Information Technology Skills Research Articles

The community of inquiry as a tool for measuring student engagement in blended massive open online courses (MOOCs): a case study of university students in a developing country

While massive open online courses (MOOCs) promise to democratise access to education, the literature reveals a nuanced understanding of engagement in these settings, especially in resource-constrained environments. Blended MOOCs combine MOOCs and physical classroom settings of contents and instructions. This study extends this discourse by focusing on blended MOOCs, which remain under-explored in the context of developing countries. The blended MOOC at the University of Cape Coast (UCC), Ghana, deals with third-party MOOCs as open educational resources (OERs) integrated with campus-based courses. UCC students have been using such blended MOOCs since 2016, when all level 100 students were mandated to enrol in a course entitled Information Technology Skills (ITS101). ITS101 is aligned to courses in a MOOC platform called Alison as an OER. Students' engagement is key to their continued use and satisfaction with online learning, such as MOOCs. However, among all the e-learning modes, students' engagement is the lowest in MOOCs, leading to high dropout rates. Blended MOOCs are one of the techniques recommended to reverse the undesirability of MOOCs, including engagement. However, few studies have been conducted on students' engagement in blended MOOCs, especially among university students in sub-Saharan Africa using MOOCs as OERs. Thus, this paper aims to measure student engagement in blended MOOCs using the revised Community of Inquiry for university students in a developing country. The rationale is to determine whether factors affect engagement positively or negatively. A two-stage cluster sampling technique was used to determine the participants for this study. A list of blended MOOC classes offered at UCC was obtained from the staff's mailing list. In the first stage, academic levels (100, 200, 300 and 800) were randomly selected from the strata using a lottery sampling technique. In the second stage, another simple random selection of blended MOOC courses or classes was used within each selected academic level. All students in the selected classes were then included in the study. Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling was used to validate the model on the predictive relationships existing among the four presences (cognitive, learning, social and teaching) and engagement. Results from the structural model analysis proved a statistically significant predictive relationship among the constructs within the model. Learning presence had the most significant effect on student engagement. Thus, it should be included as one of the presences in the community of inquiry.

Information Technology Skills and Firm Performance of Kenya Tea Producers Companies

The study sought to examine the influence of information technology skills on performance of Tea Producers companies in Kenya. The study reviewed theoretical and empirical literature relevant to the role of Information Technology skills on performance of Tea Producers companies in Kenya. The conceptual framework was discussed to show the relationship between Information Technology skills and firm performance (dependent variable). Positivism philosophy guided this study. Positivism philosophy emphasizes the importance of empirical evidence and scientific methods in understanding the world and acquiring knowledge. The study used cross-sectional survey design to establish the role of Information Technology strategic alignment on performance of Tea Producers companies in Kenya. In this study, the target population was identified as tea producer companies that are members of the East Africa Tea Trade Association (EATTA) in Kenya. This choice was made on the premise that these entities are likely to possess pertinent and accurate information relevant to the research. Specifically, the population encompassed all 29 tea producer members of EATTA. Respondents’ population comprised of six top managers from each organization translating to 174 top managers. The sample size was 121 top managers. They were targeted because top managers of organizations mostly handle strategic management issues. The research employed purposive sampling to select respondents and primarily relied on gathering primary data. A questionnaire with a diverse set of questions was utilized to collect responses from participants. Prior to the main study, a pilot study was conducted to ensure the validity and reliability of the questionnaire. The findings of the study indicate that information technology skills exert a positive and statistically significant influence on the performance of tea producer companies in Kenya. Findings revealed that cross-training, encouraging innovation and providing employment opportunities influences performance of Tea Producers companies in Kenya. This implies that a unit improvement in information technology skills would lead to improvement in performance of Tea Producers companies in Kenya. Based on the findings, this study recommends that the management of tea Producer companies should formulate and implement effect employee training programs to improve their IT skills.

