Use Of Information And Communication Technologies Research Articles

Analyzing the EKC hypothesis for technologically advanced countries: The role of ICT and renewable energy technologies

International initiatives, such as the Paris Climate Conference and the COP26 conference, have highlighted the role of technology in fighting environmental problems. However, it is uncertain whether technologies are beneficial in curbing carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. To find an answer to this question, the study focuses on four technologically advanced countries (United Kingdom, Switzerland, Norway, Denmark), considers information and communication technologies (ICT), renewable energy technologies (RRD), and economic growth in relation to environmental degradation, and tests the validity of the environmental Kuznets curve (EKC). The study applies Fourier approaches and uses data for the period 1989–2020. In this way, the study defines that (i) ICT and RRD are cointegrated with CO2 emissions; (ii) ICT mitigates environmental degradation in the United Kingdom, Denmark, Switzerland, and Norway; (iii) RRD expenditures, however, are not effective in reducing CO2 emissions; (iv) the EKC hypothesis is also validated for the countries studied. Thus, the study highlights the need for countries to rely on further use of ICT and income growth as effective policy instruments to mitigate CO2 emissions rather than RRD.

Psychometric properties of information and communication technology competencies scale: Latent profile analysis

Rapid expansion of information and communication technologies (ICT) underscores importance of ICT competency for success in modern society. In education, ICT facilitates knowledge acquisition, innovative teaching methods, and development of digital literacy skills. By measuring ICT competencies, teacher training programs can better equip educators for technology integration, leading to more effective teaching and learning processes. It is crucial for educational policies to emphasize integration of ICT and ensure teachers are prepared to utilize it effectively. The study aims to determine psychometric properties of “information and communication technology competency scale (ICTCS)” for pre-service teachers (PSTs) in the Russian setting and identify distinct proficiency levels among them. This study employed a mixed-methods approach to adapt a scale measuring PSTs’ ICT competencies. The research involved two different samples for exploratory factor analysis (EFA) (n=160) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) (n=326). To establish language validity, a translation, and cross-cultural adaptation process was followed. Data analysis included EFA, CFA, reliability estimation, and latent profile analysis, with satisfactory results obtained for scale’s psychometric properties. The study concludes that ICTCS, with two factors (ICTC-PU and ICTC-ID), is a valid and reliable measure of teachers’ attitudes and skills regarding ICT use. Four-class latent profile model reveals distinct competence levels, informing targeted professional development programs. Educational institutions and policymakers should prioritize these programs and use the scale for teacher evaluations. Future research should explore the efficacy of these programs, expand the sample size, incorporate objective measures, and employ longitudinal designs to better understand the impact on student outcomes.

A comprehensive bibliometric analysis of information and communication technologies in science education

Using information and communication technologies (ICTs) in science education is presented in this article along with a comprehensive bibliometric analysis. Relevant articles are extracted using specific keywords related to ICT and science education from data in the Scopus Database. Data is then analyzed using various bibliometric markers such as publication citation and collaboration patterns. In this study you will find things like publication types, author keywords, author geography and journals. The bibliometric analysis aims to uncover the publishing pattern and trends at the intersection of science education and ICT. The results of this study show the growth of ICT-related research and innovation in science education during the previous ten years. The bibliometric examination uncovers a huge expansion in the quantity of distributions, showing a developing interest around here. In general, this article enhances our comprehension of the current state of ICT innovation and use in science education. The results can make it simpler for educators, researchers, and policymakers to grasp current trends and priority areas, making it simpler to develop effective ICT integration strategies for science education. Future research areas and their consequences for practice are also highlighted.

Nightmare in remote mode: Evidence of remote abusive supervision in Indian organisations

Drawing support from the conservation of resources theory, cognitive appraisal theory and self-determination theory, we investigate the link between remote abusive supervision (RAS) and life satisfaction (LS) through the mediating roles of obsessive work passion (OWP) and work-to-life conflict (WLC). We also examine the moderating role of information and communication technology (ICT) usage through the underpinnings of self-determination theory. Hypotheses were tested using SEM on 236 adults working from home for an Indian ITES company. RAS is found to be negatively related to LS, and OWP and WLC positively mediate the relationship; additionally, ICT usage moderates between OWP, WLC and LS.

