Information Technology Literacy Research Articles

Role of Technology-Enhanced Service Learning in Empowering Marginalized Communities in Malaysia

Service learning (SL) provides a fitting opportunity for students to engage with and learn from the larger community. Such engagements are fast becoming a crucial facet of student and academic activities within Higher Educational Institutions (HEIs) in Malaysia. (SL) enhances pedagogical learning, fosters more durable relationships which extend beyond campus walls and appropriately prepares students for life outside the campus. The integration of community engagement within the (HEIs)’s curricula fosters an educational setting which facilitates the students’ academic, personal and professional developments. (SL) is a learning pedagogy that helps students identify issues within the community, work together and address some of the diverse challenges that have been identified. Today, without a basic knowledge of Information and communication technology (ICT) or digital literacy, it is very difficult to secure employment. Marginalized communities are faced with various socio-economic and environmental barriers which prevent them from obtaining such knowledge. This, in turn further perpetuates a vicious cycle that leaves them within a constant state of powerlessness. This study sought to explore the potential of (SL) in empowering marginalized communities by providing them with basic (ICT) training. A qualitative approach was utilized involving interviews with twenty respondents from marginalized communities. The respondents currently hold jobs which require a basic knowledge of (ICT). The findings indicate that basic digital literacy is becoming increasingly crucial toward the empowerment of marginalized communities in Malaysia. However, the relevant initiatives toward this are sorely lacking. Thus, service learning has a great potential to address the current gap.

Tracing the trajectory of literacy warrants: A trends study on the emergence of digital literacy and digital competency

This research analyses the field of digital literacy and digital competency, focusing on the growing research conducted in this domain. The dataset reveals that information technology, education and digital literacy have consistently gained attention recently. This study involves accessing the Scopus Elsevier database and retrieving data from 984 documents. We used Bibliometrix software for comprehensive bibliometric analysis and Python packages for plot generation. Moreover, this research aims to analyse trends, patterns and insights in digital literacy and competency based on bibliometric data, covering journal clustering, author productivity, Keyword Plus term frequencies, citation trends and keyword shifting. It also highlights emerging areas such as digital transformation, digital skills and the impact of COVID-19, indicating their increasing significance in the research community. The findings underscore the growing interest in the intersection of education and technology, particularly concerning digital literacy and e-learning. This dataset is valuable for identifying trends, tracking research progress and identifying digital literacy and competency.

Examining the linkages between digitalisation, public service delivery and corruption in Ghana

Purpose This study aims to examine the linkages between digitalisation, public service delivery and corruption in Ghana using survey data from 121 respondents in Ghana. The authors also examine the mediating role public service delivery offers on corruption. Design/methodology/approach This study relied on the capability theory as its theoretical lens and partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) as the data analysis technique. Findings Results from the PLS-SEM analysis show that public service delivery significantly reduces corruption, whilst digitalisation does not. However, public service delivery significantly mediated the relationship between digitalisation and corruption. Research limitations/implications This study’s limitation is that the data was collected from Ghana only. To enhance the generalisability of findings, future research could collect data from multiple countries. In addition, the study did not factor in the moderating effects of demographic variables such as information and communication technology (ICT) literacy. Future research could consider these variables, given the low ICT literacy level of individuals in developing countries. Finally, future researchers could triangulate results with interviews and focus groups to provide more value to the identified questionnaire-based data. Practical implications The findings of this study highlight the need for digitalisation to be included in Ghana’s national policy objectives and service delivery objectives. It is essential for the government to ensure broader public engagement with stakeholders, including citizens, to ensure that digitalisation goals are achieved. The study’s results indicate that digitalisation does not significantly influence corruption. This calls for the government of Ghana to consider raising the level of human capital for the successful planning and deployment of e-services. This includes raising citizen ICT literacy and adopting cutting-edge technology to fully realize the benefits of online services. Developing capabilities, e-government leadership, and public sector employees as enablers of online public services should go hand-in-hand. It is also important to build connected capacities in the country and enhance access to information and technology, along with increasing digital infrastructure. Originality/value To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study to examine and offer a dual perspective on the role of digitalisation on public service delivery and corruption whilst considering the mediating role public service delivery offers on corruption.

