Use Of Information Communication Technology Research Articles

Integration of Information Communication Technology in Journalism Practice: A Survey of Journalists in Ekiti Metropolis, Nigeria

The aim of this study was predicated on the need to ascertain the extent to which Nigerian Journalists, especially those in the state capital of Ekiti state; have integrated the use of information communication technology (ICT) tools in their journalism practice which includes, but not limited to; news gathering, dissemination etc. The objectives among others is to decipher the extent of use and the adoption of new information communication technologies in journalism practise. A total of thirty four (34) TV and radio journalists were sampled with a view to ascertain their use and types ICT tools employed for the achievement of communication efficiency. Despite the perceived importance of the role of ICT in improving communication efficiency (as opined by 97% of the respondents), findings from this study revealed that the use of modern ICT tools were not fully employed for their day to day task execution. Also, only 24% of the respondents agreed to the availability and free access to internet facility in their day to day operations while 64.7% own or have personal access through their owned devices. The challenges enumerated by journalists includes lack of corporate internet access and information, technology hardware and software configurations that are crucial to journalism in new media practice. Hence, it is recommended media proprietors should provide as part of the work environment, modern facilities to enable journalists discharge their duties in line with international best practices.

Information Communication Technology Use and Job Performance of Teachers at a Private International School in Uganda

This study assessed the influence of information communication technology (ICT) use on job performance of teachers at a private International School in Kampala, Uganda. Specifically, the study assessed the influence of ICT enabled school administration, electronic information resources access and ICT enabled collaborative teaching and learning on job performance of teachers. Using the correlational research design, data were collected from teachers using a self-administered questionnaire. Descriptive results showed that performance of teachers was good and use of ICT enabled school administration, electronic information resources access, collaborative teaching and learning was high. Regression analysis revealed that while electronic information resources access had a positive and significant influence on job performance of teachers, ICT enabled school administration and ICT enabled collaborative teaching and learning had a positive but insignificant influence on performance of teachers. It was concluded that electronic information resources access is very essential for job performance of teachers but ICT enabled school administration and ICT enabled collaborative teaching are not critical for job performance of teachers. It was thus recommended that stakeholders in the education sector including the Ministry of Education, Directors of schools and head teachers should promote teachers’ access to electronic information resources access giving less emphasis to ICT enabled school administration and ICT enabled collaborative teaching.

Implementation of Modern Information Communication Technologies (ICT) in Higher Education Sector: International Experience and The Example of Uzbekistan

The Information and Communication Technology (ICT) is the powerful tool for the successful delivery of quality education in higher institutions. A range of countries understanding the full benefit of it have already implemented and developing the usage of ICT in higher education sector, though in Uzbekistan still can be faced some challenges on this regard. The purpose of this study is therefore to contribute to the growing evidence on the use and acceptance of ICT by higher institutions of learning in Uzbekistan. The paper critically analyzes the current students’ and teachers’ perceptions on ICT usage, involving 23 higher educational institutions in Uzbekistan and provides some recommendations on improvement through studying international experience.

Millennials and ICT—Findings from the Technology 4 Young Adults (T4YA) Project: An Exploratory Study

Information communication technology (ICT) is becoming a pivotal element in the twenty-first century, and while there has been substantial work conducted to understand ICT use by older adults, there is a paucity of knowledge relating to ICT use and behavior by Millennials. The Technology 4 Young Adults (T4YA) study opens the discussion to the barriers and enablers of ICT by Millennials in their day-to-day activities. Eight participants aged 18–33 years were recruited, and open-ended questions were posed to the focus groups participants. A total of three focus groups were conducted, two focus groups were conducted in Pontefract (West Yorkshire, England) and one focus group was conducted in Swansea (West Glamorgan, Wales); all focus groups were recorded and transcribed verbatim. Primary themes included: hardware, privacy issues/concerns, confidence, usability/functionality, day-to-day activities, and content/sharing of information. Day-to-day activities were undertaken primarily on smartphones, such as online banking and shopping, while privacy and trust concerns was a conversation thread throughout the discussions. Further work is needed with larger sample sizes, taking a multi-methods approach to extract quantitative data to underpin qualitative data analysis and frameworks. This exploratory study intersects at the fields of social sciences and human–computer interaction.