Use, Misuse, and Abuse of ICT in Nepalese Education Policy: A WPR Analysis

Of late, a young school student from Mahottari's Shree Kishor Janta Madhyamik Vidhyalay, has exposed the administration's blatant deceit. He was most concerned about the conspicuous dearth of high-quality education (see this Facebook video at: https://www.facebook.com/watch?v=308978328234703). Surprisingly, the school is egregiously deficient in even the most basic conveniences required for a conducive learning atmosphere. There are glaringly insufficient restrooms, not enough clean drinking water, and even not enough teachers at this facility. The sheer pace at which the internet and digital learning, among other technological advancements, have become so crucial in today’s everyday academic practices, pedagogy and parlance has become alarming. Owing to its efficiency, reliability, and the liberalization of knowledge, as well as its functionality in addressing crises such as the most recent Covid-19 pandemic, ICT has become an essential, irreplaceable tool. Hence, this paper explores the use, abuse and misuse of Information and Communication Technology, highlighting since its inception in 2012. This study explores how Information and Communication Technology (ICT) has been incorporated into Nepal's educational approach. The study applies the "What is the Problem Represented to be?" (WPR) analytical framework to examine the policy's implementation, outcomes, potential, and challenges within Nepal's educational system. ICT adoption aims to switch from traditional to student-centered learning by 2018 to increase educational access and quality. The report underlines persistent policy implementation, teacher ICT training, public-private partnerships, and community engagement as ways to preserve the use of ICT in education. It exhorts decision-makers to ensure policy objectives are carried out effectively and encourages resource allocation to address these problems. It also emphasizes how ICT may revolutionize schooling. The study uses a thorough WPR analysis to look at how ICT has been incorporated into Nepal's educational policy, highlighting challenges, inconsistencies, and workable solutions to make the most of ICT's potential to improve educational quality and accessibility.

The Challenges and Factors Influencing ICT Integration for EFL Teachers in China: A Systematic Review

The advantages of using information and communication technology (ICT) in English as a Foreign Language (EFL) teaching and learning have been well documented in research studies. The international trend and Chinese national policies on education both call for EFL teachers to effectively integrate ICT into their teaching. However, only a few studies have explored the challenges of ICT integration into EFL teaching, especially in China. This study draws data from four databases based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) 2020 checklist to ensure a comprehensive and rigorous analysis of the available literature. By synthesising and analysing the findings from the final selected 17 articles between 2019 and 2022, this study highlighted the research designs of the relevant studies on the use of ICT by EFL teachers in China, along with the two most important underlying theories (TPACK and TAM) associated with ICT integration. It also provides insights into the specific challenges and influencing factors that impact ICT integration in EFL teaching in the Chinese context. The findings reveal that EFL teachers’ ICT literacy and acceptance are influenced by many factors which are frequently classified into external and internal ones. The majority of the reviewed studies offered recommendations on how to use technology more effectively, apply ICT in EFL teaching, and create authentic teaching and learning environments. Additionally, the findings of this study offer suggestions for future research and teaching approaches, particularly for overcoming the challenges of ICT integration.

과학기술정책의 사회적 수용성 제고를 위한 실증연구

This study conducted a basic research on how to improve citizens’ acceptance of science and technology policies. The research was based on the ‘Theory Reasoned Action (TRA)’ to analyze the relationship between citizens’ perceptions and attitudes toward the recent Fourth Industrial Revolution of the science and technology policies. For more in-depth analysis, differences of the citizens’ level of ICT utilization were verified, and the risk perception of science and technology policies was used as a parameter. The results of the analysis were found are as follows. First, the perception of the Fourth Industrial Revolution had a negative effect on the risk perception at a statistically significant level, and a positive effect on the attitude of the Fourth Industrial Revolution at a statistically significant level. Further, it was confirmed that risk perception had a positive influence on the attitude of the 4th Industrial Revolution at a statistically significant level. Second, it was found that the perception of the Fourth Industrial Revolution reduced the attitude of the Fourth Industrial Revolution through the risk perception. Third, there was a significant difference depending on the level of ICT utilization, meaning that the higher utilization level lowers the risk perception of the Forth Industrial Revolution. Based on the analysis results, the following implications were presented. First, the necessity of preparing various promotional measures to raise the awareness of science and technology policies was confirmed. Second, the higher the level of ICT utilization lowered the awareness of science and technology policies, so it is necessary to provide various educational programs to reduce the digital gap. Third, it was confirmed that training on possible risk situations and finding solutions through science and technology policies is needed.

