Information Technology Students Research Articles

Hybrid Information Technology Learning Based on Project Work to Enhance Students' Design Thinking in Creating Digital Innovations

This study explores the effectiveness of a hybrid information technology learning model based on project work in enhancing students' design-thinking skills necessary for creating digital innovations. Traditional teaching methods have shown limitations in fostering essential design-thinking competencies among information technology students, necessitating innovative pedagogical strategies. Utilizing a quasi-experimental design, this research implemented a hybrid learning framework that integrates project-based learning (PjBL) with digital tools to offer a dynamic, student-centered educational environment. Over a two-month period, 80 information technology (IT) students from Mandalika University of Education were selected using purposive sampling and divided into an experimental group, who engaged in the hybrid model, and a control group, which continued with traditional methods. Data were collected using structured questionnaires pre- and post-intervention to assess various design-thinking skills, including creativity, collaboration, and adaptability. The data analysis involved descriptive statistics and analysis of variance (ANOVA) to compare the performance of the two groups. Results indicate significant improvements in the experimental group's design-thinking abilities compared to the control group, emphasizing the hybrid model's potential to effectively bridge the gap between conventional education and the requirements of the digital era. This study contributes to educational research by demonstrating that a well-structured hybrid learning environment can substantially enhance students' abilities to innovate and apply design thinking in real-world digital scenarios, suggesting a need for curricular adjustments that emphasize such integrative approaches in IT education.

An Expert Usability Evaluation of a Specialized Platform for Designing and Producing Online Educational Talking Books

Educational institutions are increasingly using audio-based learning resources and technologies nowadays, especially for students who are auditory learners and visually impaired. The ability to design and create online educational talking books with a pedagogical foundation has become essential for students studying instructional and information technology in the age of digital learning. With the need to enhance such skills to target students in higher educational institutions, instructional and information technology students have no specialized platform for designing and producing an online educational talking book without web programming challenges. This study suggests a new specialized, web-based platform that can assist students in developing online educational talking books. In this study, fourteen instructional technology experts evaluated the proposed platform’s usability. An online questionnaire was utilized to gather data, applying qualitative and quantitative methodologies. The results show that the proposed platform is appropriate for creating and developing an online educational talking book for the intended audience of students. Furthermore, the suggested platform’s current version had a workable design that was appropriate for helping students acquire the necessary abilities.

Reimagining Students’ and Student Development and Support Practitioners’ Experiences in a Computer-Assisted Language Learning (CALL) Programme at a University in South Africa

This mixed methods study explored the experiences and views of information and communication technology (ICT) students and student development and support (SDS) practitioners who facilitated the English Word Power (EWP) programme, which was used as an intervention to address the students’ poor English proficiency skills at a university of technology (UoT) in South Africa. There is current research on the experiences and views of students and lecturers on computer-assisted language learning (CALL) programmes; however, no studies have been published on the experiences of SDS practitioners on similar programmes in South Africa. This study addresses this gap by providing the voices of SDS practitioners regarding their experiences with a CALL programme. A descriptive and interpretive research design was adopted. Self-report questionnaires and in-depth interviews were used to collect data. The findings from the student questionnaires (n = 99) indicated that the students were enthusiastic about the programme and enjoyed it. The SDS practitioners (n = 4), however, found it problematic to integrate the EWP programme into their regular teaching activities. It is recommended that a CALL programme, which teaches listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills, be integrated with regular teaching. Future research should focus on how to integrate CALL programmes into language development interventions that address students’ poor English proficiency.

Navigating the Grey Area: Students' Ethical Dilemmas in Using AI Tools for Coding Assignments

<div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"><tbody><tr><td valign="top" width="605"><p>Integrating artificial intelligence (AI) in higher education, particularly in coding assignments for Information Technology (IT) students, represents a rapidly evolving research area with significant implications for academic practices and integrity. This study focuses on the ethical challenges faced by IT students when using AI tools like ChatGPT for coding assignments. Despite the growing use of AI in education, there is a notable gap in understanding how students perceive and navigate the ethical dilemmas associated with these technologies. To address this gap, this study employed a thematic analysis of qualitative data collected from interviews with IT students. The results reveal a complex landscape of ethical considerations, including issues of originality, academic integrity, and the potential for misuse of AI tools. Students reported challenges in balancing the benefits of AI assistance with the need to maintain independent learning and adhere to ethical standards. The implications of this research are significant for educators, institutions, and policymakers. Understanding the ethical challenges students face can inform the development of more effective teaching strategies, assessment methods, and institutional policies. This study contributes to the ongoing dialogue about AI ethics in academia, providing valuable insights for creating an educational environment that leverages the power of AI while upholding the principles of academic integrity and meaningful learning.</p></td></tr></tbody></table></div>