IMPACT OF ICT AND SOCIAL NETWORKS SITES UTILIZATION ON OLDER PEOPLE’S WELL-BEING AND LONELINESS: A SCOPING REVIEW

In the last decade the debate on ageing issues has been powered by the relationship between older people wellbeing, loneliness, Information Communication Technology (ICT) and Social Networks Sites (SNSs). A scoping review on social experiment studies, analysing the casual effect of technologies use on older adults’ wellbeing and loneliness, has been realized to support the randomized controlled trial included in “Aging in a Networked Society” project. The study aims to review the social experiments on the relationship between technology-use, older people wellbeing and loneliness, to provide a critical analysis of studies, to underline drivers and barriers in existing literature and to provide recommendations for future study and policy. 133 papers have been selected using interdisciplinary search engines (Scopus, Pubmed, Web of sciences, Google Scholar), taking into account contents and methods used. An in-depth examination of 9 experiences of social experiment have been provided, focused on six dimensions: “aims”, “design”, “sampling”, “intervention”, “findings” and “limitations". The literature show the positive effects of ICT, internet and SNSs use on older people wellbeing and quality of life. Our review underlines how the older people shown interest in ICT use to support their social relations, and how it should become a social driver. The low widespread of experimental studies impacts on the literature evidences. The main limits are related to the recruitment and sampling. Social experiment practices, based on controlled randomized trial, should be widespread to better support the evidences in ageing issue.

Supply Chain Management Practices and SME Performance in Arua Municipality, Uganda

This study focused on the relationship between supply chain management practices and SME performance in Arua Municipality, Uganda. The research axiology is value free and the approach is deductive. Data were sourced using both structured and semi-structured questionnaire survey consisting of 140 SMEs registered with the Uganda Registration Services Bureau (URSB).Research outcomes revealed that supply chain collaboration is a precursor of SME performance. Whereas, internal management, use of information communication technology and innovation were proven to be statistically insignificant predictors of SME performance.The analysis of the study is deterministic and findings are hypothetical. The research design prohibits studying SME performance using exploratory views. In addition, data collection tool was standardized questionnaire design, and operationalised using quantitative procedures. Application of an in-depth interview could have given profound insights of the studied phenomenon.The practical effects of this study are that: owners and/or Managers of SMEs should improve performance by engaging in collaborative approaches such as long term contracts and interdependence. Scholarly presentations on the effects of supply chain management practices on the performance of SMEs in Arua Municipality, Uganda have attracted little scholarly attention in the past years. This study is therefore of momentous contribution in this area of research.

Understanding the use of health information technology for maternal and child health practitioner training in low and middle income countries

Objectives:To assess the evidence of information communication technology (ICT) use in the training of maternal and child health (MCH) workers, discuss methodological issues present in the identifi...

ГИГИЕНИЧЕСКАЯ ОЦЕНКА УРОВНЕЙ ЭЛЕКТРОМАГНИТНОГО ПОЛЯ ЭЛЕКТРОННОЙ ИНФОРМАЦИОННО-ОБРАЗОВАТЕЛЬНОЙ СРЕДЫ ШКОЛ

Results of the study on hygienic assessment of the electromagnetic field levels of the electronic information-educational schools’ environment showed that the intensity values of the electromagnetic field were within the limits of the permissible levels in conference rooms, in recreation, in canteens, in classrooms and in workplaces of computer and distance-learning rooms. The packages of system units, small servers, microwave ovens, monitors, televisions, laptops, sockets and extension cords were the main sources of electromagnetic radiation in modern comprehensive schools. The values of electromagnetic radiation of ultrahigh frequencies in the general education establishments were within the limits of the maximum permissible levels. We have been developed recommendations for the hygienic safety of the information-communication technology use and the equipment and furniture placement in computer classes of comprehensive schools.

