Information Communication Technology Knowledge Research Articles

Problem Faced by the Farmers in Using Information Communication Technology Tools for receiving Rice Production Information

The facilitation of technology transfer to farmers plays a crucial role in enhancing agricultural productivity within the context of Bangladesh. In relation to this matter, a study was undertaken to evaluate the extent of problems faced by the farmers in utilizing Information Communication Technology (ICT) technologies for accessing rice production information. Data were collected from randomly selected 340 ICT tool using rice farmers of four selected districts of Bangladesh. The results indicated that majority (66.2%) of the rice farmers faced severe problem, compared to 27.9% and 5.9% of them faced moderate and low problem respectively in using ICT tools for receiving rice production technologies. Based on Standardized Problem Faced Index, top five severe problems were lack of ICT knowledge of farmers, high cost of internet packages, lack of training in using of ICT tools, high cost of ICT tools and required more time to learn using ICT tools. These problems may be minimized by providing necessary training to the farmers on using ICT tools for receiving rice production information, cost reduction of internet package and ICT tools, providing better internet connectivity, uninterrupted power supply as perceived by the farmers.

PERCEIVED CHALLENGES OF ICT AS AN EXAMINABLE CURRICULUM SUBJECT IN RURAL SECONDARY SCHOOLS: VOICES OF TEACHERS AND LEARNERS IN SOUTHERN ZAMBIA

The study interrogated teachers’ and pupils’ perceptions of Information Communication Technology (ICT) as an examinable curriculum subject in secondary schools of Mazabuka district in Southern Zambia. In 2013 Ministry of Education (MoE) reviewed the National School Curriculum introducing ICT as an examinable subject at the junior secondary school level. This development was, however, received with mixed feelings among different stakeholders across the nation. The study employed Davis’ (1989) Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) as a theoretical framework to establish the teachers’ and pupils’ perceptions of ICT as an examinable curriculum subject. A descriptive research design was used to collect qualitative data from a sample size of 36 participants which included school administrators, ICT teachers, and pupils. Purposive and quota sampling was applied to select the participants. Data were collected using unstructured questionnaires, interviews, and focus group discussions. The data were analysed thematically by categorization of major and sub-themes that emerged from the study. The study showed that both teachers and pupils had positive perceptions towards ICT as an examinable curriculum subject. The majority of the participants strongly felt that the current times demanded for ICT knowledge in order for learners to fit well in the world of technology. The study also identified challenges faced in the teaching and learning of ICT such as; a lack of trained teachers, inadequate computer hardware and software, and irregular power supply. Various measures were employed in mitigating the challenges such as community engagement, voluntary teaching, class splitting, use of alternative sources of power, and explorations of online resources. The study recommended that the Ministry of Education should revert to its earlier policy position where all schools were to offer ICT as a compulsory examinable subject at the junior secondary school level. The government also should consider the reduction of taxes and tariffs on end-user consumer ICT products such as desktops computers, iPads, projectors, and others.<p> </p><p><strong> Article visualizations:</strong></p><p><img src="/-counters-/soc/0019/a.php" alt="Hit counter" /></p>

Teacher Development During and Beyond COVID-19: Perspectives from Zimbabwe

The purpose of the study was to examine how Zimbabwean teacher educators can develop pre-service and in-service teachers to teach effectively during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond. This qualitative study, guided by the case study method, gathered the perspectives of experienced teachers and teacher educators in schools, teacher colleges and universities in Harare. Data was generated by means of face-to face interviews, Zoom meetings, WhatsApp and Google Talk, and it was analysed using the content analysis technique. My study found that pre-service and in-service teachers should acquire pedagogical and technological skills in addition to what they have been taught. Teacher educators as well as pre-service and in-service teachers also need information communication technology (ICT) knowledge and skills to implement blended teaching and learning, use the On-Demand Examination system, and develop and implement formative and summative assessment. Beyond the pandemic, the traditional 3-3-3 model of teacher development (i.e., 1 year, 3 school terms in college; 1 year’s teaching practice;1 year in college)will likely continue to be based on blended learning and Open and Distance eLearning (ODeL). It is recommended that technology infrastructure in Zimbabwe be upgraded to allow teacher educators, practising teachers and student teachers easy access to the internet, while also training them in ICT skills and knowledge.