Technology Communication and Firm Performance of Kenya Tea Producers Companies

The study sought to examine the role of Technology Communication on performance of Tea Producers companies in Kenya. The study reviewed theoretical and empirical literature relevant to the role of Technology Communication on performance of Tea Producers companies in Kenya. The conceptual framework was discussed to show the relationship between Technology Communication (independent variable) and firm performance (dependent variable). Positivism philosophy guided this study. The study used cross-sectional survey design to establish the role of Information Technology strategic alignment on performance of Tea Producers companies in Kenya. In this study, the target population was identified as tea producer companies that are members of the East Africa Tea Trade Association (EATTA) in Kenya. This choice was made on the premise that these entities are likely to possess pertinent and accurate information relevant to the research. Specifically, the population encompassed all 29 tea producer members of EATTA. Respondents’ population comprised of six top managers from each organization translating to 174 top managers. The sample size was 121 top managers. They were targeted because top managers of organizations mostly handle strategic management issues. Purposive sampling technique was used to select respondents. The study mainly relied on primary data. The study used a questionnaire with diverse set of questions for the respondent to answer. A pilot study was carried out in order to ascertain the validity and reliability of the questionnaire. Descriptive statistics in the form of means and standard deviations were computed on the Technology Communication and performance measurement scales to provide an initial outline of the distribution of the participants' responses. The study concluded that Technology Communication has a positive and statistically significant influence on performance of Tea Producers companies in Kenya. Based on the findings,this study recommends that the management of Tea Producer companies should ensure effectiveness in adopting information technology and using it in governance of their organization. In addition,the management of Tea Producer companies should ensure their employees are well equipped with information technology skills to improve their productivity.

Digital literacy within Master of Pharmacy curricula in the United Kingdom: a mixed-method study

Abstract Introduction As digital health technologies (DHTs) like electronic health records (EHRs), computerised clinical decision support (CCDS), and telehealth become integral to healthcare delivery, there is an increasing demand for digitally literate healthcare professionals, including pharmacists. The General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) has emphasised digital competencies in the United Kingdom’s (UK’s) Master of Pharmacy (MPharm) curriculum. The Health Education England (HEE) and the Topol review further emphasises this point, indicating the pressing need for a digitally ready healthcare workforce.[1,2] However, despite these efforts, evidence suggests that digital literacy remains underrepresented in undergraduate pharmacy training. Aim To explore the current and planned inclusion of digital literacy education in the MPharm curricula of UK pharmacy schools. Methods A two-phase study was conducted. Phase 1: we undertook a content analysis of curricula from all GPhC-accredited UK pharmacy schools (n=30) in April 2022. Curriculum materials were procured either directly from schools’ websites or via formal correspondence. The analytical approach was based on a preceding systematic scoping review and further refined through an inductive open coding methodology. Phase 2: a structured 14-item quantitative survey, informed by the HEE Digital Capabilities Framework for the Pharmacy Workforce, was emailed to academic representatives across all UK pharmacy institutions, soliciting data on digital literacy, pedagogical methodologies, and envisaged curriculum trajectories. Results Documents for the content analysis were obtained from 46.7% (14/30) of the UK pharmacy schools. Of these, 71.4% (10/14) included components of digital literacy education or training. We identified themes relating to digital literacy education including: the theoretical understanding of health informatics, applied informatics, information technology skills and the newly emerging field of DHTs including artificial intelligence, pharmacogenomics, and personalised therapies. A total of 53.3% (16/30) schools responded to the survey. Most schools who participated in the survey stated that they had integrated digital literacy into their curricula, with only one exception; alignment with the HEE framework varied. Digital literacy was typically integrated within other teaching sessions, taught through self-learning using online resources (66.7%; 12/18). EHRs and remote counselling were primary focus areas (94.4%; 17/18). Challenges in digital literacy education include expertise shortage (68.4%; 13/19), insufficient support from pharmacy organisations (68.4%; 13/19), and limited time (52.6%; 10/19). Conclusion Although the review of the MPharm curricula revealed evidence of UK pharmacy schools incorporating digital literacy, we identified gaps in training and education relating to the variability in topics across schools, misalignment with the HEE framework, and educators’ concerns about the adequacy of current digital literacy provisions. It is important to acknowledge that our study’s low response rate might introduce sample bias, including schools more proactive in teaching digital literacy, and may not be representative of the broader educational context. The observed gaps underscore the need for collaboration with professional bodies and industry experts to enhance training with the aim of ensuring that future pharmacists are prepared and competent to practice in the digital age.

