Level Of Information And Communication Technology Use Research Articles

Utilization of Information and Communication Technologies among Rural Women and Youth in Agriculture in Abia State, Nigeria

The study assessed the utilization of information and communication technologies (ICTs) among rural women and youth in agriculture in Abia State, Nigeria. Data were collected using a structured interview schedule by the researcher and other research assistants. Percentage, standard deviation, mean scores, pie-chart, factor analysis, and regression were used for data analysis and result presentation. Using the multistage sampling procedure, a sample size of one hundred and twenty respondents was purposefully selected. The study's findings showed that GSM, radio, and television were the main ICTs that women and youth in the state used to obtain agricultural information from extension and relevant stakeholders. The regression analysis revealed a positive relationship between the number of times extension agents visited and their level of ICT use in agriculture. Findings indicated that a greater percentage (40%) of respondents were high users of ICTs in agriculture. Respondents cited low literacy, a lack of extension conviction, and training as major constraints to their use of ICTs. The implication is that policymakers and relevant stakeholders in agriculture should prioritize the development of training programs and interventions that improve the technology literacy and human capacity building of rural women and youth in the state through the use of existing agricultural extension programs on the effective use of ICTs in obtaining agricultural information for increased productivity, income, standard of living, and agricultural development in the state.

Patterns of cognitive returns to Information and Communication Technology (ICT) use of 15-year-olds: Global evidence from a Hierarchical Linear Modeling approach using PISA 2018

Existing literature shows varying impacts of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) on learning outcomes depending on the type and quality of technology used. However, current research on the optimal level of ICT use for the cognitive development of students is scarce and has remained country-specific, primarily focusing on developed economies. This paper undertakes a cross-country comparison across 79 nations, investigating ICT use and its association with cognitive gain patterns as determined by reading, mathematics, and science test scores of 15-year-olds. The Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) 2018 dataset collected by the Organisation of Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) has been used by applying two-stage regression analysis. The first stage involves a three-level Hierarchical Linear Modeling (HLM) factoring for data nested at the student-, school-, and country-level. The second stage of the empirical model involves a heterogeneity analysis to evaluate variance in ICT use patterns across different groups of countries, clustered on the basis of their level of ICT development. The results show a positive impact of ICT engagement on the test scores of students across all the subjects. However, returns to ICT use tend to start diminishing after the engagement level of students crosses a medium threshold of using ICT several times within a week. Furthermore, the heterogeneity analysis supports conspicuous diminishing patterns in ICT use irrespective of the economic status of the students. Cross-country comparisons show that diminishing returns to ICT use are more prominent in countries with well-developed ICT infrastructure than in less-developed ones. Where diminishing returns hold, excessive use of ICT in education is not an optimal choice, and significant cognitive gains can be achieved by using the complementarity between traditional learning techniques with ICT-based learning in different blended settings.

Enabling women's nutrition knowledge through empowerment: the role of ICTs

The study aims to identify the extent of rural farm women's use of information and communication technologies (ICTs) and explore the relationship between ICT use, empowerment, and nutrition knowledge. A total of 184 women were interviewed out of 3005 farm families from three unions of Kalapara upazila under Patuakhali district of Bangladesh using a structured interview schedule. Data were analyzed using Partial Least Squares (PLS)-based Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). This study discovered that the increase in respondents' ICT skills and level of ICT use is positively related to respondents' empowerment. Such empowerment is associated with an increase in their nutrition knowledge as well. This study guides how to promote more ICT-based solutions for rural households.

Информационно-коммуникационные технологии как способ поддержки социального капитала в условиях пандемии

Relevance. With the rise of the Internet and the development of information and communication technologies (ICTs), the available ways of interpersonal communication have changed and expanded. From spring 2020 to the present, the epidemiological situation remains unstable due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Quarantine measures have led to a sharp reduction in face-to-face social contacts or to their complete absence. As a result, for most of the developed countries, computer-mediated communication has become the prior way to keep in touch with family, friends, colleagues, etc. Th ese unprecedented circumstances bring our research to the fore, showing how ICTs can help maintain the social capital of Russians at the individual level. Objective. To determine how eff ective the use of ICTs is in maintaining of the social capital of Russians at the individual level during the COVID-19 pandemic. Design. Th e study was conducted online by presenting the participants with a questionnaire. Th e study sample consisted of 300 respondents aged 18 to 71. All respondents are citizens of the Russian Federation. Th ey answered questions, which determined the perceived COVID-19 threat level, the level of use of ICTs, and the degree of change in relationships with “strong” and “weak ties”. Results. Th e direct relationship between the perceived coronavirus threat and individual social capital can be traced only in relationships with friends and residents of the country. Th ere is no statistically signifi cant relationship with family, colleagues, neighbors, and city residents. In the case of a high level of ICT use, the perceived coronavirus threat does not negatively correlate with the perceived closeness with family, friends, and residents of the country. At the same time, the role of ICT use in the relationship between the perceived coronavirus threat and perceived closeness with colleagues, neighbors and city residents has not been identifi ed. Conclusion. In general, the use of ICTs contributes to the maintenance of the social capital at the individual level during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Electronic commerce contribution to the SME performance in manufacturing firms: A structural equation model