Biology lecturers’ perceptions of genetics literacy in Indonesia: an explanatory sequential mixed methods study

ABSTRACT Given its impact on medicine, agriculture, and society, genetics literacy has attracted international interest. Biology lecturers play a crucial role in supporting students’ genetics literacy empowerment. However, research into biology lecturers’ perceptions of genetics literacy still needs to be undertaken. This study aimed to explore the understanding, perception, and awareness of genetics literacy among Indonesian biology lecturers. We performed an explanatory sequential mixed method study in two phases: online survey and semi-structured interviews. Results showed that (a) most biology lecturers agreed that genetics literacy was correlated with scientific literacy, information and communication technology literacy, reading literacy, and numerical literacy, and then genetics literacy is understood as consisting of genetics concepts and skills; (b) most biology lecturers agreed that argumentation, informal reasoning, and decision-making skills were appropriate for enhancing genetics literacy development; (c) despite less than half of the biology lecturers teaching skills related to genetics literacy and only a fourth assessing skills related to genetics literacy, most biology lecturers were willing to teach and assess skills related to genetics literacy comprehensively. The findings revealed that biology lecturers’ perceptions of genetics literacy must be explored, given their critical role in ensuring effective and successful genetics educational practice.

Evaluation of Critical Thinking Skills in Medical Students of Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences

Background: According to the 21st Century Partnership Learning Framework, several competencies or skills should be possessed regarding critical thinking and problem-solving, communication and collaboration skills, creative and updating skills, information and communication technology literacy skills, contextual learning skills, and information and media literacy skills. Increasing critical thinking skills is necessary in modern and advanced educational systems. Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the critical thinking skills of medical students. Methods: This descriptive and analytical cross-sectional study was conducted on 271 medical students in the primary science section of Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Iran, in 2023 who were selected by a convenient sampling method. The data were collected by demographic characteristics and the California Critical Thinking Skills Test (CCTST). Descriptive and inferential statistical methods were used to analyze the data using SPSS software version 21. Results: The total critical thinking skills score in the studied students was 8.89 ± 3.60, equivalent to 25% of the total score. The highest and lowest areas were related to comparative reasoning and inference, with an average of 4.35 ± 1.94 and 2.59 ± 1.56, respectively. There was no significant difference between the average critical thinking skills score regarding age, gender, academic semesters, and living or not in a dormitory. Conclusions: Based on the results, medical students’ critical thinking skills are weak and lower than the exam average. The educational system of Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences should be reviewed in designing a curriculum to foster critical thinking.

Covid-19 Effect on Consumers Perception toward E-Payment: A Case Study on Kuwaiti Consumers

As an act of risk management, most governments around the world started imposing curfews and lockdowns to contain the spread of covid-19. These restrictions led e-payment to become the main method of conducting financial transactions. It is well documented that the volume of e-payments transactions had risen dramatically during and after covid-19 lockdowns and Kuwait was no exception. This study aims to identify the sources of that increase in e-payment transactions. Using the data of a questionnaire that was distributed to 170 participants, results showed that covid-19 resulted in an increase of 136% in e-payment in Kuwait. Using ordinary least square regression (OLS) method, results revealed that the age of the consumer had a statistically significant direct effect on the increase in volume while the consumer income had a statistically significant inverse relation with the increase in e-payment transactions volume. On the other hand, factors such as consumer gender, education, and information technology (IT) literacy showed no statistically significant effect on the increase in e-payments volume.