Empowering employees for digital transformation in manufacturing enterprises: A case study

Purpose: This study explores how manufacturing enterprises can effectively promote digital transformation through employee empowerment with ability, motivation, and opportunity empowerment at different stages.Design/methodology/approach: Drawing on ability, motivation, and opportunity (AMO) theory, this qualitative research takes the Jiangsu Shangshang Cable Group as a typical case to discuss manufacturing enterprises’ evolving employee empowerment model. Gioia structured data analysis method was adopted to analyse the data.Findings/results: In the stage of information technology (IT) application, the main task of employee empowerment is strengthening the employees’ abilities (‘can do’) and motivation (‘want to do’) by training their IT knowledge and skills, changing their mindset towards IT application, and letting them experience the efficiency of the latter. In the intelligence manufacturing stage, training employees to do better is the core content of employee empowerment. Enterprises can strengthen employees’ intelligent manufacturing skills, practice data-based performance appraisal and salary management, and let employees participate in intelligent manufacturing. In the stage of digital transformation of the whole process, employees are required to ‘do their best in the long run’. Enterprises could improve employee collaboration capabilities, build growth mechanisms, and involve every employee in innovation.Practical implications: In the digital transformation process, manufacturing enterprises could empower employees according to the different goals and requirements in the three stages of IT application, intelligence manufacturing, and digital transformation of the whole process. It has reference value for manufacturing enterprises to achieve digital transformation.Originality/value: This study explores a three-dimensional evolving employee empowerment model to promote manufacturing enterprises’ digital transformation.

Restructuring of human resource development in IIT libraries of North India in new digital era

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine the restructuring of human resources development processes in Indian Institutes of Technology (IIT) libraries in North India, emphasizing the essential information and communications technology (ICT) skills for both recruits and existing staff. Design/methodology/approach The study used a survey research design, with two different sets of structured questionnaires used to collect data. The first set, which was distributed to all heads of seven IIT libraries in North India, received a 100% response rate. Simultaneously, the second set was distributed to library users, yielding a 92% response rate (680 responses out of 700 distributed). The collected data were analyzed and tabulated, with suitable interpretations. Findings The findings of the study reveal that all examined libraries have implemented skill development programs. Moreover, advanced ICT skills are considered essential for staff appointments, and specific institutes (IIT Kanpur, IIT Delhi, IIT Jodhpur and IIT Ropar) took the initiative to provide ICT training to their employees. Trained employees exhibited enhanced performance, attributed to advanced ICT knowledge. The study suggests restructuring selection criteria and introducing structured ICT training programs for library staff, ensuring a more adept workforce for current demands. Research limitations/implications The study can increase the impact globally on human resource development by incorporating soft skills, job satisfaction and leadership development while exploring research opportunities through cross-institutional comparisons and the integration of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and virtual reality. Originality/value This study collected primary data from IIT libraries in North India using self-designed questionnaires. The findings provide useful insights into how libraries might restructure human resource development in the digital age.

The use of digital occupational health services among employer customers: A cross-sectional study

