICT resources to address these challenges and support effective ICT integration in refugee education settings

Exploring Influences on ICT Adoption in German Schools: A UTAUT-Based Structural Equation Model

The 2018 International Computer and Information Literacy Study (ICILS) provides a comprehensive dataset with contextual information on German school environments. The data comes from responses by eighth-grade teachers and principals to a questionnaire about Information and Communication Technology (ICT) for teaching. We performed an exploratory re-analysis examining what influences teachers' adoption and use of ICT by employing six factors — Social Influence, Effort Expectancy, Performance Expectancy, Facilitating Conditions, Behavioural Intention, and Use Behaviour — from the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT). We measured relationships between these constructs with a Structural Equation Model (SEM) consisting of 15 indicators provided by the ICILS study. The goodness of fit measures indicated confirmation of the model (RMSEA = .05, SRMR = .05, CFI = .93, TLI = .91). Our findings show that teachers' attitudes toward ICT and the school administration's support affected how ICT was applied in the classroom.

Analysis of the Use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) Among Health Sciences Professionals

The Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) are the revolution of the XXI century, which allows doctors to be in immediate contact with the international scientific community, providing common professional projects and reviewing specific health situations, without intermediaries. However, studies specifically analyze the scope this type of developments have on the medical profession, on the attitude and knowledge of the patients or the relationship between them. The purpose of this study was to design a tool to evaluate the use of ICT in the field of medical professionals and influence in their clinical practice. To do this we have chosen one of the most common problems in the field of health which is the problem of pain. Through a questionnaire filled out by medical professional whose clinical activity is related to the treatment of pain, some aspects of the influence of ICT are explored in the continuous training of medical and clinical practice.

Lecturers Level of Awareness and ICT Utilisation for Teaching Health Education in Nigeria Colleges

Lecturers Level of Awareness and ICT Utilisation for Teaching Health Education in Nigeria Colleges

The Information and Communication Technology Maturity Assessment at Primary Health Care Services Across 9 Provinces in Indonesia: Evaluation Study.

Indonesia has rapidly embraced digital health, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, with over 15 million daily health application users. To advance its digital health vision, the government is prioritizing the development of health data and application systems into an integrated health care technology ecosystem. This initiative involves all levels of health care, from primary to tertiary, across all provinces. In particular, it aims to enhance primary health care services (as the main interface with the general population) and contribute to Indonesia's digital health transformation. This study assesses the information and communication technology (ICT) maturity in Indonesian health care services to advance digital health initiatives. ICT maturity assessment tools, specifically designed for middle-income countries, were used to evaluate digital health capabilities in 9 provinces across 5 Indonesian islands. A cross-sectional survey was conducted from February to March 2022, in 9 provinces across Indonesia, representing the country's diverse conditions on its major islands. Respondents included staff from public health centers (Puskesmas), primary care clinics (Klinik Pratama), and district health offices (Dinas Kesehatan Kabupaten/Kota). The survey used adapted ICT maturity assessment questionnaires, covering human resources, software and system, hardware, and infrastructure. It was administered electronically and involved 121 public health centers, 49 primary care clinics, and 67 IT staff from district health offices. Focus group discussions were held to delve deeper into the assessment results and gain more descriptive insights. In this study, 237 participants represented 3 distinct categories: 121 public health centers, 67 district health offices, and 49 primary clinics. These instances were selected from a sample of 9 of the 34 provinces in Indonesia. Collected data from interviews and focus group discussions were transformed into scores on a scale of 1 to 5, with 1 indicating low ICT readiness and 5 indicating high ICT readiness. On average, the breakdown of ICT maturity scores was as follows: 2.71 for human resources' capability in ICT use and system management, 2.83 for software and information systems, 2.59 for hardware, and 2.84 for infrastructure, resulting in an overall average score of 2.74. According to the ICT maturity level pyramid, the ICT maturity of health care providers in Indonesia fell between the basic and good levels. The need to pursue best practices also emerged strongly. Further analysis of the ICT maturity scores, when examined by province, revealed regional variations. The maturity of ICT use is influenced by several critical components. Enhancing human resources, ensuring infrastructure, the availability of supportive hardware, and optimizing information systems are imperative to attain ICT maturity in health care services. In the context of ICT maturity assessment, significant score variations were observed across health care levels in the 9 provinces, underscoring the diversity in ICT readiness and the need for regionally customized follow-up actions.