Integration of Information Technology in Higher Vocational Economic and Trade Disciplines: Inputs for a Development Plan

This study was carried out for the integration of information technology and economics and trade disciplines. It analysed the integration of information technology and vocational economics and trade disciplines, the effectiveness of information technology integration, administrative support for the integration of information technology and vocational economics and trade disciplines, the advantages and disadvantages of information technology and other aspects.It was found through the study that integration of information technology with vocational economics and trade subjects is conducive to innovative teaching methods, providing more opportunities for communication between students and teachers, and obtaining teaching evaluations. By providing administrative support for the integration of information technology and vocational economics and trade disciplines, building digital training rooms, and purchasing information technology systems, the integration of information technology and the curriculum will be more effective, and the information technology literacy of teachers and students will be significantly improved. Strengthening the integration of information technology and economic and trade disciplines, teaching content is livelier and more interesting, students are more active in learning, and teaching feedback is timelier. For this reason, this study gave a theoretical explanation from the process of integration of information technology and economics and trade subjects. It is made clear that carrying out the teaching of integrated marketing practice system can only form a new educational impact and play a new educational role if it is accepted by both teachers and students.

The Role of Information Teaching Ability of Directional Normal Students in Teaching Effectiveness: Based on the Research of Verification Model of Structural Equation Model

Directed teacher education students, as the main group injecting human resources into rural basic education, play a crucial role in promoting the development of information technology in rural basic education. Based on a literature review, this study takes the enhancement of the information technology teaching efficacy of directed teacher education students in the northwest of Guangdong as the point of entry for problem-solving. The research focuses on directed teacher education students who graduated from local colleges in northwest Guangdong, collects 520 valid questionnaires, and conducts a structural equation model analysis using AMOS software to test research hypotheses. The results show that information technology literacy has the most significant positive impact on information technology teaching efficacy. Information technology instructional design ability, information technology management and implementation ability, and information technology assessment and diagnostic ability are all positively related. Teacher information technology teaching ability is a crucial factor in enhancing information technology teaching efficacy, and these factors are interconnected, forming a complete framework for information technology teaching ability. Based on data analysis and interview results, this study provides recommendations for improving information technology teaching efficacy from two aspects: self-improvement and external support.

Analisis Pengendalian dalam Fungsi Manajemen Perpustakaan pada Empat Jenis Perpustakaan di Indonesia

The presence of libraries is a familiar and common phenomenon in society, categorized into four types: public, special, school, and university libraries. However, in Indonesia, libraries face challenges, including financial resources, human resource issues, bureaucratic hurdles, physical resource problems, and information resource issues. These challenges have resulted in many libraries not meeting standards, despite guidelines set by the National Library of Indonesia. Libraries, integral to their management processes, often overlook a crucial function—control. This article delves into control as a key management function, addressing the problems encountered by Indonesian libraries. The focus is on control's role in overcoming issues, employing literature study methods and data analysis through observational literature techniques. The results indicate that all four types of libraries need to implement various techniques and analyses, including cost-benefit and return on investment analysis, benchmarking, leadership support, effective collaboration with librarians and technical staff, based on up-to-date information and corrective actions. Additionally, investments in infrastructure, facilities, information technology, digital resources, and information literacy training are essential.

School, family and the community in cooperation: the model of syneducation

School, family and the community constitute three distinct but at the same time interdependent systems. The ideas, notions and research which are related to the necessity of the functional communication of those systems have recently flourished internationally, creating a substantial “heritage” in principles, acceptances, theoretical models, application proposals, research programs as well as new orientations and perspectives. This paper proposes the model of syneducation. As syneducation (synergy + education) we define the acquisition of a common educational experience, simultaneously and in cooperation, of persons differing in age and cognitive infrastructure and often in social and cultural level. Syneducation is a new emerging research field. With its application, we aim at the change of attitudes and behaviours of the participants (parents, educators, students, policy makers and the representatives of the community) from an initial state of possible indifference- disinterest to an active and effective participation in common syneducational actions in order to face specific issues, and even further to being multipliers of the above mentioned actions. Furthermore, the application of this model creates, develops and accrues social capital.In this paper we will present certain research applications which took place according to the model of syneducation based on the methodology of collaborative action research (for example, a transdisciplinary research program, a research program in Literacy in Information Technology, a research program focusing on problem management within the family etc.) The research findings and the prospects of the syneducation model are still being discussed. This model is proposed as a realistic way of thought and action adapted to the contemporary conditions of our technological era and the foreseen needs of social computing.

