Information Technology Literacy Research Articles

English

Almost every human endeavor is supported or driven by Information and Communication Technology (ICT) including education. Teaching, learning, assessment, course registration, payment among other things are now ICT-based. Humans have attempted to use technology to improve their life span and quality, and education is not excempted in this great paradigm shift. This paper focuses on the Information and Communication Technology competence and literacy skills of undergraduate students in Ogun State, using their information literacy skills/competence as determinants of their academic achievement. A descriptive survey design was adopted for this study. The population of the study consists of 10,713 students from Tai Solarin University of Education (TASUED) comprising 4 colleges and 10,000 students of Babcock University comprising 9 colleges. Simple random sampling was used for the selection of a sample of 170 respondents from Babcock University and 130 respondents from TASUED. Three hundred stdents (from 100-500 levels) were the sample of the study. Well-structured questionnaire was the main instrument used for the collection of primary data. The findings of this study show that 80% of the undergraduate students of TASUED and BU have basic ICT literacy skills which entail the ability to source for and access information resources for their research. Furthermore, this study has proved that the use of ICT has improved students’ academic performance. Recommendations were made based on the findings from the study.   Key words: Information literacy, academic achievement, undergraduates, higher education, Information and Communication Technology (ICT).

Sigi Kelengkapan Media Pembelajaran Geografi pada SMA Negeri di Palangka Raya

This study was conducted to analyze the geographical learning media completeness (GLMC). Eight public senior high schools (PSHS) were surveyed from August to September 2015. GLMC questionnaire used to explore those data. Descriptive statistics used to reveal school characteristics and GLMC. Cross-tabulation with chi-square analysis applied to measure not only school accreditation (SA) but also school quality (SQ) with GLMC. GLMC at PSHA in Palangka Raya were less full criteria. Software, laboratory equipment, mock-ups, visual-aids, and specimens were some samples of GLMC rarely found at PSHA in Palangka Raya. SA was not correlated with GLMC (χ2 = 8,533; C = 0,718; df = 4; p = 0,074) so it was SC (χ2 = 2,000; C = 0,447; df = 2; p = 0,368). Nevertheless, PSHA in Palangka Raya had higher SA and SQ indicated qualified GLMC. Apply school facilities and infrastructures management enhanced the quality of the geographical learning media (GLM). Teachers should optimize GLM at school by increasing their information technology literacy and skill.

The Moderating Effect of Geographic Area on the Relationship Between Age, Gender, and Information and Communication Technology Literacy and Problematic Internet Use.

This study investigated the relationship between adolescents' problematic Internet use (PIU) and demographic characteristics such as age, gender, and information and communication technology (ICT) literacy and the moderating effect of geographic area on this relationship using a cross-sectional research design. The study sample comprised 2160 adolescents from the Chongqing area of China and consisted of 47.3 percent boys (N = 1022) and 52.7 percent girls (N = 1138). Participants anonymously completed a 38-item questionnaire that examined their Internet use, behaviors, and attitudes, ICT literacy, parents' education level, and other demographic information. The results showed that the geographic area in which respondents lived (urban vs. rural), gender, age, father's education, mother's education, and ICT literacy had significant relationships with PIU. Moreover, hierarchical multiple regression analyses indicated that geographic area was found to be a significant moderator for both age and gender in their relationship with PIU. These findings suggest that it is essential to address differences between urban and rural areas when seeking to mitigate PIU among adolescents.

Exploring Factors Affecting Voluntary Adoption of Electronic Medical Records Among Physicians and Clinical Assistants of Small or Solo Private General Practice Clinics.