The Correlation between Java Programming and BSICT Graduate Attributes of Information Technology Students at Surigao del Norte State University

This study examines the relationship between graduate attributes of 150 Bachelor of Science in Information Technology (BSIT) students and Java programming. The study focuses on graduate-level skills like problem-solving abilities, communication, and problem analysis in relation to Java programming elements like classes, file handling, and methods. A 5-point Likert scale rating is incorporated into the survey questionnaire design in order to quantitatively evaluate the responses. The study makes use of the Jamovi application as a statistical spreadsheet. The outcome shows a good relationship between the characteristics of BSIT graduates, such as communication, problem-solving skills, and problem analysis, and Java programming elements like classes, file handling, and methods. Additionally, some BSIT students find it difficult to use complicated methods, indicating the necessity for instructional strategies, practical projects, assessments, and peer programming exercises.

Attracting IT Talent: A Kano Analysis of Employer Attributes

Recruiting information technology (IT) talent remains a pressing issue for employers. Organizations therefore work on enhancing and highlighting their attractiveness. Drawing on the theory of attractive quality, the Kano model, we empirically investigate attributes that specifically attract IT talents in a recruiting context. Based on 30 interviews and a survey of 301 IT professionals and IT students, we identify and evaluate 24 attractiveness attributes that are further classified according to the nature of their role in attracting IT talent. The attribute identification and evaluation involve several steps including categorization, significance, and verification testing. Our research introduces Kano analysis as a useful tool to elicit nontrivial preference portfolios relevant to the IT job market. The empirical results add to the IT workforce literature and offer a concrete classification of what attributes employers should or even need to provide to recruit these scarce talents. The analysis also discloses differences in the survey participants' work experience and gender. Organizations can use the method to develop more effective candidate communication and reveal weak spots in their employer branding efforts.

Some Solutions to Improve Programming Skills for Information Technology Students at Tan Trao University

In the rapidly evolving field of Information Technology, proficient programming skills are paramount for students aspiring to excel in their careers. This study investigates the current state of programming competencies among IT students at Tan Trao University, identifies the challenges they face, and proposes targeted solutions to enhance their programming capabilities. Utilizing a mixed-methods approach, we gathered data through surveys, interviews, and performance assessments, revealing significant gaps in foundational knowledge, practical application, and problem-solving skills. Based on these findings, we recommend a multifaceted strategy that includes curriculum enhancement, hands-on coding workshops, peer mentoring programs, and the integration of industry-relevant projects. These solutions aim to create a robust learning environment that not only improves technical skills but also fosters critical thinking and collaboration. The implementation of these strategies is expected to significantly elevate the programming proficiency of IT students at Tan Trao University, preparing them to meet the demands of the tech industry and contribute innovatively to their future workplaces. This research underscores the urgent need for educational institutions to adapt and evolve their teaching methodologies to cultivate the next generation of skilled programmers.

Realidad aumentada en educación universitaria

This study presents the “Augmented Reality in University Education” project, whose objective was to develop and evaluate mobile applications with augmented reality (AR) to improve the learning of Information Technology students at the Technological University of Nayarit. The literature review offers a clear definition of AR and documents international research on its use in education, with a specific analysis in the state of Nayarit. The research methodology was of a mixed nature, with a quasi-experimental design, in the development of the applications the agile Scrum methodology was used, subsequently implementing an experimental evaluation phase to verify the functionality and effectiveness of the apps in the educational environment; Questionnaires, observations and interviews were used to collect data on usability, motivation and improvement in student learning. Three mobile applications were created for the Data Structure and Databases subjects. The results showed that the applications are functional and were valued by students in usability, motivation and usefulness as an educational complement. The conclusions highlight that the applications allow students to use interactive models to understand abstract concepts, which improves their learning experience.