ANALYSIS OF INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY (ICT) LITERACY SKILLS OF VOCATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL TEACHERS IN THE ERA OF INDUSTRIAL REVOLUTION 4.0

This paper aims to provide an overview of the information and communication technology (ICT) literacy skills of Vocational High School (SMK) teachers in the era of the industrial revolution 4.0. The development of this era is marked by the digitization of internet-based information and the use of artificial intelligence, which requires teachers to have ICT literacy competencies so that they can prepare their students to have a 21st century competitive advantage. This paper answers questions about what ICT literacy competence means, what is its urgency, what is the level of information and communication technology (ICT) literacy skills of SMK teachers; and how to improve teachers' ICT literacy competencies. The method of writing is descriptive qualitative through literature review obtained from scientific journals and related books. The results of the discussion show that the average ICT literacy skills of SMK teachers are still classified as low - medium. A number of efforts are needed as a solution to improve the ICT literacy skills of SMK teachers.

IMPACT ON EDUCATION DURING COVID-19 PANDEMIC

The argument given in the article reflects how the education system has been affected due to the Pandemic. Education is not only a fundamental human right; it is the key driver of sustainable development and progress. When the education system breaks down, then growth and peace cannot be sustained in any society. The COVID-19 pandemic has pushed the world into the deepest global recession in living memory, which will have lasting effects on people’s lives, in the education sector, economies, and health care sectors. During the COVID-19 epidemic, providing and using an online environment has emerged as the primary problem for many educational institutions, including universities. As a result, teachers encountered difficulties managing their online classes and dealing with connectivity problems throughout COVID-19. It has been observed that educators also lack information and communication technology literacy.

The study of Information and Communication Technology Knowledge of Teacher Professional Students Phetchabun Rajabhat University

This study intends to examine the five areas in which teacher professional students at Phetchabun Rajabhat University are knowledgeable about information and communication technologies. However, the target group used in this research was purposive sampling. In this research being an applies research, the research model to be used is quantitative research. The tools used in the study are the knowledge of information and communication technology. The statistics used in data analysis are mean (x̅), standard deviation (S.D). According to the findings, the sample group possessed solid information technology competence. In any event, the findings of a study on the technological literacy of Phetchabun Rajabhat University students majoring in teaching indicated that these students had generally strong information technology access abilities. It was discovered that pupils of instructors had the best technological understanding after classifying knowledge of access to technology into five categories, there is little utilization of creative and technological managerial abilities. From the foregoing results, it demonstrates that the information technology literacy of teaching professional students has other elements that make the skills in the very excellent and least, such as the environment of the technology users, etc.

Retracted: Preschool Education Based on Computer Information Technology Literacy and Big Data

Retracted: Preschool Education Based on Computer Information Technology Literacy and Big Data

