Information Communication Technology Usage Research Articles

Relationship between ICT Usage and the Teaching of Mathematics in Secondary Schools of Kalungu District, Central Uganda

This study explored the influence of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in teaching of mathematics in Secondary Schools of Kalungu District. The study objectives were to; (i) examine the extent to which ICT is used by Mathematics teachers, (ii) establish the effectiveness of teaching Mathematics, and (iii) examine the relationship between ICT usage and teaching of Mathematics in Secondary Schools of Kalungu District. Correlational type of design was used for the study whereby questionnaires and interview guide were used to collect data from a sample of 132 respondents. Quantitative data was analyzed using the SPSS where both inferential and descriptive techniques were used while qualitative data was summarised into themes and quotes. The study discovered that the level of ICT usage among teachers of mathematics in Kalungu District has an overall mean of 2.25 implying a moderate usage of Information Communication Technology; the effectiveness of teaching mathematics in secondary school in Kalungu District was high with an overall mean of 4.05 while the relationship between ICT usage and teaching of Mathematics in Secondary Schools of Kalungu District was not statistically significant (p = 0.373). Therefore, Formal policy guidelines for ICT usage should be put in place so that all teachers can attend in service training programmes at least once every academic year to update themselves with relevant skills for ICT usage in teaching mathematics.

Personal Earnings in Pakistan: Role of Information Communication Technology (ICT) and Livelihood Diversification

The determination of factors explaining personal earnings has remained a matter of great interest among economists. This study explores important socioeconomic and demographic factors affecting personal earnings in Pakistan with a special focus on the contribution of ICT usage and livelihood diversification. Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) regression models have been estimated using the most recent available PSLM (2019-20) data published by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS). After careful screening, the data has been restricted to only those individuals who earn either through farm, non-farm, or diversified livelihoods. The results suggest that the use of ICTs has a significant contribution to the earnings in Pakistan. Similarly, livelihood diversification i.e., participating in both farm and non-farm employment activities can greatly improve personal earnings. The non-farm sector also remarkably supports the agriculture-based Pakistan’s economy. Especially, the small landholders have to inevitably search for additional livelihood sources as risk coping strategy. Education is found one of the most important determinants of personal earnings. It is suggested that measures should be taken to improve access to ICTs and internet facilities at the national level with a special focus on the most backward areas. Moreover, the government may acknowledge and support the livelihood diversification strategies as a component of the national objective for job creation. Stringent efforts are recommended to ensure the provision of free and quality education for all with equal opportunities.

Impact of financial literacy, perceived access to finance, ICT use, and digitization on credit constraints: evidence from Qatari MSME importers

This study investigates the role of financial literacy (FL), perceived access to finance (PAF), information communication technology (ICT) usage, and digitization in alleviating the level of credit constraint that micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) face in an emerging market. We draw on the economic research theories of human capital, knowledge-based view, and lifecycle hypothesis to explain the relationship between the variables. Using survey data collected from 333 MSME importers in Qatar—a country with heavy reliance on foreign goods—we find strong evidence that FL, PAF, ICT usage, and digitization are key determinants of Qatari MSME access to credit. In particular, PAF and FL are significant and have their expected signs in almost all the Probit regressions. For ICT usage and digitization, although they are key determinants of credit constraints, the findings are more sensitive and dependent on the type of financing and the resulting type of credit constraint.

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT IN OLDER ADULTS WITH COGNITIVE DECLINE: THE USAGE OF INFORMATION COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY

Abstract Background Cognitive decline is typical among older adults, affecting their activities of daily living and community participation. However, the advent of cognitive function support information technologies may improve their community engagement, perhaps more than memory training alone. This study examined information communication technology usage as a mediator of associations of cognitive decline and community engagement in older adults. Methods We sampled older adult cases from Round 11 of the National Health and Aging Trends Study data set (N=3817) with cognitive decline in community dwelling (mean age =81.38, SD=6.266), male (n= 1313) and female (n=1771). We utilized multi-level Structural Equation Model (SEM) to examine the mediation of cognitive decline and community connection through the ICTs, as well as direct relationships among memory, orientation, and executive function. Results From SEM analysis, an increase of ICTs usage has statistically significantly effects on older adults’ cognitive ability overall (Estimate = 0.103, S.E. = 0.023, C.R. = 4.438, p < 0.001). Cognitive function has a direct impact on the activity orientation function (Estimate=1, p < 0.0011.000). The greater usage of ICTs by older adults is associated with higher levels of community engagement (Estimate = 1.230, S.E. = 0.284, C.R. = 4.338, P < 0.001). Conclusion This finding highlights the potential role of ICTs in fostering older adults’ cognitive function for their social interactions and community involvement. Digital age older adults may have greater cognitive function than previous cohort, reducing demand for care services their community participation.