The health care reform initiative led by the Hong Kong government's Food and Health Bureau has started the implementation of an electronic sharing platform to provide an information infrastructure that enables public hospitals and private clinics to share their electronic medical records (EMRs) for improved access to patients' health care information. However, previous attempts to convince the private clinics to adopt EMRs to document health information have faced challenges, as the EMR adoption has been voluntary. The lack of electronic data shared by private clinics carries direct impacts to the efficacy of electronic record sharing between public and private healthcare providers. To increase the likelihood of buy-in, it is essential to proactively identify the users' and organizations' needs and capabilities before large-scale implementation. As part of the reform initiative, this study examined factors affecting the adoption of EMRs in small or solo private general practice clinics, by analyzing the experiences and opinions of the physicians and clinical assistants during the pilot implementation of the technology, with the purpose to learn from it before full-scale rollout. In-depth, semistructured interviews were conducted with 23 physicians and clinical assistants from seven small or solo private general practice clinics to evaluate their experiences, expectations, and opinions regarding the deployment of EMRs. Interview transcripts were content analyzed to identify key factors. Factors affecting the adoption of EMRs to record and manage health care information were identified as follows: system interface design; system functions; stability and reliability of hardware, software, and computing networks; financial and time costs; task and outcome performance, work practice, and clinical workflow; physical space in clinics; trust in technology; users' information technology literacy; training and technical support; and social and organizational influences. The factors are interrelated with the others. The adoption factors identified are multifaceted, ranging from technological characteristics, clinician-technology interactions, skills and knowledge, and the user-workflow-technology fit. Other findings, which have been relatively underrepresented in previous studies, contribute unique insights about the influence of work and social environment on the adoption of EMRs, including limited clinic space and the effects of physicians' decision to use the technology on clinical staffs' adoption decisions. Potential strategies to address the concerns, overcome adoption barriers, and define relevant policies are discussed.

ANALYSIS OF TEACHER EDUCATION AND TRAINING PROGRAMS OF PAKISTAN FOR ICT-INTEGRATION THROUGH OPEN AND DISTANCE LEARNING: A CASE STUDY

The purpose of the study was to analyze the teacher education and training program of Pakistan for ICT-integration. It was hypothesized that there is a possibility to integrate Information and Communication Technology in teacher education and training program of Pakistan. It is a case study with the objective to analyze the teacher education program of Pakistan for the possibility to integrate-Information and Communication Technology through Open and Distance Learning. The sample comprised of all students of M.Ed Distance Education Program of University of Peshawar enrolled in session 2013. The data was collected through a self-made three point rating scale comprising 58 factorized statements. The collected data was analyzed by computing percentages and applying chi square for interpretation of significance and inference. The results of study revealed that there is possibility of ICT-integration with teacher education especially through Open and Distance Learning System but there are threats and challenges also to be faced and resolved for this purpose. The results revealed need for a policy framework, revision of objectives, whole school Information and Communication Technology literacy campaign, introduction of Information and Communication Technology at all levels of schooling, training of educators, development of curricula and training modules, presentation, production and development of e-content, resolving the issues of connectivity, power crisis, religious conflicts, developing and utilizing existing infrastructure, developing curricula at all levels of schooling for ICT-infusion. The study recommends commitment to resolve issues, face threats and converting these threats and challenges to opportunities in teacher education of Pakistan through Open and Distance Learning System.

Assessing the dimensionality and educational impacts of integrated ICT literacy in the higher education context

The purpose of this paper is threefold: first, to introduce a conceptual model for assessing undergraduate students’ integrated information and communication technology (ICT) literacy capacity that involves 12 items generated from the modified version of the Australasian Survey of Student Engagement (AUSSE) questionnaire (Coates, 2010); second, to illustrate the construct validity and internal consistency of the model as implemented in a sample of undergraduate students (n = 536) enrolled in two colleges within a large Ethiopian university; and third, to further demonstrate the criterion validity of the model by examining predictive validity of the identified ICT literacy factors on student learning outcomes. A multi-method approach is used, which comprises correlation analysis, multiple regression analysis and structural equation modelling (SEM) techniques. The main finding is the support found for the 4-factor model consisting of ICT use, cognitive process, reading task and writing task. Results of the multi-method approach provide specific guidelines to higher education (HE) institutions using this approach to evaluate ICT literacy capacity and the resultant learning outcomes among their undergraduate students. The paper provides a conceptual model and supporting tools that can be used by other HE institutions to assist in the evaluation of students’ ICT literacy capacities.