Framework for Numeracy and Digital Skills Attributes in Higher Education

Numeracy and digital skills are among the most crucial skills that any graduate should possess before entering the workforce, regardless of their field of study. Therefore, both skills should not be treated as an “add on” skill but viewed as essential graduate attributes needing to be purposefully incorporated into the curriculum instead of mere chance. By understanding the learners’ numeracy and digital skills abilities, educators can create suitable learning outcomes, activities, and assessments, enabling them to acquire the skills. The objective of this study is to create a framework for testing numeracy (NSI) and digital skills (DSI) using a cross-sectional design and quantitative methodology. The research entails generating a questionnaire, verifying it via a rigorous procedure of expert content validation, and focusing on sufficiency, clarity, coherence, and relevance. A pilot study involving 218 students from various disciplines was conducted to measure the reliability of the framework using Cronbach Alpha. Feedback from experts was then used to enhance the questionnaire, resulting in the finalisation of five components for the Digital Skills Instrument (DSI): information literacy, computer and technology literacy, digital communication and collaboration skills, digital identity and well-being, and digital ethics. Meanwhile, the five components of the Numeracy Skills Instrument (NSI) encompassed operation and calculation, graphical representation, quantitative reasoning and logical thinking, complex number (advanced concept), spatial visualisation and geometric reasoning. The results indicated a strong internal consistency across all components for both tools, with alpha values ranging from 0.847 to 0.958 for DSI and 0.916 to 0.964 for NSI. Corrected item-total correlations also depicted intercorrelation between items for both instruments. To sum up, the findings demonstrate that the DSI and NSI have high reliability and validity. Because both tools are reliable and valid for measuring digital and numeracy skills in the Malaysian context, they can be confidently used for future research.

The Impact of Competitiveness, Information Technology, Risk Perception, and Financial Literacy on The Intention to Invest in Cryptocurrency

This study aims to analyze the impact of competence, information technology, risk perception, and financial literacy on interest in investing in cryptocurrency. The method used is quantitative, with data collected from 98 respondents through simple random sampling. The focus of this research is to reveal the relationship between factors that influence the interest of individuals who invest in cryptocurrencies. The results show that competency, information technology, risk perception, and financial literacy simultaneously or partially have a positive and significant effect on interest in cryptocurrency investment. These results suggest that the higher the competence of individuals in the field of financial knowledge and understanding of information technology, the greater their interest in investing in cryptocurrencies. In addition, the perception of low risk and high levels of financial literacy also contribute to increased interest in investing in cryptocurrencies. This research makes an important contribution in understanding the factors that influence the interest of individuals interested in cryptocurrencies. In the era of the rapidly developing digital economy, a deeper understanding of the impact of competency, information technology, risk perception and financial literacy has the potential to assist decision makers in developing more effective investment strategies and reducing risks. These findings also provide deeper insight into the dynamics of the cryptocurrency market and the consequences of growing investment in this sector. This research has actual relevance in the context of cryptocurrency investment, where the influence of factors such as competence, information technology, risk perception, and financial literacy on interest in investing is still not fully revealed. Through the help of the significant relationship between these factors and investment intentions, this research provides valuable insights for practitioners, academics, and decision makers to better understand and manage cryptocurrency investments more effectively. Thus, this research also makes an important contribution in developing knowledge and managing cryptocurrency investments in this increasingly digital era.

Safety and Feasibility of Tele-Cardiac Rehabilitation Using Remote Biological Signal Monitoring System: A Pilot Study.

Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) is categorized as a class I recommendation in the guidelines for the management of patients with cardiovascular disease (CVD). However, the penetration rate of outpatient CR is low in Japan. We designed a pilot study to evaluate the safety and feasibility of tele-CR using a remote biological signal monitoring system. A total of nine patients (median aged 70.0 (66.0 - 76.0) years (male = 6) with CVD who participated in phase II CR for 1 month under the exercise prescription using the cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET) were analyzed. They participated in the tele-CR program with a remote biological signal monitoring system (Nipro HeartLineTM, Osaka, Japan, and Duranta, Miyagi, Japan) in the CR room and were instructed by the CR staff from a separate room in the hospital. We evaluated the occurrence and degree of remote biological signal monitoring defects as safety evaluation items, i.e., whether the patients could set the remote biological signal monitoring equipment, as a feasibility evaluation item during a 3-month period. We also performed CPET at the baseline and follow-up. Following the 3-month tele-CR program, a total of 122 remote CR programs were performed using the remote biological signal monitoring system. No patient experienced a lack of remote biological signal monitoring during exercise therapy. Significant improvement was noted in the exercise capacity, as assessed using the cardiopulmonary test (from 19.5 (16.7 - 20.2) mL/kg/min to 21.1 (17.3 - 22.8) mL/kg/min, P = 0.01, age ratio from 86% (75-96%) to 99% (78-104%), P = 0.01). One patient required support using the remote biological signal monitoring system, including information technology literacy. This study suggests the safety and feasibility of tele-CR using the remote biological signal monitoring system. However, further investigations are required to explore the suitability, effects, and cost-effectiveness of tele-CR as an alternative to center-based CR in the future.