Assessment of the Teachers’ Attitude towards ICT and Learners’ Academic Achievement in Geography in Nyamira County, Kenya

The study looked at the influence of teachers’ attitudes towards information communication technology (ICT), on learners’ academic achievement in geography in public secondary schools in Nyamira county, Kenya. The major aim was to assess the teachers’ attitudes towards ICT usage. The study used three questionnaires and one interview schedule to collect data from 190 public secondary schools and 6 education quality assurance officers. The data was collected and coded by using statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) for analysis, use of mixed method approach was used, where descriptive and inferential statistics were analyzed and presented in form of tables. The main issues faced by teachers might have contributed to the limited use of ICT in teaching and learning process, hence affecting learners’ academic achievements in geography. Teachers’ attitudes will be solved when; pre –training, workshops for capacity building and in-service courses for ICT will be enhanced in all learning institutions. The study therefore recommends that teachers get trained for the implementation of ICT in teaching and learning to be enhanced and improvement of infrastructure.

Fostering learning outcomes in a non-reading culture at foundational level of education: the role of information technology and pupil engagement

PurposeThis paper examines the role of Information Technology and pupil engagement in fostering learning outcomes in a non-reading culture context at foundation level of education.Design/methodology/approachThe authors adopted a cross-sectional survey design with quantitative approaches. A sample of 412 was drawn from a population of 1,692 Primary Schools. Data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire and analyzed using the SPSS software.Findings Information Communication Technologies (ICTs) usage had positive and significant effects on pupil engagement and pupil learning outcomes. Pupil engagement moderated in the relationship between ICT usage and pupils' learning outcomes.Research limitations/implicationsThe cross-sectional design used in data collection may not monitor learning outcomes of the given samples over a longer period of time. Future studies should consider longitudinal research designs so that the behaviors of the learners can be observed over a long period of time.Practical implicationsDeliberate efforts to advocate for and promote the use of ICTs in primary schools are important if the schools are to foster pupils' engagements and register better learning outcomes.Originality/valueThe study confirms pupil engagement as a moderator in the relationship between ICT usage and learning outcomes at foundational levels of education in a resource poor country with a non-reading culture.

Electronic Waste Management and Institutional Theory: Any Lessons for Nigeria?

Electrical and Electronic Equipment (EEE) and/or Information Communication Technology (ICT) has enabled great changes in the modern ways of living all over the world, and Nigeria is not an exception. The usage of EEE and/or ICT has also brought exponential increase in electronic waste (e-waste) and has become the fastest growing waste stream in the world. It is hazardous to the human health and the environment when handled in a crude informal manner and a material of great value when handled in both informal and formal environmentally sound manners. The current way EEE and/or ICT is produced and consumed in Nigeria comes with externalities that include wastage of resources, release of greenhouse gases and toxic substances during informal management of e-waste. This is because at present Nigeria does not have adequate formal facility for the separation, storage, transport and disposal of e-waste. This article discusses e-waste management in Nigeria by using primary and secondary materials and the lessons Nigeria can learn by the deployment of institutional theory for the environmentally sound management of this genre of waste, as an approach that can be utilised to enhance the structures, schemas, rules, routines and norms as authoritative processes that are coercive, normative and mimetic for the environmentally sound management of electronic waste in Nigeria.

Understanding older adults' intention to use patient-accessible electronic health records: Based on the affordance lens.