Computing in the classroom: Tales from the chalkface

Abstract Computing, a broad discipline including computer science, information technology and digital literacy, was introduced as a mandatory national curriculum subject in England in 2014. This meant the introduction of both computer programing and more academic computer science into the curriculum. Such a significant curriculum change involves a period of transition, lasting several years. Here we consider what we have learned about the implementation of the new curriculum, the external influences that have come to bear on teachers’ and pupils’ experiences, and the challenges that are faced.

Decision aids and health information technology: One size does not fit all.

74 Background: Nearly 3 million cancer survivors in the US reside in rural areas. Existing survivorship care models were developed mainly at large academic centers, and thus require adaption to meet the challenging needs of the rural community. Rural cancer survivors (RCS) face issues with coordination of care, decision-making, access to specialty services, supportive care resources, and time and resources required for travel. RCS are at greater risk for social isolation and inadequate emotional support. To address these challenges, many studies propose information technology (IT), mobile, and video solutions. We assessed the potential of online and mobile video technology applications to reduce barriers to survivorship care for RCS, families, and caregivers. Methods: We conducted 2 in-person focus groups with rural care managers, providers, and public health professionals, and one virtual cross-disciplinary focus group of patients, caregivers, and provider stakeholders to evaluate acceptability of video modules. Using a Community-Based Participatory Research approach, we worked with community partners to design and develop materials that adequately addressed their needs. Results: Focus group results indicate that video modules added little value for RCS due to sporadic internet access, limited patient IT literacy, vision and memory problems, and patient difficulty interpreting information. Therefore, we designed and piloted a paper RCS Checklist to be taken to appointments, available in waiting areas or through care managers, and to serve as a guide for shared patient-provider decision-making. The resulting checklist includes evidence-based information about survivorship care goals and approaches, care coordination strategies, information about local cancer supportive services, health insurance reimbursement, state disability policies, psychosocial support, and stress-reduction tips. Conclusions: In some special patient populations like RCS, use of health IT for patient empowerment and care coordination may be a poor choice. Engaging relevant stakeholders in the development of location-specific communication and decision aid materials is paramount to successful engagement of patients and caregivers.

AugmentedWorld: Facilitating the creation of location-based questions

This paper presents AugmentedWorld, an open and adaptive location-based platform, designed to facilitate the creation of multimedia-rich questions while connecting scientific topics to relevant locations, real-world applications, and learners' daily life. Prior to its implementation in schools, we conducted a study among 98 prospective science teachers to examine the quality of location-based questions and participants' epistemic views. Data were collected through encoding of questions' quality, participants' grades, and semi-structured interviews. The findings indicated medium results for the quality of location-based questions, with multimedia design as the weakest feature. The participants' early experience in exam-writing and gender were found as significant predictors of the quality of questions. In addition, the data indicated a significant relationship between the questions' quality and participants' technological and pedagogical knowledge. Four competencies were identified with reference to the educational importance of location-based questions: contextualization, creativity, critical thinking, and information and communication technology (ICT) literacy. The current study underlines the importance of location-based questions as a form of learning and alternative assessment.

Web-Based Virtual Laboratory for Food Analysis Course

Implementation of learning on food analysis course in Program Study of Agro-industrial Technology Education faced problems. These problems include the availability of space and tools in the laboratory that is not comparable with the number of students also lack of interactive learning tools. On the other hand, the information technology literacy of students is quite high as well the internet network is quite easily accessible on campus. This is a challenge as well as opportunities in the development of learning media that can help optimize learning in the laboratory. This study aims to develop web-based virtual laboratory as one of the alternative learning media in food analysis course. This research is R & D (research and development) which refers to Borg & Gall model. The results showed that assessment’s expert of web-based virtual labs developed, in terms of software engineering aspects; visual communication; material relevance; usefulness and language used, is feasible as learning media. The results of the scaled test and wide-scale test show that students strongly agree with the development of web based virtual laboratory. The response of student to this virtual laboratory was positive. Suggestions from students provided further opportunities for improvement web based virtual laboratory and should be considered for further research.