Occupational health (OH) service providers, together with their client organizations co-operate in promoting health and work ability. Alongside with the so-called traditional services, more and more digital services are offered by OH service providers. However, little is known how the employer customers experience and use digital OH services. This study evaluates the types of digital OH services employer customers use and how they assess the usefulness and ease of use of these digital services. Furthermore, the aim is to find out factors associated the usefulness and ease of use. To determine these features of usefulness and ease of use of digital services the Technology Acceptance Model was utilized. A cross-sectional, electronic survey was carried out to the members of human resources (HR) and entrepreneur associations between December 2022 and January 2023. The survey was in Finnish. The research material consisted of the employer customers’ answers to the multiple-choice questions of the use, usefulness and ease of use of digital OH services. The data was analyzed by quantitative statistical analysis. A total of 455 respondents took part in the study, comprising 198 representatives of HR professionals and 257 entrepreneurs. Most of the respondents were women (65%) and over 50 years old (61%). HR professionals rated their information and communications technology skills significantly more often good or really good compared to the entrepreneurs, being 92 % and 62 %, respectively. The most frequently utilized digital OH services were the ability to update personnel’s information in the OH patient registry (48.0%) and remote action plan negotiations (37.1%). Less than one-third of the respondents (29.9%) took part in remote work ability negotiations, while approximately one-fifth (20.8%) participated in remote workplace surveys. In general, the HR professionals used digital OH services more frequently and estimate the usefulness and the use of digital OH services more positively compared to the entrepreneurs (p<0.05). The study produced new information of the use and experiences of using digital OH services among the employer customers. The findings can be used to optimize the delivery and effectiveness of digital OH services for all employer customers, especially for the entrepreneurs who seemed be less used to utilize digital services.

A Multi-Factoral Approach to Enhancing Millennial Teachers' Personal Knowledge Management

Prior research has emphasized a need for scholarly works investigating millennial instructors' knowledge management (PKM) practices at the individual level within an institution. In addition, there needs to be more research examining the role of organizational learning as a mediator between transformational leadership and personal knowledge management among millennial instructors. This study examines how transformational leadership, ICT literacy, and organizational learning affect personal knowledge management (PKM) among Indonesian school instructors in their 20s and 30s. Another goal is to investigate the function of organizational learning as a mediating factor. We administered questionnaires to 100 teachers at some private Islamic schools in Bengkulu, Indonesia, and evaluated them subsequently using partial least squares structural equation modeling. The results suggest that proficiency in information and communication technology (ICT), the ability to inspire and guide others through transformational leadership, and the presence of a culture that promotes continuous learning within the business all contribute positively to the practice of personal knowledge management (PKM) among instructors from the millennial generation. The study determined that ICT literacy had the most substantial impact on teachers' PKM. Furthermore, organizational learning mediates between transformational leadership and PKM, resulting in a slight rise. These findings have practical consequences for school administrators who aim to increase millennial teachers' information and communication technology (ICT) skills in the region. One way to achieve this is by creating an ICT literacy ecosystem within schools, which will help strengthen the personal knowledge management of these instructors.

A Quadruple Helix Intervention for Accounting Education in Ghana

The current study explored the information and communication technology and higher-order thinking skills necessary for accounting students in Ghana upon completion of their accounting programme. These skills will improve their job prospects. The study adopted a qualitative approach involving in-depth semi-structured face-to-face interviews with government officials, accounting academics, employers and accounting graduates. The quadruple helix (QH) model of innovation was applied to examine the required information and communication technology and higher-order thinking skills and roles of the key QH stakeholders in promoting the development of these skills. Purposive and snowball sampling methods were utilised to select the participants for this study. The data were then analysed using thematic review procedures with the assistance of ATLAS.ti™ 9. The study revealed a growing need for accounting graduates to demonstrate creativity, analytical skills, an entrepreneurial spirit, and strong interpersonal skills for swift adaptation and success in the competitive professional landscape. Enhancing the employability of accounting graduates demands collaboration among government, academics, employers, and graduates, particularly by developing the curriculum and enhancing practical work-readiness.