Given the aging population and the rapid development of the digital society, concerns about promoting older adults' health skills are increasing. Patient-accessible electronic health records (PAEHRs) are implemented globally for aging health safeguards. The demand for using health-related information communication technologies (ICTs) among older adults and the factors that promote their usage intention of PAEHRs need to be studied. Drawing upon affordance theory, we constructed a research model that integrates four affordance types, aggregation, interactivity, collaboration, and communication, to identify the effects of affordances and attachment to platforms and doctors that contribute to older adults' usage intention on PAEHRs. Online survey data from 498 older adults (above 60 years) were collected and analyzed using partial least square-structural equation modeling. Our findings demonstrated how PAEHR's affordances facilitate older adults' attachment to platforms and doctors. We found that aggregation (γ = 0.417, P < 0.001) and interactivity (γ = 0.397, P < 0.001) can positively influence older adults' attachment to the PAEHR platform, and collaboration (γ = 0.407, P < 0.001) affordance can positively influence older adults' attachment to doctors on the PAEHR platform. Furthermore, seniors' attachment to the platform (γ = 0.598, P < 0.001) and attachment to the doctor (γ = 0.156, P < 0.01) can both positively influence their usage intention, and attachment to the platform had a positive relationship with attachment to doctors (γ = 0.230, P < 0.001) on the PAEHR. This study enriched the understanding of elders' attachment to doctors on PAEHRs and contributed to the literature on health-related ICT usage targets of older adults. Our findings also shed light on inspiring operators of health-related ICTs to formulate appropriate strategies for aging-friendly design to guide older adults to adopt health-related ICTs in their everyday health information practices.

Demystifying The Use of Information Communication Technology in Teaching and Learning in Day Secondary Schools

In recent years, the impact of information communication technology (ICT) on education and society in general has grown substantially and therefore it’s considered main enabler of achieving vision 2030 and sustainable development goals (SDGs). This study sought to demystify the use of ICT in teaching and learning in day secondary schools. The specific objectives were to: find out the resources mobilized by boards of management; determine the status of ICT usage and establish the merits of ICT in the teaching/learning and running of day secondary school activities. The study employed cross-sectional survey design to randomly sample 22 principals of secondary schools and teachers. The study established that majority of the teachers had a smart phone that was compatible with ICT and internet facilities and; that the wi-fi internet connectivity in schools was limited to principal’s office only and linked with closed circuit television (CCTV) cameras to secure the school against intruders. It concluded that ICT promotes student-centered learning, helps in cooperative learning, promotes higher order thinking and problem-solving, and improves the effectiveness and efficiency of school management. The study recommends that schools board of management and parents association work together to consolidate resources to equip their schools with ICT facilities.

Effect of the State of Information Communication Technology usage in the Administration of Property Taxes in Rwanda – A Case Study of Musanze City

Effect of the State of Information Communication Technology usage in the Administration of Property Taxes in Rwanda – A Case Study of Musanze City

Challenges in Implementing ICT Tools in Water and Sanitation Services Management in South Africa

This article discusses challenges encountered in implementing Information Communication Technology tools in water and sanitation services management in South Africa. This qualitative study used a Human Capital Development framework. The study area has had limited consultation on Information Communication Technology tools, low Information Communication Technology usage, and skills gap. Attention is paid to the effective use of Information Communication Technology tools, for example, mobile phones and their application to address the challenges faced. This promotes proper water and sanitation services management by implementing relevant tools to increase the knowledge and skills of service providers. South Africa needs to address and eliminate challenges experienced in implementing Information Communication Technology tools, inequalities, and human-made challenges to ensure availability of services and sustainable water and sanitation services management.

Evaluation of Individual Innovation and Information Communication Technologies Usage Levels of Industrial Enterprise Employees

Çalışma kapsamında, endüstriyel işletme çalışanlarının bireysel yenilikçilik ile bilgi iletişim teknolojilerini (BİT) kulanım düzeyleri ile çalışanların bireysel yenilikçilik ve BİT’i kullanım düzeylerinin çeşitli değişkenler açısından farklılık gösterip göstermediği araştırılmıştır. Araştırma tarama ve ilişkisel tarama modeline göre yürütülmüş, anket tekniği kullanılarak 416 çalışandan sağlıklı veri elde edilmiştir. Araştırma sonucunda çalışanların günlük BİT’i kullanma sürelerinin ortalaması 4.44 saat (ss=3,30), bireysel yenilikçilik düzeylerinin ortalaması 62,47 (ss=7,84) olarak tespit edilmiştir. Çalışanların bireysel yenilikçilik düzeylerinin eğitim düzeylerine göre; günlük ortalama BİT kullanım sürelerinin ise yaş, medeni durum, eğitim düzeyi ve işyerinde çalışma süresine göre anlamlı farklılık gösterdiği tespit edilmiştir. Sonuç olarak işletmeler tarafından çalışanların yenilik ve teknolojiye yönelik tutumlarının bilinmesi ve bu doğrultuda işletmede gerekli uygulamaların gerçekleştirilmesi önemlidir.