Knowledge, Attitude and Use of Information Communication Technology (ICT) among English Language Teachers

The emergence of Information Communication Technology (ICT) over the years has brought significant benefits in the field of education especially for teachers. In the contemporary day, ICT is being used as a synchronous and asynchronous teaching and learning platform that caters to both teachers and learners’ needs. The Ministry of Education (MoE) has executed different paradigms to assist teachers in implementing a variety of ICT-supported methods and resources in the classroom to improve the teaching and learning process. This study aims to analyze the level of knowledge, attitude and use of ICT possessed by English language teachers in teaching English. A survey questionnaire consisting of five sections was distributed randomly to English language teachers from various schools around Klang Valley, Malaysia. The findings of the study revealed that the research respondents have adequate knowledge in utilising mundane applications and have positive attitudes toward the use of ICT. Nevertheless, there were several challenges that English language teachers seldom face when implementing ICT in the teaching and learning environment. The results obtained in this research show significant relationship between the knowledge, attitude and the use of ICT among English language teachers.

Pre-Schoolers’ Parental Concern on Educational Effect of Information and Communication Technology on Children’s Learning

Technology has been the bread and butter of learning not only among school going children, but also those of pre-schoolers. Its access and usage has become the perennial tool to generate learning. Hence, it comes with the effects of the learning process. This study attempts to investigate the concern of pre-schoolers’ parents regarding the access of Information Communication Technology (ICT) that takes place both in school and at home. This has also become the cause of concern for parents as their children are exposed to its access and usage, conveniently 24/7. To conduct this study, questionnaires were given and duly completed by 10 parents in a small school of eighteen pre-schoolers. These pre-schoolers ranged from the ages of 3 to 6 years old. At these ages, the children have ICT knowledge, at home ranging from leisure games, electronic toys, mobile phones, television, CD, and computers. They have well educated parents with concerns on child computer addiction, health matters and lack of social values. Discussions on the findings focus on the advantages and disadvantages of technology access and usage among the pre-schoolers. They also included the questions on methods of access control or preventive measures to ensure safe ICT use for these pre-schoolers. This study took a qualitative approach as it was suitable to access the respondents’ perception and opinion via questionnaires. The analysis of the study results indicated that ICT had positive impact on education. The concern and setback for parents were the health issues, dark webs, and lack or over socialising. More often it is lack of social mingling. Received: 27 June 2021 / Accepted: 9 August 2021 / Published: 5 September 2021

ICT, Disability, and Motivation: Validation of a Measurement Scale and Consequence Model for Inclusive Digital Knowledge.

The use of ICT (information communication technology) as an educational resource is becoming more evident in the education systems of most countries, even more so with the COVID-19 crisis. When it comes to disability and education, ICT becomes a tool for social and educational inclusion. This study presents the validation and evaluation of a measurement scale on ICT literacy for inclusive education. In addition, based on previous literature, a conceptual model is proposed and validated through PLS (partial least squares) using a sample of 142 teachers from all educational stages. The results show that teachers’ ICT knowledge to ensure inclusion consists of five dimensions on specific needs. ICT knowledge has a positive impact on teacher motivation and ICT use. Teachers at primary and early childhood education levels have a lower motivation and use of ICT, although they have a higher knowledge of disability. The results found allow progress to be made in measuring the educational inclusion of schools and the ICT knowledge needed to ensure care and support for all people. A notable implication is the need for training on ICT and disability within educational policies.

User Acceptance of Electronic Medical Record System: Implementation at Marie Stopes International, Myanmar.

ObjectivesThis study assessed the technical feasibility and aimed to determine the factors influencing intention to use Electronic Medical Records (EMRs) at Marie Stopes International, Myanmar (MSI-M).MethodsA cross-sectional survey was conducted among 112 participants who were working at the clinics and head office of MSI-M. Demographic information, type of office, technical feasibility, information communication technology knowledge, computer usage, and user acceptance towards the proposed system were obtained from the participants.ResultsThe results indicated low health information technology usage and network availability at MSI-M clinics. Positive perception of EMRs was found among the staff members of MSI-M, which was reflected by positive responses regarding perceived usefulness (average score of 4.15), perceived ease of use (average score of 4.03), and intention to use (average score of 4.10) on a 5-point Likert scale. Statistically, staff from the head office expressed less desire to implement an EMR system (odds ratio = 0.07; 95% confidence interval, 0.01–0.97), especially when they do not perceive the usefulness of the system (odds ratio = 5.05; 95% confidence interval, 2.39–10.69).ConclusionsSince health information technology usage and network availability were low in MSI-M, it is important to strengthen the information and communication technology infrastructure and introduce a policy for capacity building at MSI-M. Adequate training and strong leadership support are recommended for the successful initial implementation and sustainability of an EMR system at MSI-M.