Drivers for precision livestock technology adoption: A study of factors associated with adoption of electronic identification technology by commercial sheep farmers in England and Wales.

The UK is the largest lamb meat producer in Europe. However, the low profitability of sheep farming sector suggests production efficiency could be improved. Although the use of technologies such as Electronic Identification (EID) tools could allow a better use of flock resources, anecdotal evidence suggests they are not widely used. The aim of this study was to assess uptake of EID technology, and explore drivers and barriers of adoption of related tools among English and Welsh farmers. Farm beliefs and management practices associated with adoption of this technology were investigated. A total of 2000 questionnaires were sent, with a response rate of 22%. Among the respondents, 87 had adopted EID tools for recording flock information, 97 intended to adopt it in the future, and 222 neither had adopted it, neither intended to adopt it. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and multivariable logistic regression modelling were used to identify farmer beliefs and management practices significantly associated with adoption of EID technology. EFA identified three factors expressing farmer’s beliefs–external pressure and negative feelings, usefulness and practicality. Our results suggest farmer’s beliefs play a significant role in technology uptake. Non-adopters were more likely than adopters to believe that ‘government pressurise farmers to adopt technology’. In contrast, adopters were significantly more likely than non-adopters to see EID as practical and useful (p≤0.05). Farmers with higher information technologies literacy and intending to intensify production in the future were significantly more likely to adopt EID technology (p≤0.05). Importantly, flocks managed with EID tools had significantly lower farmer- reported flock lameness levels (p≤0.05). These findings bring insights on the dynamics of adoption of EID tools. Communicating evidence of the positive effects EID tools on flock performance and strengthening farmer’s capability in use of technology are likely to enhance the uptake of this technology in sheep farms.

Improving Teachers ICT Application Competencies: A Case Study at Vocational High School in East Kalimantan Province

Innovation in learning should be done in line with information and computer technology (ICT) literacy development for both students and teachers. One of the problems with learning using ICT is the differences in competency of teachers in a small city due to the lack of access to its development. This study is a qualitative research based on a community service activity to enhance ICT application competencies of mathematics teachers in vocational high school in Penajam Paser Utara (PPU) district, East Kalimantan Province(Indonesia), utilizing GeoGebra and Autograph™. This study consisted of five phases: (1) situation analysis, (2) training and workshops for GeoGebra and Autograph™ utilization, (3) implementation of lesson study (LS), (4) data analysis and presentation, and (5) discussion. The results of this study are: (1) students became more motivated to learn mathematics by using GeoGebra, (2) teachers found that GeoGebra can develop students’understanding of mathematics concepts easier, and (3) ICT competencies in teaching in vocational high school in PPU, especially in the utilization of GeoGebra and Autograph™, increased. The recommendation is that LS should be continued to improve the effectiveness of GeoGebra and Autograph™ utilization in other mathematics topics. A much larger studywould be needed to determine if the results of this research are due to the approach or due to the teachers’ enthusiasm, novelty effect or what is known as the Hawthorne Effect.

The Atrial Fibrillation Health Literacy Information Technology System: Pilot Assessment.