Trends of cybercrime from 2001 to 2021: cybersecurity action plan for Papua New Guinea

Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) and by extension the Internet, have brought immense sociological transformations to humanity. Despite the development the Internet has brought to humanity, the Government of Papua New Guinea (GoPNG) has not lost sight of the fact that the use of ICTs and other related supporting devices are fraught with cybercrime and cyber insecurities that constitute challenges to global law enforcement agencies in PNG and other nations of the world. This paper reports the trends on victims of cybercrimes from 2001 to 2021 and presents an action plan for PNG. The data analysed in this study was explicated from the Internet crime reports published by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and National White Collar Crime Center (IC3). The data were analysed using descriptive statistics and XGraph component of the Statistical Package for Social Sciences’ Population Pyramid. The results confirmed that the number of Internet users that were defrauded increased exponentially from 2016 to 2021. Results from the data explicated from the World Bank on Internet use, revealed that the population of Internet users in PNG and Australia will increase at a minimum rate of 1% to 2% for the next few years. These findings suggest that cybercrimes will be on the rise as the number of Internet users increase at 1% to 2% in PNG and Australia in the next few years. The findings present appropriate strategies to address the incidences of cybercrimes in PNG.

Indicators of knowledge, usefulness, and use of ICT among primary schoolteachers

This paper presents a study on the perceptions of primary school teachers regarding their knowledge, usefulness, and use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) in education. Likewise, the relationship between sex, age, working time and the educational center in which it is found with the perceptions about ICT is obtained. To answer these questions, a battery of 14 categorical closed questions is designed, divided into four blocks: socio-demographic information; knowledge of ICT; usefulness of ICT; and use of ICT. In the context of measuring the knowledge, usefulness and use of ICT in education, the novelty of this work relies on the design of an indicator for each of the ICT-related blocks following the methodology of Human Development Indicators created by the United Nations Development Program. In this research, 119 teachers from Spanish primary schools were chosen as the study sample to answer the questions’ battery. The results show a direct relationship between knowledge, usefulness, and use, although not significant. Although teachers are aware of the usefulness of ICT, and the Covid-19 pandemic has increased the use of technological tools for planning teaching in blended or distance learning lessons, this does not mean teachers have a greater knowledge of ICT. In addition, the findings indicate a greater knowledge by teachers in public schools, which contrasts with the finding that teachers in grant-assisted schools make the most use of ICT and find it the most useful. Finally, it is also suggested that the study's methodology and approach could be applied to other contexts or countries.

A Bridge or a Wall: Teachers Mediating ICT in the Classroom

While information and communication technology (ICT) has changed every aspect of our lives and will continue to do so, it is the role of education to prepare students adequately for their future adult lives in the digital age. This places high expectations on teachers. This article aims to provide an understanding of how teachers’ attitudes towards ICT in the classroom are reflected in the regular use of ICT in their daily teaching practices and how teachers describe their role in preparing young people for adult life in the digital age. Data from the DigiGen project are used, which entails in-depth semi-structured interviews with eight general-education (grades 1–12) teachers from Estonia. The results indicate that teachers’ attitudes vary—while some perceive ICT as a natural part of life, others have more moderate or even sceptical attitudes towards ICT use in the classroom. Teachers’ practices in using ICT in the classroom differ greatly, but most are monotonous, putting students in a passive role. Teachers understand their role in preparing young people for adult life in the digital age as important, although this is not reflected in their practices.