PELATIHAN PENGEMBANGAN PEMBELAJARAN DENGAN LEARNING MANAGEMENT SYSTEM DAN EXAM VIEW BAGI GURU SMPN 2 SUNGAILIAT

Information and Communication Technology (ICT) has a very important role in the world of education. Apart from being used as educational infrastructure, ICT can be used as a learning tool and facility so that it can provide alternative learning experiences that are more innovative, efficient, and enjoyable if used properly. One of the implementations of ICT in the world of education is the use of the Learning Management System (LMS) and Examview which can be used to help manage online-based learning. This Community Service aims to provide training to teachers at SMP Negeri 2 Sungailiat in using LMS and Examview as an effort to improve Information and Communication Technology (ICT) skills for SMP Negeri 2 Sungailiat teachers in the current era of digitalization. The service methods carried out include: 1) Designing and creating an LMS for SMP Negeri 2 Sungailiat, 2) Providing training on LMS management and using Examview for 3 days, and 3) Assisting teachers in managing the LMS. The result of this Community Service activity is an increase in teacher skills in managing learning using LMS and Examview as shown by the results of the observation that has been carried out. From the observation results, it was found that there was an increase in teacher skills in developing learning with LMS and Examview. Eighty Percent (80%) of teachers had succeeded in developing learning in the LMS that had been provided by the team and used the LMS to help the learning process at SMPN 2 Sungailiat.

Requisite Information and Communication Technology Skills and Knowledge for Fostering Embedded Librarianship Practices in Tanzania

This study has examined librarians’ possession of information and communication technology (ICT) skills and knowledge that are requisite to practicing embedded librarianship in Tanzanian academic libraries. An exploratory cross-sectional design and qualitative and quantitative approaches have been employed by the study to collect data from 166 librarians and 6 library directors. While the data collected using a questionnaire have been analyzed using Statistical Product and Service Solutions version 21, those collected using interviews have been analyzed thematically. The study reveals that librarians have inadequate ICT skills and knowledge needed to effectively implement embedded librarianship. More specifically, the librarians lack the skills and knowledge needed to deploy sophisticated ICT tools, software, and online platforms. Regarding the ways through which librarians acquired the ICT skills and knowledge they had, the study reveals diverse sources. To effectively practice embedded librarianship, the study recommends both long-term and short-term ICT training for library professionals.

Harnessing Internal Wealth Creation through Information and Communication Technologies Skills Development

The study examines the role of ICT skills in internal wealth creation in Bayelsa State. The issues of employment in Nigeria are highly significant among young people, and this study is anticipating ICT skill development as a possible remedy to the problem of unemployment in Nigeria and Bayelsa state in particular. The study is a descriptive research design, which involved a sampled of 120 respondents, comprising IT practitioners, academia, and staff of the Bayelsa State Ministry of Youth and Sport. A validated questionnaire was used to gather relevant data. The method of analysis was characterized by mean and standard deviation as they were used to answer research questions, while the PPMC was used to test the hypothesis at the 0.05 level of statistical significance. The study result (r = 0.746, p-value = 0.013 < 0.05) presents a strong positive significant relationship between ICT skill development and internal wealth creation in Bayelsa State. The study recommended that Bayelsa State should invest in youth ICT skills training programmes that are more advanced.

The Ability of Primary Care Practices to Measure and Report on Care Quality.

Creating useful clinical quality measure (CQM) reports in a busy primary care practice is known to depend on the capability of the electronic health record (EHR). Two other domains may also contribute: supportive leadership to prioritize the work and commit the necessary resources, and individuals with the necessary health information technology (IT) skills to do so. Here we describe the results of an assessment of the above 3 domains and their associations with successful CQM reporting during an initiative to improve smaller primary care practices' cardiovascular disease CQMs. The study took place within an AHRQ EvidenceNOW initiative of external support for smaller practices across Washington, Oregon and Idaho. Practice facilitators who provided this support completed an assessment of the 3 domains previously described for each of their assigned practices. Practices submitted 3 CQMs to the study team: appropriate aspirin prescribing, use of statins when indicated, blood pressure control, and tobacco screening/cessation. Practices with advanced EHR reporting capability were more likely to report 2 or more CQMs. Only one-third of practices were "advanced" in this domain, and this domain had the highest proportion of practices (39.1%) assessed as "basic." The presence of advanced leadership or advanced skills did not appreciably increase the proportion of practices that reported 2 or more CQMs. Our findings support previous reports of limited EHR reporting capabilities within smaller practices but extend these findings by demonstrating that practices with advanced capabilities in this domain are more likely to produce CQM reports.