<p>The role Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) play in achieving a better organizational performance still needs further analysis among small and medium sized enterprises (SME) from developing countries. This study aims to extend the empirical literature on the relationship between ICT, electronic commerce and SME performance in developing countries. To achieve this goal, we employ a sample of 87 manufacturing firms from the city of Bahía Blanca, Argentina in the year 2015. By estimating a structural equation model, we obtain that electronic commerce adoption has a positive and significant influence on SME sales which is reinforced by the level of ICT use. Other organizational factors such as firm size and public programs explain performance, but are not significant predictors of the electronic commerce adoption. <strong></strong></p>

“You have got a friend”

“You have got a friend”

Multivariate characterization of university students using the ICT for learning

The new European training model has led to innovations in Higher Education as the incorporation of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) to learning processes. Each student learns in a different way and therefore the ways of studying are very relevant in the academic development. This fact has revealed the need for the use of ICT in the university environment. It has been a quantitative research using the questionnaire REATIC using a sample (N = 2117) of students from the five areas of knowledge at the University of Salamanca, to know the use and opinion they have about ICT in their learning. The results presented students management above all basic and personal interrelation programs, search engines in the network, online video portals and virtual libraries. They value the help and importance of ICT in their learning process and consider positively them as relevant tools. The results showed significant differences in the use and consideration of ICT in the five areas of knowledge. Health Sciences students present the highest preference level in use of ICT. Four well-differentiated clusters were identified by applying the factor analysis to obtain a multivariate characterization of the students: One was formed by students with a medium-low level of ICT consideration and use, another by the graduates with a high level of ICT consideration and use, to a third consisting of students with a medium-high level of ICT consideration and use and to final covering students with low level of ICT consideration and medium-low level of ICT use.

Ecuadorian Cancer Patients' Preference for Information and Communication Technologies: Cross-Sectional Study.

BackgroundThe instantaneous spread of information, low costs, and broad availability of information and communication technologies (ICTs) make them an attractive platform for managing care, patient communication, and medical interventions in cancer treatment. There is little information available in Latin America about the level of usage of ICTs for and by cancer patients. Our study attempts to fill this gap.ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to assess the level of ICT use and patterns of preferences among cancer patients.MethodsWe conducted an anonymous cross-sectional survey study in 500 Ecuadorian cancer patients. This questionnaire consisted of 22 items about demographic and clinical data, together with the preferences of people who use ICTs. Chi-square, crude, and adjusted logistic regressions were performed.ResultsOf the total, 43.2% (216/500) of participants reported that they had access to the Internet, and 25.4% (127/500) reported that they neither owned a cell phone nor did they have access to the Internet. The Internet constituted the highest usage rate as a source of information about malignant diseases (74.3%, 162/218) regardless of age (P<.001). With regard to the preferences on how patients would like to use ICTs to receive information about diseases, WhatsApp (66.5%, 145/218) and short message service (SMS) text messaging (61.0%, 133/218) were widely reported as interesting communication channels. Similarly, WhatsApp (72.0%, 157/218) followed by SMS (63.8%, 139/218) were reported as the preferred ICTs through which patients would like to ask physicians about diseases. Adjusted regression analysis showed that patients aged between 40 and 64 years were more likely to be interested in receiving information through SMS (odds ratio, OR 5.09, 95% CI 1.92-13.32), as well as for asking questions to physicians through this same media (OR 9.78, CI 3.45-27.67) than the oldest group.ConclusionsWhatsApp, SMS, and email are effective and widely used ICTs that can promote communication between cancer patients and physicians. According to age range, new ICTs such as Facebook are still emerging. Future studies should investigate how to develop and promote ICT-based resources more effectively to engage the outcomes of cancer patients. The widespread use of ICTs narrows the gap between cancer patients with restricted socioeconomic conditions and those with wealth and easily available technological means, thereby opening up new possibilities in low-income countries.