Analyzing Test Performance of BSIT Students and Question Quality: A Study on Item Difficulty Index and Item Discrimination Index for Test Question Improvement

This study presents a comprehensive assessment of the test performance of Bachelor of Science in Information Technology (BSIT) students in the System Integration and Architecture (SIA) course, coupled with a meticulous examination of the quality of test questions, aiming to lay the groundwork for enhancing the assessment tool. Employing a cross-sectional research design, the study involved 200 fourth-year students enrolled in the course. The results illuminated a significant discrepancy in scores between upper and lower student cohorts, highlighting the necessity for targeted interventions, curriculum enhancements, and assessment refinements, particularly for those in the lower-performing group. Further examination of the item difficulty index of the assessment tool unveiled the need to fine-tune certain items to better suit a broader spectrum of students. Nevertheless, the majority of items were deemed adequately aligned with their respective difficulty levels. Additionally, an analysis of the item discrimination index identified 25 items suitable for retention, while 27 items warranted revision, and 3 items were suitable for removal, as per the analysis outcomes. These insights provide a valuable foundation for improving the assessment tool, thereby optimizing its capacity to evaluate students' acquired knowledge effectively. The study's novel contribution lies in its integration of both student performance assessment and evaluation of assessment tool quality within the BSIT program, offering actionable insights for improving educational outcomes. By identifying challenges faced by BSIT students and proposing targeted interventions, curriculum enhancements, and assessment refinements, the research advances our understanding of effective assessment practices. Furthermore, the detailed analysis of item difficulty and discrimination indices offers practical guidance for enhancing the reliability and validity of assessment tools in the BSIT program. Overall, this research contributes to the existing body of knowledge by providing empirical evidence and actionable recommendations tailored to the needs of BSIT students, promoting educational quality and student success in Information Technology.

Factors Influencing Undergraduate Final Year Project Idea Selection: A Comprehensive Review for IT and CS Students

This study sought to identify and categorize factors influencing undergraduate students' Final Year Project (FYP) idea selection in Information Technology (IT) and Computer Science (CS) fields. The study adopted a systematic approach, analyzing relevant literature post-2010 from various databases. The review scrutinized factors under three primary categories: student, supervisor and environment. Eight articles were selected for analysis based on their relevance to IT and CS. Factors were categorized based on recurring themes and their frequencies were examined and presented in detailed tables. Student-centered factors (58.5%) prominently influenced project idea selection, with Student Interest, Future Ambition and Mastering English Language being noteworthy. Supervisor-centered factors (14.6%), such as Supervisor’s Area of Interest and environment-centered factors (26.8%), including Availability of Literature influenced project selection. The study concludes that institutions should prioritize strategies to enhance student-centered factors, supporting interests, future ambitions and language proficiency.

Didactic digital tools and autonomous learning in information technology engineering students at Uleam, Chone Extension

The technological scenario has transformed the way people communicate, learn and carry out daily activities. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, it has been proven that technology has provided many advantages, but challenges related to access and security have also been generated, making it essential to guarantee that all people have the same opportunities related to scientific access. The objective was to evaluate the use of digital didactic tools in the autonomous learning of information technology engineering students of the ULEAM Chone extension, the study was descriptive with the quantitative approach, the inductive-deductive method was applied, the review of information and the statistical method. Among the instruments used in the work, a structured survey was used for the 16 teachers and information technology students with a total population of 193 students, applying the Larry and Murray formula with a sample of 89 schoolchildren. It is concluded that digital tools offer advantages in autonomous learning such as time optimization, in addition to allowing the analysis of various investigative approaches, even though there are factors that affect the educational field for the application of digital tools such as social, cultural, political and economic.

Designing a Competency-Focused Course on Applied AI Based on Advanced System Research on Business Requirements

The consortium of “The Future is in Applied Artificial Intelligence” Project designed the first competency-based applied artificial intelligence curriculum at the higher-education institution level. The development was based on advanced system research on existing artificial intelligence-related resources and surveying target groups of teachers, information technology students, and employers, which should enhance the performance of implementing artificial intelligence education. A review of applied artificial intelligence was prepared in the form of keyword clustering. The initial data were collected with the help of surveying by identifying job offers, existing artificial intelligence training courses, scientific projects, and real cases. A synthetic analysis of the textual information from the studies was conducted using the word clouds technique. A tensor-based approach was used for the presentation of the competency-based course. The specific numerical requirements for the course in the form of priorities followed from the solution to decision-making problems using the analytic hierarchy process technique. Based on a comprehensive study of surveys, educational experience, scientific projects, and business requirements, and a meta-analysis of the recent references, we specified the criteria for a training course in the form of a tensor-based representation of competencies in relation to content and educational modules.