English

Information Communication Technology (ICT) application in academics and research has come to stay. While the developed world has not only embraced ICT in academics, they have gone ahead to make teaching and learning far more simpler, on the other hand most of the developed world is still grappling with the provision of basic amenities to its citizens that the idea of ICT appears farfetched and elitist. This study was carried out to assess how student perception, knowledge and area of specialization influenced ICT utilization for academic purposes in College of Health Technology, Calabar. To achieve the objective of the study, three hypotheses were raised and tested at a 0.05 level of significance. Structured questionnaires were administered randomly to a sample of 390 students drawn from all the Departments of the College. The findings of the study revealed among other things that; from hypothesis one, there was no significant influence of student perception on the use of ICT for academic purposes (P > 0.05); from hypothesis two; student knowledge of ICT did not significantly influence the utilization of ICT for academic purposes (P > 0.05) and hypothesis three revealed that area of specialization significantly influenced utilization of ICT for academic purposes (P > 0.05). Therefore, the use of ICT for teaching and learning and the greater awareness of benefits of ICT use in academics is recommended. Key words: Assessment, student perception, knowledge, area of specialization, ICT utilization in College of Health Technology.

Smallholder farmers’ knowledge of mobile telephone use: Gender perspectives and implications for agricultural market development

Recent growth in mobile telephone and mobile-based information services in many developing countries provides opportunities to reduce costly and incomplete information dissemination in the agricultural sector and ensure efficient functioning of markets. But in order to successfully use mobile phones for the optimal development of agricultural markets, understanding the impact of social structure on mobile phone adoption, its uses and perceived impacts are invaluable. Although global assessments of capacity in the use of information communication technology (ICT) devices have been considered, such assessments mask significant geo-spatial variations among local farmers—male and female—with respect to their capacity to effectively use basic mobile phone functions. Documenting and recognizing this is important for the development of national agricultural ICT policies, as well as programmes aimed at increasing farmers’ knowledge and use of ICT for agricultural marketing. This article’s contribution to agricultural marketing and the use of ICT in developing countries (such as Ghana) is anchored in the assessment of the technical capacity and mobile telephone-based market information access to farmers in selected rural districts of Ghana. The selected districts are where most households are poor and heavily dependent on farming as their mainstay, and furthermore, where market information which mobile phones facilitate is crucial to maximizing their incomes.

Use of ICT Knowledge Skills among Police Personnel in Chennai City: A Study

Information is a vital tool in the work of police personnel. To ensure Law and Order they need wide ranging forms of information, such as information may in formal print source and electronic sources, etc, Information resources become an effective means of enriching and updating knowledge of the police personnel. Information Communication Technology (ICT) will enhance effective and speedy recovery of social problems. Police personnel must have ICT skills to solve the modern cyber crimes. In recent, past knowing this value the state government has been investing huge amount of money in the police department. But whether these steps taken have reached the grass root level of law enforcers or not, in this question to consider. If not why it has not been achieved. Police personnel depend on information more than anyone else. Hence present study is an attempt to investigate the information usage pattern and ICT skills among the police personnel.

Potential Benefits of ICT towards Rural Positive Youth Development in Malaysia

Information Communication Technology (ICT) offers an abundance of benefits to users especially in socio-economic aspects. Rural youth are one group of users that has experienced such benefits. They are able to access more opportunities due to their superior ICT knowledge and compatibility. This study aims to identify the potential benefits of ICT usage for rural youth development. Through document analyses and review of literature, it can be concluded that the benefits offered from ICT usage towards youth development can be categorized in the aspects of competency, character, confidence, caring, connection and contribution. With all of these aspects of potential benefits in place, it is hoped that consistent involvement from youths in rural development can be ensured.