Teacher Perceptions and the Use of Information Communication Technology in Schools: A Case of Public Primary Schools in Matete Sub-County, Kakamega County, Kenya

Teacher Perceptions and the Use of Information Communication Technology in Schools: A Case of Public Primary Schools in Matete Sub-County, Kakamega County, Kenya

Proposal of an Implementation Methodology of ICT Processes

The challenge to enhance the use of Information Communication Technology (ICT) in the Brazilian Federal Public Administration involves not only technological issues but also staff training, adaptation to new culture, and understanding of processes. Furthermore, knowledge must be well aligned and articulated so that ICT resources are applied efficiently and effectively, meeting the needs of society, ensuring the provision of quality public service and, above all, providing better conditions for the exercise of functions performed by employees. This article presents an account of the implementation of the ICT processes in a State Company based on the ICT Governance Kit proposed for the Secretariat of Coordination and Governance of State Companies. During the execution of the case study, we surveyed the initial diagnosis of the processes performed by the State, as well as brainstormings and semi-structured interviews to help the implementation process. The diagnosis made it possible to identify the level of maturity of the existing ICT processes in the State and to verify if they were being carried out in the best possible way. The driving dynamics worked as a pilot, allowing the exchange of knowledge between teams, improvements suggestion in some processes of the Kit and the definition of a proposed methodology for the implementation of the Kit that could serve as a model to be used by other States which will implement the Kit. Lastly, the processes contemplated in the Kit were considered adherent by the execution team (State employees specialists in ICT Governance who participated in the implementation process), and the suggested artifacts were validated.

Information Communication Technology Use and Its Accessibility Motivation On the Enhancement of Student Centred Learning Among Public Secondary School Students in Bungoma County, Kenya

Information Communication Technology Use and Its Accessibility Motivation On the Enhancement of Student Centred Learning Among Public Secondary School Students in Bungoma County, Kenya

An analysis of core functions offered by software packages aimed at the supply chain management software market

The Purpose of this paper is to investigate the use of software packages (SP) aimed at the supply chain management (SCM) market. The aim is to analyse and classify the range of software functionalities offered by a variety of SCM-SPs currently in the market. This is important to gain an insight into the current and future trend in demands for applications of information & communication technology (ICT) for SCM. The study assumes that most ICT hardware used for SCM processes will require software interaction. Thus study of the variety of functionalities offered by SCM-SPs will provide insights into the use of ICT for SCM.In this paper, literature on SCM and applications of ICT for SCM is used to develop a SCM software function classification map (SCM-SFC map) for SPs aimed at the SCM market. The SCM-SFC map breaks down the SCM process into four key functional areas: sales management, relationship management, planning & production management and flow management. Each key functional area is further broken down into an overall of sixteen areas of core software functions. We then analysed 242 SCM-SPs currently in the market. We identified a total of 1295 software functionalities present in the 242 SCM-SPs. Each of these functionalities was then classified within the taxonomy of the SCM-SFC map. The results were used to identify areas of high and low intensity of core software functions and key SCM functionalities present in SCM-SPs analysed.The main finding indicated that flow management to coordinate supply chain operations consisted nearly half of functionalities offered by SCM-SPs. ICT is particularly useful in the SCM sector for prevention of bullwhip and cash flow bullwhip effects. The study also indicates a potential growing trend towards using ICT for forecasting at the upstream end of the supply chain. At the downstream end of the supply chain, the study suggests that ICT could increasingly be used for online retailing through software functionalities that enables integration with online platforms to allow E-commerce processes. The research provided the SCM-SFC map as a new means to categorise functionalities offered by SCM-SPs. Analysing SCM-SPs and listing their functionalities within the taxonomic framework of the SCM-SPs was also a novel approach at investigating the use of ICT for SCM. This approach can be used as a means to regularly provide insights into market changes in terms of demands from ICT for SCM practices.