Information and Communication Technology (ICT) for Online Classes in Economics Education in TU, Nepal

This study intends to investigate how ICT is used for online economics classes and how students view online learning. This study has used a mixed-methods research approach to accomplish the objective. The quantitative findings from the student survey and the qualitative data gained from the evaluation of key informant interviews have provided a level of understanding. Total 28 students of Master Level Economics Education admitted in Mahendra Ratna Campus, Tahachal were taken for the study to investigate the issues. TU altered its academic calendar and closed physical sessions beginning on March 24, 2020, following the finding of the first case of COVID-19 in Nepal on January 23, 2020, in an effort to limit the impact on students' learning and time. The university then made the decision to switch to an online teaching mode. The objective of this action research is to analyze the role of ICT for online classes, to measure students’ positive and negative reactions regarding online classes, and the problems underlying in online classes. The major findings of the study include infrastructure need to be enhanced for the expansion of ICT Services and use of ICT in education. The majority of students said that their online learning experience was normal and online classes were of good quality. Infrastructure connectivity is deemed to be adequate. Online learning platform is new among teachers and students and met educational needs and maintained regularity. Smart Phones were major device for remote learning.

Efektivitas Filantropi Indonesia dalam Mendukung Pencapaian Pembangunan Budaya Berkelanjutan Ditinjau dari Aspek Kewarganegaraan

Information and communication technology (ICT) facilitates quick and easy access to a wide range of information and information resources worldwide for students and teachers. Due to the importance of ICT in learning, it is necessary to identify factors that might influence its integration into the educational environment. This study examined the relationship between motivation, self- efficacy and the use of information and communication technology for learning among college students in Kwara State. This study also examined the influence of gender on motivation, self-efficacy and the use of ICT for learning This research is a descriptive design using the cross sectional survey method. The study samples were taken from one federal, one state and one private university (three universities) in Kwara state. The respondents were 296 students (170 boys and 126 girls and 54 arts, 104 social studies and 138 students. As a result it can be recommended that adequate support should be provided to students to obtain ICT resources and applications for the improvement of their studies, also teachers should integrate the use of ICT in their lessons regularly to encourage students to use it.

Analisis Kompetensi Pustakawan dalam Penerapan Teknologi Informasi dan Komunikasi di Perpustakaan Khusus Kementerian/Lembaga

The role of adaptive librarians affects the implementation of Information and Communication Technology (ICT), especially in governmental libraries. It adjusts the competencies and abilities needed by librarians. Therefore, librarians are required to rebuild and improve their skills related to ICT. In Indonesia, Standar Kompetensi Kerja Nasional Indonesia (SKKNI) 2019 is used as a national education & training framework for librarians. To explore this theme according to SKKNI, a sequential exploratory research was conducted with contributions from librarians and/or library staff who work in governmental libraries across the Republic of Indonesia. Through in-depth interviews, focused group discussions with 28 librarians from 14 governmental libraries in Jabodetabek, also an online survey (74 respondents), the researchers were able to gain a pattern that showed the tendency of higher ability level in the competency units related to ICT utilization in the library than the competency units in developing library information systems. The unit of competence with the highest mean score is the unit of competence related to multimedia production, including the management of the library’s social media content. Aligning with this result, National Library as the central supervisor for the librarian needs to collaborate with related stakeholders, especially in accommodating competence development efforts to build a national digital ecosystem. Those efforts include the formulation of continuing development program -gradual education and training program. Through this collaboration between various stakeholders, the development of librarian competencies specifically within governmental libraries can be carried out efficiently, following the real needs in the field.

Health Care Professionals' Experiences With Using Information and Communication Technologies in Patient Care During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Qualitative Study.