Investigating the Management of COVID-19 Pandemic Risks in Primary Schools: A Case of Public Primary Schools in Lindi Region, Southern Tanzania

The spread of COVID-19 in the year 2020 put various nations at risk, especially in social, economic, and educational aspects. School closure was employed as one of the response measures against the spread of this virus. However, the measure imposed high social and educational risks with consequences of a massive drop academically. This study investigated the management of the COVID-19 pandemic risks in primary schools in the Lindi region in Tanzania intending to suggest the essence of having a risk management plan for indeterminate outbreaks and other uncertainties to avoid the recurrence of the risks. The study adopted a qualitative case study design which allowed an in-depth data collection through one-on-one interviews and observation methods. Thematic analysis was adopted to analyze the data for this inquiry. Findings revealed that the targeted schools were able to manage the COVID-19 pandemic risks even though the management was done locally due to the lack of risk management plans in the schools. Furthermore, it was discovered that there was no budget set to deal with the emerging risks. Headteachers from the investigated schools went as far as using part of their salaries to tackle the emerging risks as a result of school closure. Additionally, findings also revealed that during school closure teachers were unprepared on how to conduct the teaching and learning processes amongst the pupils through distance mode. Despite several endeavors to try to ensure pupils continue to learn in their homes, the strategies were not successful due to inadequate Information and Communication Technology (ICT) knowledge and skills among the teachers, parents, and pupils as well as insufficient supportive distance learning infrastructures such as ICT equipment and the internet. Consequently, proper implementation of distance teaching and learning during school closure was impaired due to the lack of risk management plans in schools. It is recommended that the risk management plan be developed to ensure that teaching and learning processes are never hampered by emergencies.

Relationship between Secondary School Teachers' Technological Proficiencies and Their Effectiveness in Instructional Practices

This study aims to find out the relationship between secondary school teachers' technical skills and their instructional competencies. It also seeks to understand the obstacles that keep teachers from utilizing technology and how they view their instructional competencies and information technology skills. The research also investigated the relationship between teachers' information technology skills and job proficiency. The study addresses the diverse landscapes among teachers and promotes broader technology adoption in assessment and evaluation. The concerns that have been identified include those linked to technology, students, and families, which emphasizes the necessity of making infrastructural upgrades and providing thorough training. The study highlights the significance of motivation and attendance in online learning, consistent with previous research. Teachers emphasize in-service training and skill development, expressing a common sense of inadequacy in technological integration. The study used a questionnaire to gather information from secondary school teachers as part of a quantitative research approach. The study's conclusion sheds light on how information technology might help teachers do better at work and develop their instructional competencies. The findings might also be useful in devising ways to get around obstacles that hinder teachers from using technology in the classroom.

Competencies Matter for Digital Transformation and Operational Performance in Nepalese SMEs

This study investigates the effect of individual and organizational competencies on digital transformation implementation and operational performance in small and medium-sized enterprises in Nepal. Regression analysis with a small sample size is used to test the proposed research model and hypotheses utilizing data collected from 154 employees of SMEs in Nepal. The results of this study showed that individual capabilities measure of information and communication technology skills, change acceptance, and technology acquisition have positive relationships with digital transformation implementation in Nepal’s SMEs. In addition, the study’s results indicated that organizational infrastructure, top management’s willingness, and organizational support as a part of organizational capabilities positively affect digital transformation implementation. As individual and organizational capabilities are confirmed to be the drivers of DX implementation, firms should develop manuals and guidelines to understand employees’ work processes and improve work efficiency. Digital transformation implementation positively affects operational performance in Nepal’s small and medium-sized enterprises. The significance and value of this study lies in its potential to serve as fundamental guidance for corporations seeking to implement digital transformation and organizations contemplating adopting digital transformation strategies effectively.