Does Information and Communication Technology Lead to the Well-Being of Nations? A Country-Level Empirical Investigation

This paper examines the role of information and communication technology (ICT) in enhancing the well-being of nations. Extending research on the role of ICT in the productivity of nations, we posit that the effects of ICT may not be limited to productivity (e.g., GDP), and we argue that the use of ICT can also improve the well-being of a country by helping citizens to develop their social capital and achieve social equality, enabling access to health-related information and health services, providing education to disadvantaged communities, and facilitating commerce. Using a number of empirical specifications, specifically a fixed-effects model and an instrumental variable approach, our results show that the level of ICT use (number of fixed telephones, Internet, mobile phones) in a country predict a country's well-being (despite accounting for GDP and several other control variables that also predict a country's well-being). Furthermore, by using an exploratory method (biclustering) of identifying both country-specific and ICT-specific variables simultaneously, we identify clusters of countries with similar patterns in terms of their use of ICT, and we show that not all countries increase their level of well-being by using ICT in the same manner. Interestingly, we find that less developed countries increase their level of well-being with mobile phones primarily, while more developed countries increase their level of well-being with any ICT system. Contributions and implications for enhancing the well-being of nations with ICT are discussed.

Female Lecturers' Perception of ICT Integration for Teaching and Learning in University of Ibadan, Nigeria

Deployment of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) for teaching and learning affords learners' flexibility in learning such that they can learn as individuals or groups. The dissemination of information by lecturers to learners will also be facilitated by the use of ICT. The University of Ibadan designed a courseware development programme for 20 female lecturers to improve the use of technology for teaching and research. Data was collected using a questionnaire, interview and secondary data. Results revealed that the lecturers found the programme very relevant, appropriate but demanding. The major challenges were limited access to some of the technologies, fluctuation in internet connectivity and poor ICT literacy skills. Improvement in the level of ICT use requires the development of relevant infrastructure and ICT literacy training which were identified as critical for its successful deployment.

A Learning Module for BA Students to Develop ICT Skills for their Learning Activities | Un module de formation visant le développement des compétences TICE chez les étudiants en baccalauréat

This case illustrates the process of developing a learning module to support BA students in their use of ICT (Information and Communication Technology) tools in their learning. At the university where this case occurred, the skill level of ICT use among students in a learning context was very heterogeneous. The E-learning Competency Centre, or ECC, which was in charge of techno-pedagogical development at the institution, created a hybrid learning module that offered students learning materials and activities with both face-to-face workshops and online tutorials for autonomous learning. The students were able to choose subjects they wanted to learn "à la carte" by taking tutorials on their own and/or by participating in face-to-face workshops. The module described in this case is currently under construction. The design phase of this project is the focus of this case study.

Analysis Level Of Utilization Information And Communication Technology With The Competency Level Of Extension Workers

Extension placed man as the subject of development and human capital to develop into independent and empowered (dignity) in adapting to the environment, thus being able to improve the quality of life for themselves, their families and communities. It is therefore necessary professional competence standard extension clear and effective controls in carrying counseling profession domination supported by Information and Communication Technology (ICT). This research aimed to analyze the relationship between the level of competency with the level of ICT use by the extension workers. The study was designed as a descriptive survey research correlational ,which was observed by quantitative analysis approach that is supported by descriptive and inferential statistic analysis. The study was conducted in Bogor Regency,West Java Province. Based on this research can be concluded level of ICT utilization in the range of aspects related resources are very real to the competence of extension on the capability of understanding the potential of the region, entrepreneurial ability and the ability of the system guides the network, while the variation of the material aspects of counseling and a variety of related information is very real with all levels of competence extension.

Experiencia de un diagnóstico sobre la situación actual del Instituto Superior Politécnico de Kwanza Sul (Angola) en la gestión del conocimiento con empleo de las TIC dirigido al proceso de enseñanza- aprendizaje

In this article we present a detailed study of the diagnosis of the current situation of knowledge management with the use of ICT (Information and communication technology) to teaching-learning process of graduation at the Polytechnic Superior Institute of Kwanza Sul (Angola). The results obtained show a low level of ICT use, low availability of technological resources for knowledge management, limited use and little variety of existing tools and services for the production and management of educational materials, as well as an inadequate information literacy. As data collection tool is used the questionnaire presented by Iriarte (2008), evaluation of the information management process for the production of content addressed to the teaching-learning process by university teachers and assessment of the information management process that is intended to study activity in teaching-learning for university students.