The COVID-19 pandemic acted as a catalyst for the use of information and communication technology (ICT) in inpatient and outpatient health care settings. Digital tools were used to connect patients, families, and providers amid visitor restrictions, while web-based platforms were used to continue care amid COVID-19 lockdowns. What we have yet to learn is the experiences of health care providers (HCPs) regarding the use of ICT that supported changes to clinical care during the COVID-19 pandemic. The aim of this paper was to describe the experiences of HCPs in using ICT to support clinical care changes during the COVID-19 pandemic. This paper is reporting on a subset of a larger body of data that examined changes to models of care during the pandemic. This study used a qualitative, descriptive study design. In total, 30 HCPs were recruited from 3 hospitals in Canada. One-on-one semistructured interviews were conducted between December 2022 and June 2023. Qualitative data were analyzed using an inductive thematic approach to identify themes across participants. A total of 30 interviews with HCPs revealed 3 themes related to their experiences using ICT to support changes to clinical care during the COVID-19 pandemic. These included the use of ICT (1) to support in-person communication with patients, (2) to facilitate connection between provider to patient and patient to family, and (3) to provide continuity of care. HCP narratives revealed the benefits of digital tools to support in-person communication between patient and provider, the need for thoughtful consideration for the use of ICT at end-of-life care, and the decision-making that is needed when choosing service delivery modality (eg, web based or in person). Moving forward, organizations are encouraged to provide education and training on how to support patient-provider communication, find ways to meet patient and family wishes at end-of-life care, and continue to give autonomy to HCPs in their clinical decision-making regarding service delivery modality.

Digital Generation Influence on the Post-COVID-19 Use of Digital Technologies in Engineering Education: A Statistical Study

The COVID-19 pandemic caused a global health crisis that led to a sudden migration of many educational activities to digital environments. This migration affected the digitization process of higher education. This paper conducts a quantitative statistical analysis of the impact that the COVID-19 pandemic had on the habits of use of information and communication technologies (ICT) among 426 Latin American university professors in engineering areas. In particular, this impact has been analyzed in terms of the digital generation of the participating professors. To achieve this, the responses given by them on a validated questionnaire were examined for the purposes of this research. As a result, the COVID-19 pandemic has led to an increase of up to 47% in the use of ICT among engineering professors, but unevenly according to the different uses of these tools within the teaching activity. In addition, in engineering areas, it seems that digital natives have increased their use of ICT more than digital immigrants after the pandemic (between 8% and 20%, depending on the type of digital tool in question). It is suggested that universities take measures for the digital integration of older professors.

The Pharmacy of the Future: Pharmacy Professionals' Perceptions and Contributions Regarding New Services in Community Pharmacies.

The use of information and communication technologies (ICTs) has revolutionized the provision of health services, often referred to as eHealth, benefiting community pharmacies that can offer new services in innovative formats, namely through telepharmacy. This study aimed to explore the perceptions of pharmacy professionals (i.e., pharmacists and pharmacy technicians) on the provision of new services. The study consisted of administering an online questionnaire to pharmacy professionals nationwide. The questionnaire was developed by the research team, based on focus group methodology, from which an inductive analysis led to the categories that made up the dimensions of the survey. Participants were 95 pharmacy professionals with a mean age of 33.69 years old (SD = 10.75). Almost 79% were women. The results show overall receptivity to the development of new services in community pharmacies. Suggestions for the development of the new services, conditions necessary for their implementation, potential obstacles, and strategies to promote adherence to the new services, among others, are identified. The knowledge thus acquired will help community pharmacies to develop innovative solutions in counselling, pharmacotherapy monitoring, and pharmacovigilance, for example, of herb/dietary supplement-drug adverse reactions and interactions. Based on this information, new services can become more accessible, namely through the use of ICTs.

Przetechnologizowanie w nauczaniu języków obcych

The continuous development of modern information and communication technologies (ICT) is reflected in foreign language education, resulting in a plethora of multimedia tools, mobile applications and similar solutions. Although their use in the educational process may contribute to increase of the effectiveness of language class, their excess may lead to overstimulation and blur the primary goal of language tasks. In order to ensure the attractiveness and innovation of lessons and the activation of their participants, teachers may fall into the trap of unjustified use of modern technologies. This paper analyses the potential consequences of excessive use of ICT for participants of language class as well as for the educational process itself, situations where it is worth reaching for traditional tools, and the issue of how students perceive ICT. The research focused on the concept of “overtechnologisation” in foreign language teaching, involving 47 bachelor's students majoring in Dutch Studies at the University of Wrocław. The data collected in the study underwent both quantitative and qualitative analysis, revealing that while students are largely aware of the disadvantages of using ICT in language class, the benefits of digital tools in foreign language lessons clearly outweigh the potential challenges they pose to students. What is more, students do not experience the effect of “overtechnologisation” and this is mainly due to the fact that they view ICT as mere entertainment.