Evaluating ICT Competencies of Higher Education Faculty:A Comprehensive Quantitative Model after the Pandemic

This study aimed to enhance the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) skills of faculty members in a higher education institution. The faculty’s limited proficiency in ICT impeded the integration of technology instruments across different topics. A training program was devised, executed, and assessed to tackle these problems within six months. Online courses were developed for participants under the training’s criteria. Quantitative data collection involved administering a pre-test and post-test, which were subsequently analyzed using descriptive statistics. The assessed competencies encompassed the utilization of computers in instructional activities and the development and implementation of educational initiatives. The findings indicated that 75% of the faculty did not typically include technology in their instructional methods, whereas 41% recognized the potential of technology to enhance and innovate teaching practices. Only 66.67% of the participants possessed knowledge of fundamental components of computers, while the same percentage was aware of basic peripherals. Additionally, 58.33% of the participants demonstrated proficiency in installing computer programs. The program sought to enhance the educational quality and showed positive modifications in formulating strategies for integrating ICTs into the curriculum. The results showcased the efficacy of the training program in improving teaching skills in the field of information and communication technologies (ICTs), enhancing the teaching methods of faculty members, and providing the opportunity to deliver courses either fully online or in a blended format.

Development of Digital Literacy-Based Project Based Learning Assessment Models to Improve High School Students' Creative Thinking Abilities

The use of technology and interactive media in learning is crucial for developing essential information technology and media skills in today's digital era, fostering digital literacy – the ability to understand, use, analyze, evaluate, and participate in the digital world effectively and responsibly. The purposes of this research are to validating a digital literacy-based project-based learning model assessment and enhancing students' digital literacy and creative thinking in high school biology. Using a development research approach and the ADDIE model (Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation, and Evaluation), 137 high school students in Poso Regency were sampled. The assessment tools, including observation sheets and rubrics, along with creative thinking tests, demonstrated validity (sig value < 0.05) and reliability (R > 0.60). Implementation revealed excellent digital literacy (86%), good creative thinking (75%), and a moderate improvement (N-gain = 0.68). The assessment's validity and reliability, confirmed through expert and field trials, support its applicability in high school biology learning.

The Role of the Principal as an Educator in Developing Capability Teacher Information And Communication Technology

The demands of teachers in this era require teachers to continue to develop with the times. It is the responsibility of the principal to help teachers improve their abilities. This study aims to determine the role, obstacles and solutions of the principal as an educator in developing the Information and Communication Technology skills of teachers at SD Negeri 109 Pekanbaru. This study used descriptive qualitative method. Data collection techniques using interviews, observation and documentation review. Testing the validity of the data using triangulation. Data analysis techniques namely data collection, data reduction, data presentation and drawing conclusions. The results showed that the principal had tried to carry out his role as an educator in developing teachers' ICT skills. The conclusion from the research results is that the role of the principal as an educator in developing teachers' ICT skills is carried out with strategies that have been prepared such as, involving teachers in all ICT-based training and providing opportunities for teachers to increase knowledge and skills, creating a conducive school atmosphere by completing infrastructure ICT and complement teaching materials by checking ICT teaching materials used by teachers in learning, providing guidance and advice at regular meetings or meetings and providing motivation such as giving praise to teachers who have contributed a lot to the school.

Benefits, facilitators, and barriers of electronic medical records implementation in outpatient settings: A scoping review.

This scoping review examined the breadth and depth of evidence on Electronic Medical Record (EMR) implementation benefits in outpatient settings. Following PRISMA guidelines for scoping reviews, five databases were searched, and 24 studies were retained and reviewed. Benefits, facilitators, and barriers to EMR implementation were extracted. Direct benefits included improved communication/reporting, work efficiency, care process, healthcare outcomes, safety, and patient-centredness of care. Indirect benefits were improved financial performance and increased data accessibility, staff satisfaction, and decision-support usage. Barriers included time and financial constraints; design/technical issues; limited information technology resources, skills, and infrastructure capacity; increased workload and reduced efficiency during implementation; incompatibility of existing systems and local regulations; and resistance from healthcare professionals. Facilitators included training, change management, user-friendliness and alignment with workflow, user experience with EMRs, top management support, and sufficient resources. More rigorous, systematic research is needed, using relevant frameworks to inform healthcare policies and guide EMR projects in outpatient areas.