Mastering the art of technical writing in it: Making complex things easy to understand in Atate campus

This research, conducted at the Atate Campus of Nueva Ecija University of Science and Technology, delves into the realm of technical writing within the Information Technology (IT) sector, focusing on the pedagogical strategies that facilitate the comprehension of complex technical topics by IT students. It seeks to uncover the challenges IT students face when engaging with technical documentation and the effective methods to surmount these obstacles. Through a qualitative and quantitative analysis involving a survey distributed to 100 IT students across various academic years, the study identifies significant challenges such as conceptual complexity, jargon prevalence, and the need for audience-tailored documentation. The research highlights best practices like the use of plain language, visuals, real-world examples, and the critical role of user testing in enhancing document clarity and understandability. Furthermore, it examines preferences in writing styles and document structures, offering insights into effective technical communication tailored to diverse audience needs. This study proposes a set of recommendations aimed at improving technical writing curriculum and pedagogy, encouraging future research, and fostering a deeper understanding of technical subjects among IT students through enhanced technical writing skills.

Evaluation of the Usability of Drmyco Web Application Using the Think-Aloud Method

Introduction: Health information technology has great potential to address some of the challenges of developed and developing countries in providing accessible, affordable and high-quality healthcare services. Telemedicine uses health information technology to overcome geographic barriers and increase access to health care services. This is particularly useful for rural and disadvantaged communities in developing countries. There are many reasons for abandoning and failing the web application; one of the most important obstacles to their use is low applicability. The purpose of this study is to investigate the usability of Drmyco web application.Material and Methods: Evaluation was done in a laboratory environment based on a pre-prepared scenario using the think-aloud method by 15 users (health information technology students from all over the country). Then the identified problems and identified problems were classified based on the Van den Haak method. The Nielsen method was used to evaluate the severity of the problems.Results: The average duration of the evaluation process in this study for users was 22.06 minutes. The total number of problems identified by users was 19.Conclusion: The two principles of Layout and Comprehensiveness were identified as the most problems for users.

Students online learning experience during emergency remote teaching in higher education

For actionable insight, this study explored computer science and information technology students’ online learning experience in an emergency remote teaching during the COVID-19 pandemic in a public technical university in Ghana. A mixed method research of both quantitative and qualitative design was used to expand the evidence base. The inherent set of factors of the learning experience were determined by an exploratory factor analysis and confirmed with a multiple regression. Six factors comprising sense of concern, institutional support, effective communication, connectedness, mediated technologies, and stress levels explained 66.5% of the variance in the patterns of relationship. All factors had positive regression weights and added significantly to the prediction. Potentials identified comprised positive reactions to institutional support, improved lecturer-student interaction, active participation, accessible course contents, and moderately high future online learning expectations. The challenges included unpreparedness, unreliable Internet, high cost of data, and incidental learning design and pedagogy. Evidently, the higher education landscape shifted during the pandemic in obvious ways to merit further studies and reflective online learning administration to inform robust technology-oriented post-pandemic practices.

Assessing the Effects of Packet Tracer on the Performance of Information Technology Students in Advanced Networking

Assessing the Effects of Packet Tracer on the Performance of Information Technology Students in Advanced Networking

Effectiveness of Poster Presentation Method for Vocabulary Enhancement of International Information Technology University Students