Information Communication Technology (ICT) facilities and information resource sharing activities in federal university libraries in North central, Nigeria

The research investigated the impact of Information Communication Technology (ICT) Facilities on Information Resource Sharing Activities in Federal University Libraries In North Central, Nigeria. The study was guided by four objectives and one null hypothesis. A descriptive survey was used with the target population of 121 librarians in the seven federal university libraries in North central, Nigeria. The questionnaire was used in data collection. 121 copies of the questionnaire were administered 102 were filled, returned and found usable representing an 87.2% response rate. Percentage, Means and standard deviation were used in data analysis and Pearson Product moment correlation was used to test the null hypotheses. The study found that the factors restricting the usage of ICT for information resource sharing in federal university libraries in North central, Nigeria, were inadequate funding and lack of ICT infrastructure and connectivity. H01 showed that there was a relationship between ICT and information resource sharing in federal university libraries in North central, Nigeria. The study found that the factors restricting the usage of ICT for information resource sharing in federal university libraries in North central, Nigeria, were inadequate funding and ICT infrastructure and connectivity. The paper recommended amongst others that federal universities in North Central Nigeria should ensure that the funds allocated to the university library should be increased and also should endeavour to provide adequate ICT facilities that are lacking such as video conferencing and intranet to enhance information resource sharing activities.

Do learning ICT usage affect the learning process quality? an empirical study in private university

Information Communication Technology (ICT) brings new opportunities to many aspects of society. Applying ICT in education is a valuable contribution to improving quality, especially improving the quality of the learning process in higher education. This study explains the relationship between research variables by testing the description hypothesis. Variables include Learning process quality, ICT learning usage, Technology Characteristics, Individual Characteristics, and Motivation to use ICT. The Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) was used to analyze the data in this study. The results show a significant positive effect of learning usage ICT variables, Technology Characteristics, and Individual Characteristics on the quality of the learning process, then Individual Characteristics and Motivation use ICT on ICT learning usage. Meanwhile, the Technology Characteristic variable has no significant positive effect on ICT learning usage. The influence of significant positive variables is expected to be able to be utilized and managed properly so that, in the future, a high-quality learning process will be achieved. Campuses can also act as a forum by providing various competency training so that teaching staff becomes more prepared and competent in learning using ICT. Furthermore, the provision of learning using ICT can be better optimized so that the potential characteristics of the technology can be utilized to the fullest.

Türkiye’de bilişim teknolojileri kullanımının ÇKKV yöntemleriyle incelenmesi 2014-2021 dönemi

Electronics and communication sector investments, which have increased with the decreasing infrastructure costs in recent years in Turkey, Information Communication Technologies (ICT) is becoming widespread. According to the data of the Turkish Statistical Institute (TUIK) for 2021, the number of households with internet access has increased to 92%. The development of information and communication technologies provides social transformation by affecting the development speed of countries. Despite the regional differences in Turkey, the development of the informatics infrastructure has shown great improvement. In this study, with Multi-Criteria Decision Making Methods, a model that can measure the development performance of the regions in Turkey towards the use of information technologies at the statistical region level has been examined. In the model created, PSI (Preference Selection Index) was used to weight the criteria, and WEDBA (Weighted Euclidean Distance Based Approach) methods were used to evaluate the ICT usage level of the regions. The data in the study was taken from the TUIK database and is based on the Household Information Technologies (IT) Usage Survey of 2021 carried out by the institution. The criteria for the use of information and communication technologies consist of internet access, broadband, fixed broadband, mobile broadband, regular internet usage and internet usage. According to the findings of the study, it can be said that while the most important criterion was internet access in 2014, it was mobile bandwidth in 2021. Within the scope of the study, Istanbul and East Marmara regions showed the best performance. In addition, it was concluded that the Southeastern Anatolia region, which showed the most development, was followed by the Western Anatolia, Mediterranean, Central and Middle East Anatolia regions, and the development in other regions was less than the aforementioned regions.

ICT Adoption Implications for SME Innovation and Augmentation

The adoption of information communication technology (ICT) by small and medium enterprises (SMEs) plays a critical role in their development, growth, and expansion. To achieve a competitive advantage, an enterprise needs to have the resources and capabilities to operate efficiently. The fast improvement of ICT is rapidly shifting the conventional way of performance in all facets of SMEs. Today, all kinds of establishments are accepting the implementation and usage of ICT to advance administrative efficiency, outputs, and improved communication for strengthening their competitiveness. SMEs need to opt speedily for the adoption of ICT to support their strategy, performance, and development. Adopting a mixed research approach, with an exploratory sequential mixed design, the study focus is on the factors influencing ICT acceptance and adoption implications for SME augmentation. Findings reveal that SMEs face challenges in ICT adoption due to a lack of resources. Hence, there is a need for investing in advanced technology to augment SME innovation and growth through ICT adoption.