Humanizing Pedagogy: The Human-Centric Approach to Technology Integration for Teacher Training

The rapid expansion of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) in education has the potential to revolutionise higher educational opportunities and promote social development for students through techno-equipped teacher educators. However, despite this intensive growth, for Sub-Saharan Africa, a substantial gap still exists between the widespread use of ICTs and their effective implementation in education. In this theoretical paper, we examine the challenges and consequences embedded in this gap in higher education, through the lens of humanising pedagogy, with a focus on the potential harm to the students’ social development. The study however makes some crucial recommendations on policy and practice through an exploration of strategies and propositions for bridging this divide to utilise the full educational potential of ICTs in the African higher education context. We argue for the adoption of humanising pedagogy in higher education for better contribution towards economic and social development through education. We conclude by presenting a suggested model, which we termed ‘Human-centric ICT integration Model’ for effective integration of the said ICTs in a humanistic approach for preservice teacher training.

Household information and communication technology usage and post-harvest losses in Nigeria

PurposePost-harvest losses are becoming a huge issue globally and predominantly severe in developing countries. Food losses decrease farm income by 15% for about 480m small-scale farming households. With technology adoption, particularly, Information and Communication Technology (ICT) usage, minimising post-harvest losses will be more effective, because of its ability to build households’ human development by bridging the information gap.Design/methodology/approachThis study empirically examines the impact of ICT usage on post-harvest losses in Nigeria, utilising Wave 4 (2018/2019) of the Living Standards Measurement Studies (LSMS), Integrated Survey on Agriculture (ISA). The study engages the Logit regression and Propensity Score Matching (PSM) to analyse the data.FindingsThe findings show that post-harvest losses constitute about 38% of household agricultural production. In addition, it shows that the influence of ICT is statistically significant and positive in reducing post-harvest losses.Research limitations/implicationsIt implies that access to mobile phones and the Internet by households helps in developing their human capital through information access, for example, by linking them to the market and enhancing value chain participation. In addition, the implication is that mobile phone and Internet access contribute 1.87% and 2.68%, respectively, to reducing post-harvest losses. The findings suggest that there is a need for the government to improve support mechanisms for ICT usage among farming households.Social implicationsThe study contributes to the society by examining how the well-being of farmers can be improved upon in order to increase their productivity.Originality/valueThe study on the contribution of ICT to post-harvest losses is relatively sparse in the extant literature. Therefore, this study is among the very few to empirically examine the impact of different ICT indicators, using the LSMS-ISA (2019) data and engaging propensity matching, while focusing on the household heads.

Chronicling participants’ understanding and experiences of integrating ICT into the teaching of geography in South African schools

This article examines geography teachers’, parents’ and learners’ understanding and experiences of the integration of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) in the teaching of that subject. The study was guided by the TPACK-SAMR model, which proved to be a reliable tool for measuring the extent of ICT integration. The purposive sampling technique that was employed enabled the researchers to identify participants for the research study related to the importance of integrating ICTs into the teaching and learning of geography. The article draws its purpose from the integration of technologies into the teaching of geography as a means of preparing and equipping learners who take this subject with the type of skills required in the 21st-century job market. Surprisingly, the research findings revealed that some teachers still do not feel comfortable to integrate diverse technologies into their teaching of geography, perceiving it as time consuming. Their unwillingness to become digital citizens and conform to the demands of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) is a drawback, as are learners’ inappropriate use of ICTs (visiting irrelevant, unwanted sites instead of downloading subject-related content). To empower learners to adopt and use ICTs as valuable tools and solutions on their learning journey drastic changes are required, particularly on the part of curriculum planners in geography.

THE APPLICATION OF INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY (ICT) IN ENGLISH CLASSROOMS: A CASE STUDY OF SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN BARISAL.

The present study examined the adoption of ICT in secondary English language classes in Barisal, Bangladesh, from the perspectives of teachers and students. The research included a survey of 40 students and in-depth interviews with three English educators. In Barisal city, Bangladesh, secondary English language classrooms employ ICT. This study sought to understand the utilization of ICT in secondary English language classrooms. The study used mixed methods to obtain quantitative and qualitative data. A student survey collected quantitative data, while teacher interviews and classroom observations collected qualitative data. According to the survey, most students believe that integrating ICT in the classroom improves learning and English language acquisition. Educators also believe ICT can improve English language learning. They lack ICT resources and technological expertise. Students prefer to use ICT in English classes because they believe it improves learning. The classroom observations showed that educators used ICT in their lessons, although to various degrees. The research found that secondary English language instruction in Barisal, Bangladesh, uses ICT. However, some instructors may have limited access to ICT resources and technical skills, so there is room for improvement. The study also found that students want to use ICT in English classes because they think it will improve their learning. This means that Information and Communication Technology (ICT) can help secondary students learn English.

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.