Information Communication Technology Use and Infrastructural Motivation on the Enhancement of Student Centred Learning among Public Secondary School Students in Bungoma County, Kenya

Information Communication Technology Use and Infrastructural Motivation on the Enhancement of Student Centred Learning among Public Secondary School Students in Bungoma County, Kenya

The Use of Information Communication Technologies Among Children With Autism Spectrum Disorders: Descriptive Qualitative Study.

BackgroundThe prevalence of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) appears to be increasing globally due to the complex interaction of multiple biopsychosocial and environmental factors. Mobile phones, tablets, and other electronic gadgets have transformed our means of communication, and have also changed both healthcare and how we learn. These technological enhancements may have a positive impact on the lives of children, but there is currently a global scarcity of information on how information technology influences the education of children with ASD.ObjectiveThis study was conducted in Rwandan schools and communities, and aimed to understand the perceptions of students with ASD, their parents, and their teachers, on the use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in the education of those with ASD.MethodsThis qualitative descriptive study was conducted from December 2017 to July 2018. Researchers conducted four focus group discussions (FGDs) with 54 participants from different backgrounds: teachers, parents, and students with ASD. Each of the FGDs took approximately two and a half hours. A predefined set of open-ended questions were selected to discover people’s perceptions regarding assistive technologies used in ASD, their effectiveness, the scope of using them in their context, and upcoming challenges during implementation. The interviews were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed.ResultsThe findings of the study revealed seven key themes: (1) the use of ICT for the education of children with ASD; (2) existing augmentative facilities for learning; (3) current patterns of use of ICT in education; (4) preferred areas of learning for ASD students; (5) integration of ICT into educational programs; (6) areas of interest outside the classroom; and (7) future opportunities and challenges in Rwanda. We found most of the study participants assumed that appropriate technology and related innovations might solve the challenges faced by learners with ASD in classrooms. Moreover, they thought that children with ASD more so enjoyed watching television, playing digital games, and drawing objects using gadgets than interacting with people or playing with other children.ConclusionsThe use of various low-cost technical devices can aid with teaching and the education of children with autism in Rwanda. However, this area requires further research to discover the impact ICT can have on the education of children with ASD, so this study may become a starting point for further research in the area.

Use of Information Communication Technologies by Vegetable Growers of Uttarakhand

Uttarakhand is first and foremost an agricultural state and its share in the country’s total GDP is very small. More than half per cent of the population of Uttarakhand depend on agriculture for their livelihood. This emphasised the need for innovative approaches for agricultural development in the hilly region of the state. Majority of hill women are engaged in vegetable cultivation. Hill women were suffering from various problems due to lack of knowledge, information and education on various aspects. Thus, dissemination of information and education on various new aspects is necessary to empower the hill women. Present investigation was conducted in four villages viz; Koan, Baldiyakhan, Devidhura and Aadukhan of Nainital District of Uttarakhand. Result revealed that majority of respondents fall in middle age and belonged to General caste and can read and write. All the respondents have Mobile phone and television. Majority of respondents take the farming related information from neighbour followed by Input Dealer.

The Use of Blended Learning Approach in EFL Education

The 21ST century education is a revolution that encounters the use of ICT (Information Communication Technology) as a component tool of education aligned with the contexts of teaching and learning. It is widely used in every surface of education particularly in teaching and learning EFL (English as a Foreign Language). When it comes to EFL education, traditional language teaching methodologies are intensively substituted with the new technological-integrated approaches. Currently, blended learning is used as an applicable approach and EFL education is surrounded by its features. It has really restructured the educational context and has paved the way for effective EFL practices. In fact, blended learning cooperates EFL educators a variety of interactive language activities while it is double component, integration of face-to-face education and technology-generated approaches. Therefore, this article investigates the use of blended learning approach in EFL education and undertakes an in-depth review of literatures, practices, and authentic enhancements of blended learning in the context of EFL education. The study enriches creative ideas toward the use of blended learning approaches in EFL classrooms. It indicates that blended learning approach provides a flexible language learning platform, endorse academic achievements of the learners, and influences EFL education.