This paper investigates the impact of employing poster-making activities on the vocabulary proficiency of intermediate-level International Information Technology Students. The study focuses on a sample of four groups, each comprising 15 students, randomly assigned to either the treatment or control condition. The treatment group engages in structured poster-making exercises centered around IT-related terminology, while the control group receives conventional vocabulary instruction through traditional methods. Pre- and post-assessments, consisting of standardized vocabulary tests, will be administered to all four groups to measure vocabulary acquisition. Statistical analysis will be employed to compare the pre- and post-test scores between the treatment and control groups, while controlling for any initial differences in vocabulary proficiency. This article strictly adheres to a quantitative methodology, focusing on objective measurements of vocabulary gains. The study aims to provide empirical evidence regarding the effectiveness of poster-making activities as a supplementary tool for vocabulary enhancement in the context of Information Technology education. The findings of this study will contribute to the growing body of literature on innovative language learning strategies tailored to specialized fields like information technology. Additionally, the results will offer practical insights for educators and curriculum developers seeking evidence-based approaches to address the unique language learning needs of students in technical disciplines.

ỨNG DỤNG PHƯƠNG PHÁP DẠY HỌC TƯƠNG TÁC TRONG MÔN KỸ THUẬT LẬP TRÌNH CHO SINH VIÊN KHOA CÔNG NGHỆ THÔNG TIN, TRƯỜNG ĐẠI HỌC CÔNG NGHỆ THÔNG TIN VÀ TRUYỀN THÔNG, ĐẠI HỌC THÁI NGUYÊN

Interactive teaching methods have been receiving attention in application to innovate teaching methods in education and training, especially in training human resources in technical fields. With the participation of computers and supporting software, along with other means, the interaction process between teacher - learner - environment increasingly plays an important role in forming knowledge and skills for learners. For the University of Information and Communication Technology, Thai Nguyen University, Thai Nguyen University, interactive teaching methods are applied in training Information Technology students flexibly in each subject to improve education quality. Through survey methods and other research methods, the article analyses the actual conditions for applying interactive teaching methods in Programming Engineering course for students of the Faculty of Information Technology, University of Information and Communication Technology, Thai Nguyen University, from which the limitations will be evaluated. On that basis, the article offers some measures to improve the effectiveness of applying interactive teaching methods in Programming Engineering for students.

Empowering Chronic Kidney Disease Patients: A Personalized Electronic Health Record System for Enhanced Care and Management

Introduction: Electronic health records are critical for diagnosis and treatment, but their development can be challenging and time-consuming process. Personal health records provide a practical and accessible solution by empowering patients to take an active role in their care. This study presents a personalized electronic health record system for chronic kidney disease patients, highlighting its potential benefits on patient care.Material and Methods: In 2021, a practical study was conducted to develop and evaluate a personal health records software specifically for patients with chronic kidney disease. The analysis phase involved a literature review and validation process to review the dataset and key software functions. The study primarily focuses on the implementation process and exploratory usability evaluation results of the software. The development and evaluation process involved a health information management specialist and a medical informatics expert, and the software was evaluated by health information technology students using the Nielsen usability evaluation checklist.Results: In the evaluation of the produced software, 12 issues were identified, of which three were related to the principle of user freedom and mastery over the system, three were related to the principle of consistency and standards, one was related to the principle of aiding users in diagnosis, and five were related to error prevention.Conclusion: This study emphasizes the importance of compliance with clinical standards and user experience in developing successful personal health record software. Previous failures in similar systems have been attributed to non-compliance and unmet user expectations. The study aims to identify obstacles and improve the personal health records production process.

Academic Factors Influencing Students Career Choices in the IT Field: Insights from South African IT Students

Effective career decision-making is pivotal for students, influencing their prospects and employability. This study delves into the nuanced relationship between academic factors and career choices among Information Technology (IT) students. While existing literature acknowledges the broad impact of academic performance on career decisions, limited research explores this dynamic within the context of South African universities. This research employs a comprehensive mixed-methods approach, examining the influence of educational experience, mentorship, access to resources, and institutional support on students' academic performance and subsequent career choices. Through statistical analysis and qualitative interviews, the study unveils unique insights into the interconnected effects of these factors on IT career pursuits. The findings bear significance for educators, career counselors, policymakers, and industry stakeholders. By understanding the multifaceted elements shaping academic performance and career decisions, institutions can tailor support programs, refine curricula, and nurture holistic student development. Employers stand to gain insights into the attributes of high-performing individuals, aiding talent management and recruitment. For IT students, this research provides a profound exploration of the intricate links between academic performance, career choices, and outcomes, contributing to the broader discourse on workforce development and the future of the IT sector.