Adoption of information and communication technology and firm profitability: Empirical evidence from Tunisian SMEs

Research has shown that Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) are a major determinant of performance in developed countries. However, less is known about the current situation of firms in developing countries. This article addresses this issue by examining the relationship between ICT use and the performance of Tunisian SMEs operating in the electrical and electronic industry based on net profit margin. Using an econometrical approach (linear regression, Granger causality, Kruskal–Wallis test, Welch ANOVA test, and post hoc tests), the results show that there is a significant statistical relationship between the level of ICT use and the performance of Tunisian SMEs in the electrical and electronic industry.

The Relationship between Information and Communication Technology Use and Firm Performance in Developing Countries: A Case Study of Electrical and Electronic Goods Manufacturing SMEs in Tunisia

From the second half of the 1990s, increased investment in Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) has led to an acceleration of productivity growth and performance in many developed and newly industrialized countries. However, less is known about the current situation of firms in developing countries. This article addresses this issue by examining the relationship between ICT use and the performance of Tunisian SMEs operating in the electrical and electronic industry based on net profit margin. Using an econometric approach (linear regression, Granger causality, Kruskal-Wallis test, Welch ANOVA test, and post hoc tests), the results show that there is a significant statistical relationship between the level of ICT use and the performance of Tunisian SMEs in the electrical and electronic industry.

Teachers’ Attitudes and Levels of Technology Use in Classrooms: The Case of Jordan Schools

Throughout the world there is awareness of the fundamental role of new Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) in the field of education. Theoretical and empirical studies have considered the importance of ICTs in the process of teaching and learning. This current paper investigates the level of ICT use for educational purposes by teachers in Jordanian rural secondary schools. The paper will contribute to the body of knowledge regarding the level of ICT use and also, concerning the importance of teachers' attitudes towards the use of ICT for educational purposes. The data for the study were collected through the use of quantitative data. In October 2008, a questionnaire was distributed to 650 teachers in Jordan, randomly selected. Four hundred sixty teachers responded to the questionnaire. The survey included questions concerning the level of ICT use as well as questions related to the attitudes of teachers towards the use of ICT. The findings of the study, which were obtained by analyzing the data collected from the teachers revealed that, teachers had a low level of ICT use for educational purpose, teachers hold positive attitudes towards the use of ICT, and a significant positive correlation between teachers’ level of ICT use and their attitudes towards ICT was found. The findings suggest that ICTs use for educational purposes should be given greater consideration than it currently receives. In general, the results were consistent with those previously reported in studies related to the use of ICT in the educational settings.

DIGITAL DIVIDES AND CAPITAL CONVERSION: The optimal use of information and communication technology for youth reading achievement

Analysis of a nationally representative survey of 15-year-old Canadian youth indicates how capital can be converted from one form to another by examining the use of information and communication technology (ICT) and reading achievements. Overall there is a negligible linear relationship but a pronounced curvilinear one between these variables, suggesting an optimal level of ICT use. This optimal point varies by gender (males are able to use ICT more before negative effects set in), and by parental education (with girls from highly educated homes gaining more from the use of ICT). Implications for policy and practice are discussed.

National Scientific Communities in the Globalized World: Global ICTs as a Tool of Modernization among the Russian Academic Community

AbstractContinuous growth in the use of modern information and communication technologies (ICTs) in science essentially expands the potentialities of scientists to receive the topical scientific information and to extend the professional communication that are the crucial elements for producing the new scientific knowledge. At the same time, these global technologies after becoming an integral part of the national sciences create and promote the new forms of organizing research corresponding to the globalized world science; that is, modern ICTs per se appear as a tool of globalization and transition to the information society. Both mentioned aspects of ICTs influence give enough motivation to investigate the real processes in those scientific communities that are assimilating this innovation. It is important to note that before our study, the productivity of ICTs within the sciences was not proved, although in principle it was not doubted. This article analyzes the process of ICTs assimilation in the Russian academic community (1994-2004), including dynamics of indicators characterizing not only the level of ICTs use but also their act on professional life and productivity of scientists as well. On the basis of empirical data from Russia obtained during 10 years of sociological monitoring, the research reveals the positive correlation between the level of ICTs use by scientists and their professional success. The new “virtual” types of science organizations, such as virtual laboratories and a grid system, that are considered as offshoots of globalization, are not typical to Russian academic science, which keeps safe a more traditional style. Nonetheless, some issues connected with the long-term prospects of e-science are also discussed.