Potential Benefits of ICT for Youth Agro-based Entrepreneurs in Malaysia

Information Communication Technology (ICT) offers an abundance of benefits to users, particularly in relation to socio-economic aspects. Agro-based entrepreneurs are one group of users that has experienced such benefits. Additionally, young agro-based entrepreneurs are able to access more opportunities due to their superior ICT knowledge and compatibility. The present study aims to identify the potential benefits of ICT usage for youth agro-based entrepreneurs. Through document analyses, it can be concluded that the benefits offered from ICT to youth agro-based entrepreneurs include improving operational efficiency, increasing income, strengthening marketing aspects and creating new opportunities. With all of these potential benefits in place, it is hoped that consistent involvement from youths in the agriculture industries can be ensured.

ICT Policy Outcomes for National Development: The Place of Knowledge Integration and Management in Nigerian Higher Education

The prologues of Information Communication Technology (ICT) usage including its integration and diffusion kicked off a new era in educational processes and has fundamentally changed the conventional methods of teaching and learning in higher education institutions (HEIs) around the world, and have transformed contemporary processes of teaching and learning experiences of both lecturers and students. The debates here are made with reference to (1) the contexts of ICT and knowledge integration (2) the challenges of ICT usage and knowledge integration, and (3) ICT policy outcomes and national development. A qualitative research method was adopted; the use of document and observation were indispensable part of the methods for data gathering. The study found that the lofty hopes, keenness and enthusiasm for ICT and knowledge integration and management are obstructed as the nation is faced with inadequacies in essential ICT infrastructures and services such as telecommunication services, electricity, incompetent ICT personnel, inadequate funding, poor economic situation, poverty, high ICT literacy rate and so on. However, there is an ongoing moves and development to ensure effective ICT knowledge integration and management in education resources in Nigeria and Africa higher education institutions. This novel study recommends that higher education should become expansive, positive and proactive actors in ICT knowledge integration and management in teaching, learning and research for academics, non-academics to foster admirable academic environment aimed at meeting national development. This learned debate has implication for education practitioners, curriculum developers and designers, policy makers, planners and the government.

Knowledge on ICT Skills among LIS Professionals of Engineering Institutions of Andhra Pradesh State: A Survey

Over the decades, there has been a remarkable transformation in the information globe. Everyone has to adapt to these changes. Changes in society and demands for information utilisation have forced the information professionals to look for more effective and efficient methods for processing, storing, and retrieving information to cope up with the application of modern information technology. This paper highlights knowledge of information communication technology (ICT) in engineering institutional library and information science (LIS) professionals working engineering institutions of Rayalaseema region of Andhra Pradesh. DESIDOC Journal of Library & Information Technology , 2014, 33(6), pp. 480-487. http://dx.doi.org/10.14429/djlit.33.5479

ICT Application for Administration and Management: A Conceptual Review

Information Communication Technology (ICT) plays an important role in enhancing the quality of education. Administration and management applications of ICT are currently popular in schools due to its capabilities in facilitating administration activities from data storage to knowledge management and decision making. In this paper, review of the literatures regarding applications of ICT, types of applications and their effectiveness for administrative activities in schools is presented. Result may shed light on administrators to improvise and increase the utilization of ICT in daily administrative tasks to make their work more efficient and effective. Finally recommendations for school administration growth of ICT knowledge and practice will also be discussed.

The Effects of ICT on the Growth of Nigerian Banking Industry: (A Case Study of Five Quoted Banks in Nigeria)

Information communication technology has become the engine block of every banking institution worldwide and Nigerian banking institutions are not exempted. In an attempt to meet up with the global challenges, commercial banks are not left out in the bid to improving banking system efficiency. For the purpose of this research, the historical and survey research methods were adopted. Data were collected from both primary and secondary sources. Hypothesis formulate were tested using chi-square and regression analysis. The study finds that the traditional banking system is not in line with global trends and that the application and usage of information technology in the banking system is necessary for efficient service delivery. It also reveals the use of electronic banking as significantly revolutionizing service delivery to improve customer satisfaction through the various electronic fund transfer and payment services such as the automated teller machine (ATMs), and other cards services, internet banking, mobile banking and all sorts of banks and financial institution services to speed up service delivery for and to stimulate efficiency in the entire financial system. The study recommends that banks and other financial institutions should embark upon training programme for all operational staff of all banks and public awareness should be instituted to improve the knowledge of information communication technology and for performance adequacy to support the much needed efficiency and operational effectiveness and also to control the regular system failure that customers face. The study recommends how banks and government can streamline the problem of infrastructure in the economy. Banks should come together and form partnerships in the sharing and use of technological equipment to increase their efficiency and cost effectiveness.