The Information and Communication Technology Literacy Level of Sukoharjo’s Senior High School Students

The Ministry of Education and Culture inaugurated the Independent Curriculum for primary to secondary education in the new school year 2022/2023. Therefore, this study aims to obtain an overview of the readiness of information and communication technology (ICT) literacy skills mastered by public high school students. Research samples were taken from nine public high schools in Sukoharjo Regency, which implemented the Independent Curriculum. The focus of the research is directed at obtaining an overview of how their ICT literacy skills. The method used is a survey compiled based on the idea of Helsper Schneider, Deursen, and Laar about indicators of digital skills for the younger generation. They divided ICT literacy indicators into information, literacy of computers, media, communication, visuals, and technology. The survey results show that public high school students in Sukoharjo Regency have high ICT literacy skills, 59% in the good category and 5% in excellent. They are ready to take part in teaching-learning processes using the Independent Curriculum.

Information Communication and Technology (ICT) Literacy Index of ESL Teachers: Expectation vs. Reality of Department of Education (DepEd) Computerisation Programme in Pedagogy

The present paper investigated the information communication and technology (ICT) literacy index of English as second language (ESL) teachers utilising descriptive-quantitative method of research. This was undertaken by assessing the skills along the areas of ICT integration in pedagogy. Data shows that ESL teachers have moderate to high index along the areas of ICT literacy. Majority are categorised under advanced or merely moderate user of ICT in their pedagogical practice. These areas are along basic skills, software applications, production and data management. Be that as it may, the ESL participants need further upskilling on hardware management and information management. Taking into consideration these results imply that, there are gray areas which need to be unraveled by the department along the computerisation program to realize the purposes of execution. The researcher concludes that ESL teachers possess varying ICT literacy indexes. Given these data, there is a need to give due attention to the concerns of teachers along ICT literacy aspect to achieve optimum efficacy of the Department of Education (DepEd) computerisation programme. Teachers need to be upskilled on the digitalisation of classrooms.

Pelatihan teknologi informasi pada kantor kelurahan Barrang Caddi Kepulauan Sangkarrang

As a public service provider, the sub-district office plays a crucial role in the issuance of referral letters and certificates. In this era of digitalization, effective and efficient administrative services are demanded, necessitating the improvement of staff knowledge and skills in information technology literacy. Hence, this community engagement activity aims to enhance the quality of administrative services by empowering human resources to operate computers and office applications at the Barrang Caddi Sub-district Office. The training program spans 3 days, encompassing Microsoft Word and Excel tutorials, as well as E-Mail usage. Enthusiasm was evident among the participants, which consisted of 7 sub-district office staff and 4 residents, as they actively engaged in the activities and completed the assigned tasks. The evaluation results demonstrate that the participants have comprehended and effectively applied the knowledge imparted during the training. The training materials have assisted the participants in optimizing their information technology knowledge and skills, such as efficiently managing administrative documents using Microsoft Office, operating E-Mail, and understanding the essential tools in Excel. This training validates the significance of information technology literacy efforts in sub-district office settings, particularly in areas with limited access to information. It is hoped that this community engagement initiative will continue and provide sustained benefits in enhancing administrative services and human resources quality at the Barrang Caddi Sub-district Office