A global systematic literature review on sustainable soil management practices (1994–2022)

AbstractSustainable Soil Management Practices (SSMP) offer potential benefits while conserving natural resources. However, the low adoption of SSMP limits the achievement of their full potential. To examine the current state of knowledge on SSMP adoption and identify research gaps, we systematically reviewed 269 peer‐reviewed publications pooled from Scopus, Web of Science and ScienceDirect, covering the period from 1994 to 2022. We assessed the temporal and spatial transitions of SSMP adoption and identified a broad perspective of 14 themes on SSMP adoption and highlight the research trends and gaps. Prior to 2010, research on SSMP adoption was concentrated on a few themes and has become diversified in later years, covering emerging themes such as climate change and use Information and Communication Technology (ICT). Publications on SSMP adoption exhibited a global distribution, with particular emphasis on the African continent due to the flow of donors' funds driven by severe soil degradation and limited use of improved technologies in Africa. Studies on minimum soil disturbance were prevalent worldwide, with the highest number of publications. Our findings also indicate a strong research collaboration between developed and developing countries, showcasing donor‐driven collaborative efforts and mutual benefits across different regions. This review however highlights the limited inclusion of local knowledge in SSMP promotion and recommends a bottom‐up approach for future initiatives. In the discussion section, different critical factors of SSMP adoption covering farmers' perceptions, climate change, policy impact and the use of ICT are discussed. These findings and identified research gaps are useful for further research and the development of sustainable soil management policies, programmes and projects.

The duality of ICT-mediated overload: Its nature and consequences

Overload derived from the wide use of multiple information and communication technologies (ICTs) has become increasingly pervasive. Nevertheless, our understanding of the nature of ICT-mediated overload and how such overload affects individual productivity in multi-ICT context is limited. This study classifies ICT-mediated overload into congruent and incongruent types based on content relevance. Drawing upon transactional theory of stress, we then develop a holistic model to examine their impacts on individuals’ productivity through cognitive appraisals and coping responses. Results of our empirical study of 439 respondents with ICT usage experience illustrate that congruent information overload can lead to challenge appraisal, which in turn facilitates individuals’ innovative and routine uses of ICTs, ultimately improving their productivity; incongruent information overload and incongruent interruption overload induce hindrance appraisal, which further results in avoidant ICT use, thereby impairing productivity. This study contributes to the research on overload in the context of multiple ICTs by advancing our understanding of the nature of different types of ICT-mediated overload and by uncovering the mechanisms that govern the impacts of ICT-mediated overload on individuals’ productivity.

Revisiting Gendered ICT Attitude and Self-Efficacy: A Study of Technical University Students in Ghana

The existence of gender differences in the use of information and communication technology (ICT) impedes the attainment of gender equality and female empowerment. It is therefore essential to provide up-to-date knowledge on the gender ICT divide given that insight into ICT use by gender is often limited and not regularly updated, particularly for low- and lower-middle-income countries. Consequently, this study investigated gender differences in ICT usage, self-efficacy, attitude, and anxiety among technical university students in Ghana. The study is based on primary data conveniently collected from 409 students in a 3-year Higher National Diploma awarding technical university in Ghana using a self-administered questionnaire. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Mann–Whitney U tests, and ordered logistic regression. Male students, compared to their female peers, reported frequent use of ICT, have a more confident and positive attitude, and are less anxious about the use of computers and their related applications. Access to computers and students’ level of study were related to attitude and perceived ICT self-efficacy. Policymakers and administrators of higher education institutions should implement interventions to improve female self-confidence and the use of computers and their applications.