Reinforcing the Role of ICT in Enhancing Teaching and Learning Post-COVID-19 in Tertiary Institutions in South Africa

The use of Information Communication Technology (ICT) in higher education is becoming more and more prevalent with the over-proliferation of technological development we find ourselves in. The educational landscape in South African tertiary institutions has been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, resulting in increased use of ICT. In turn, this has transformed these institutions' teaching, learning, and research. Central to this transformation has been challenges facing both teachers and administrators, including the need for a great demonstration of the value of ICT through improved output on teaching, learning and research. This paper examines the use of ICT in enhancing teaching and learning in South African tertiary institutions during and post COVID-19. Using an extensive secondary review approach, the report observes that ICT has been widely embraced in tertiary institutions during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown. However, a minority of students and lecturers still lack the technological expertise to utilise modern technologies. In addition, limited funding in some rural universities hinders the purchasing of modern ICT equipment to support teaching and learning in tertiary institutions. The paper recommends increasing the value of ICT usage in the teaching and learning process post-COVID-19. Regular workshops and in-service training of both teaching staff, students and administrators in pedagogical issues and administration should be increased.

Determinants of innovation and interactive learning in informal manufacturing enterprises in India

Abstract In the context of globalization, the informal sector enterprises are also exposed to international competition; and therefore, they need to remain productive and competitive. In this regard, innovation is an obvious strategic choice at the firm level. Drawing from the data gathered through an extensive field survey in NCT-Delhi, India, this study observes that innovation activities in the informal enterprises take place mostly through non-research-and-development routes and rely more on interactive learning and learning by doing. The econometric analysis shows that formal interactions through subcontracting and membership in the industrial associations along with informal interactions with other firms, buyer–supplier interactions, and social capital are having positive and significant influence on product, process, and marketing innovation. However, this study reveals that formal interactions play a vital role in introducing marketing innovations. Further, the results show the essential role of in-house training, entrepreneurial expertise, and information communication technology usage at the firm level. Thus, the paper provides empirical evidence reiterating the importance of integrating informal manufacturing enterprises and their learning processes as the key components of the innovation system in India.

Perception on the Usage of Information Communication Technology for Ecotourism Development in Nigeria

This study aimed to assess the perception of tourists on the usage of information and communication technology at Old Oyo National Park, Ikogosi Warm Spring Resort and Lacampagne Tropicana by using structured questionnaire directed at 384 tourists randomly; 20 tourists at Old Oyo National Park, 150 tourists at Ikogosi Warm Spring Resort and 214 tourists at Lacampagne Tropicana. Data was analyzed and presented descriptively using tables and inferentially using one way analysis of variance (ANOVA). Results indicated that the tourists mostly made use of internet and social media at the sites. The tourists also perceived that the use of Information Communication Technology would be an innovative approach to solving some of the problems of sustainable tourism development and that use of Information Communication Technology has made work easier and faster. Furthermore, the study indicated significant differences in some socio-demographic characteristics as well as perception on the usage of ICT at the sites (P&lt;0.05). Management of ecotourism sites should therefore create more awareness on the usage of other forms of information communication technology at their sites so as to further enhance tourists’ satisfaction.

Examining the role of ICT usage in loneliness perception and mental health of the elderly in China

Loneliness and mental health are critical concerns for the elderly, but not much is known about this issue in China. This research empirically examines the role of information communication technology (ICT) among elderly users in the Chinese context, with a specific focus on the interplay between ICT and social isolation, in determining elders' loneliness and mental health. Survey data collected from 304 elderly participants in China show that ICT plays a significant yet complicated role in understanding the loneliness and mental health of elderly people. The findings indicate that ICT usage reduces loneliness perception, and this effect can be strengthened by elders' ICT self-efficacy. Furthermore, ICT usage strengthens the effect of social isolation on perceived loneliness, which is counterintuitive to common sense. Practitioners are advised to devote more attention to elderly people's mental health through promoting their online information communication channel usage and improving their ICT self-efficacy.