The art of good neighboring in Kampoeng Cyber: Community economic development through ICTs

ABSTRACTIn this exploratory paper, we examine how a community in Indonesia, Kampoeng Cyber, leverages Information & Communication Technologies (ICTs) to support its social and community development. We describe the various technology-related activities and their impact on the transformation of the community that led to improvements in the quality of life of the community members. We interviewed thirteen of the community members and made direct observations of the community, its website, and social media accounts used by the community members. Textual analysis of the data revealed that the ICTs play a significant role in helping the community members to develop themselves in terms of both economic development and social tie maintenance. Our results suggest that government policies dealing with urban development may need to have a more explicit focus related to ICT use and community empowerment. We contribute to an enhanced understanding of ICT-based initiatives that strengthen the local community through participation.

Secular Trends in Information Communications Technology: Access, Use, and Attitudes of Young and Older Patients With Diabetes.

Advances in information communications technology (ICT) provide opportunities for enhanced diabetes care. Knowledge of the more acceptable communication modalities in patients of different ages will help to inform the direction of future innovations. An anonymous ICT survey (examining access and use of mobile phones, computers, tablets, and the Internet and attitudes toward e-mail, Web-based consultations, and online peer-support) was conducted at the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital Diabetes Centre in Sydney, Australia. Survey deployment occurred during 4-month periods in 2012 and 2017. Respondents were stratified by current age (<40 or ≥40 years). A total of 614 unselected patients (20% with type 1 diabetes, 55% with type 2 diabetes, 13% with gestational diabetes mellitus, and 12% with an undisclosed type of diabetes) completed the survey. Access to ICT increased from 89% in 2012 to 97% in 2017. The most commonly owned device was a mobile phone (87% ownership in 2017). Increase in mobile Internet usage in the <40 years of age subgroup was significant (P = 0.04). Significant increases in Internet access and smartphone feature use were observed in patients aged ≥40 years (P ≤0.001 for all). Overall use of short message service (SMS, or text messaging) was high (90 and 80% for ages <40 and ≥40 years, respectively). Use of digital applications was low, even among the young (45% in 2017). Comfort with online consultations (40%) and support groups (32%) was also low. Access to and acceptance and use of ICT is high, especially in those <40 years of age; however, the greatest increases were seen in those aged ≥40 years. High penetrance of mobile phones and text messaging in all age-groups would suggest that innovations involving an SMS platform have the greatest potential to enhance diabetes care.

ICT Development of Community in Rural Areas

Information Communication Technology (ICT) is no longer limited to urban population, but it has become increasingly relevant to the rural population. The use of ICT is evident through availability of ICT services for all in Malaysia’s rural areas. The internet in particular is gaining influences in the lives of rural communities in many aspects such as socially, educationally or economically is moving towards digitization. The establishment of ICT centers in rural areas has accelerated the adaptation of ICT in rural areas. Therefore, in general, this article will discuss the importance of ICT usage for rural community, and the government initiatives toward enhancing the ICT usage especially in the telecentre. The significance of having telecentres function as the centre for ICT excellence in rural areas. The telecentre provides ICT facilities such as internet and computer training room for use by rural community. Moreover, the establishment of telecentre is aiming for ICT awareness among the rural; one of the government initiatives.

The Application of the Internet of Things to Enhance Smart Cities

This paper explores the application of the Internet of Things (IoT) as a tool to promote sustainable urban development in the context of Smart City campaigns. As an important element of the smart city concept, IoT is expected to enhance urban sustainability through sensor networks that detect and transmit data. However, challenges remain, adding a layer of difficulty to the process of using the Internet of things to achieve the goals.This paper affirms the concept and relationship of smart city and Internet of things. Then the use of the Internet of things technology in all aspects of supporting the sustainable development of the city was discussed. Therefore, the field of urban planning must cooperate to make good use of the Internet of things technology to achieve sustainable development. The development and application of IoT technology is closely related to the smart city movement. The current trend towards the use of information communication technology (ICT) in cities and architecture may pose new problems and challenges than urban planners. In the context of the smart city movement, urban planners need to understand the role that every ICT is playing in order to make better use of these technologies.