Mapping ICT knowledge infrastructure in South Asia

Information Communication Technology (ICT) has a significant impact on the socioeconomic development of a country. However, the inequitable access to ICT still remains a major issue in developing countries. In this context, this study examines ICT knowledge infrastructure in South Asia from a network point of view. Existing research on ICTs are useful in understanding the common facts, but are limited in revealing the hidden structures and properties of the ICT research domain in South Asia. The hidden structures and properties, like key players, network of key players for scientific collaborations, and their network characteristics are analyzed and synthesized in this study. This study applies the mixed approach of Social Network Analysis techniques and Triple Helix indicators on scholarly papers obtained from the Web of Science database. Further, burst detection algorithm is applied on keywords appearing in the titles of the South Asian ICT scholarly papers to understand the emerging trends in the ICT research domain. This study helps in providing a better understanding of current trends, strengths, and weaknesses of ICT in South Asia, which provides a better understanding to bridge the digital divide and achieve socioeconomic development through ICT.

Knowledge and utilization of information communication technology (ICT) among health science students at the University of Gondar, North Western Ethiopia

BackgroundDespite the relatively huge ICT investment and policy deployment in higher institutions in Ethiopia, there is still scant information about the success of implementation of the Information Communication Technology (ICT) in the higher education. This study, therefore, was carried out with an aim to assess knowledge and utilization of Information Communication Technology (ICT) among medicine and health science students and its associated factors in Gondar College of Medicine and Health sciences, University of Gondar.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted at the College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Ethiopia. Data regarding socio-demographic characteristics of the students, level of knowledge and utilization of ICT were collected by means of a self-administered questionnaire. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 13.ResultsA total of 1096 students responded giving a response rate of 97.8%. The mean age of the study participants was 20.3 (±1. 3) years. Females constitute only 26% of the respondents. The majority (79%) were fulltime students. Only half of the respondents (51%) had ICT knowledge and only 46% students utilized ICT while 47% of the respondents never used electronic communication (e.g. email or chat room) and 39% of the respondents never used Microsoft office (e.g. word ® or WordPerfect ®). ICT knowledge [AOR = 2.5, 95% CI: 1.7-3.5], family educational background [AOR = 4.36, 95% CI: 2.16-8.80], and perceived quality of training [AOR = 1.9, 95% CI: 1.3-2.8] showed strong and positive associations with ICT utilization. Students from urban areas were more likely to utilize ICT compared with those from rural areas [AOR = 2.7, 95% CI: 2.097, 3.497], and information technology training was found to be positively associated with ICT utilization [AOR = 2. 07, 95% CI: 1.18, 3.62].ConclusionsThe result showed that students’ knowledge was inadequate and utilization of ICT was poor. Therefore, the university should sustain professional development to improve teaching, to raise student performance and equip the college with student centered ICT computer labs to increase students’ ICT utilization.

A Case Study of Designing an E-learning Electrical Engineering Course

Abstract: This paper presents a case study of designing an e-learning course in the field of electrical engineering- Industrial automation program at Palestine Polytechnic University. The applied methodology consisting of few stages starting with formulating the major course objectives, extracting topics outcomes, design the appropriate teaching tools and storyboard, and as final stage the evaluation system is designed.
 On other hand, an information communication technology (ICT) questionnaire has been designed and targeting attended in the course students with purpose evaluating student ICT knowledge, knowledge leveling, and treatment their weaknesses.
 The designed topics are modified according to feedback evaluation obtained from students throughout designed for this purpose questionnaire. The observed weaknesses in course topics have been eliminated and finally the modified course was uploaded to the university e-learning platform. Electrical engineering core course with 300 level was carried out for department students, where the obtained results shows significant enhancement in teaching and learning performances of both course instructors and students.

Secondary School Administration in Anambra State Today: Challenges and the Way Forward

The study, a descriptive survey research design was used to identify the challenges that impede secondary school administration today in Anambra State. The population of the study was all the 259 public secondary school principals in the state. Two research questions and two null hypotheses guided the study. A 20-item questionnaire was used for data collection. Analysis was done using mean scores and t-test. Data analysis revealed that principals are challenged by poor knowledge of public accountability and poor knowledge of Information Communication Technology (ICT among others. It was recommended that government should increase the principals’ responsibility for educational accountability to enable them administer their schools efficiently and effectively and achieve the predetermined goals.