BackgroundAtrial fibrillation (AF) is a highly prevalent heart rhythm condition that has significant associated morbidity and requires chronic treatment. Mobile health (mHealth) technologies have the potential to enhance multiple aspects of AF care, including education, monitoring of symptoms, and encouraging and tracking medication adherence. We have previously implemented and tested relational agents to improve outcomes in chronic disease and sought to develop a smartphone-based relational agent for improving patient-centered outcomes in AF.ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to pilot a smartphone-based relational agent as preparation for a randomized clinical trial, the Atrial Fibrillation Health Literacy Information Technology Trial (AF-LITT).MethodsWe developed the relational agent for use by a smartphone consistent with our prior approaches. We programmed the relational agent as a computer-animated agent to simulate a face-to-face conversation and to serve as a health counselor or coach specific to AF. Relational agent’s dialogue content, informed by a review of literature, focused on patient-centered domains and qualitative interviews with patients with AF, encompassed AF education, common symptoms, adherence challenges, and patient activation. We established that the content was accessible to individuals with limited health or computer literacy. Relational agent content coordinated with use of the smartphone AliveCor Kardia heart rate and rhythm monitor. Participants (N=31) were recruited as a convenience cohort from ambulatory clinical sites and instructed to use the relational agent and Kardia for 30 days. We collected demographic, social, and clinical characteristics and conducted baseline and 30-day assessments of health-related quality of life (HRQoL) with the Atrial Fibrillation Effect on Quality of life (AFEQT) measure; self-reported medication adherence with the Morisky 8-item Medication Adherence Scale (MMAS-8); and patient activation with the Patient Activation Measure (PAM).ResultsParticipants (mean age 68 [SD 11]; 39% [12/31] women) used the relational agent for an average 17.8 (SD 10.0) days. The mean number of independent log-ins was 19.6 (SD 10.7), with a median of 20 times over 30 days. The mean number of Kardia uses was 26.5 (SD 5.9), and participants using Kardia were in AF for 14.3 (SD 11.0) days. AFEQT scores improved significantly from 64.5 (SD 22.9) at baseline to 76.3 (SD 19.4) units at 30 days (P<.01). We observed marginal but statistically significant improvement in self-reported medication adherence (baseline: 7.3 [SD 0.9], 30 days: 7.7 [SD 0.5]; P=.01). Assessments of acceptability identified that most of the participants found the relational agent useful, informative, and trustworthy.ConclusionsWe piloted a 30-day smartphone-based intervention that combined a relational agent with dedicated content for AF alongside Kardia heart rate and rhythm monitoring. Pilot participants had favorable improvements in HRQoL and self-reported medication adherence, as well as positive responses to the intervention. These data will guide a larger, enhanced randomized trial implementing the smartphone relational agent and the Kardia monitor system.

Rationale and design of the Atrial Fibrillation health Literacy Information Technology Trial: (AF-LITT)

BackgroundAtrial Fibrillation (AF) is a common cardiac arrhythmia that is challenging for patients and adversely impacts health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Long-term management of AF requires that patients adhere to complex therapies, understand difficult terminology, navigate subspecialty care, and have continued symptom monitoring with the goal of preventing adverse outcomes. Continued interventions to ameliorate the patient experience of AF are essential. DesignThe Atrial Fibrillation health Literacy Information Technology Trial (AF-LITT; NCT03093558) is an investigator-initiated, 2-arm randomized clinical trial (RCT). This RCT is a pilot in order to implement a novel, smartphone-based intervention to address the patient experience of AF. This pilot RCT will compare a combination of the Embodied Conversational Agent (ECA) and the Alive Cor Kardia Mobile heart rhythm monitor to the current standard of care. The study will enroll 180 adults with non-valvular AF who are receiving anticoagulation for stroke prevention and randomize them to receive a 30-day intervention (smartphone-based ECA/Kardia) or standard of care, which will include a symptom and adherence journal. The primary end-points are improvement in HRQoL and self-reported adherence to anticoagulation. The secondary end-points are the acceptability of the intervention to participants, its use by participants, and acceptability to referring physicians. ConclusionsThe AF-LITT pilot aims to evaluate the efficacy of the ECA/Kardia to improve HRQoL and anticoagulant adherence, and to guide its implementation in a larger, multicenter clinical trial. The intervention has potential to improve HRQoL, adherence, and health care utilization in individuals with chronic AF.

Literasi Teknologi Informasi dan Komunikasi Siswa SDI Lukman al-Hakim Mataram: Model Komunikasi dan Pendampingan

This study discusses the communication model and assistance pattern of information and communication technology (ICT) literacy for students conducted by teachers in SDI Lukman al Hakim Hidayatullah Mataram. This study is a descriptive qualitative research using participatory observation and in-depth interviews for two months. The study finding shows there are three models of assistance in ICT literacy, ie individual, group, and synergistic teacher-guardian. While the communication models used by teachers are linear and transactional communication models. By utilizing those models, ICT usage in this school has contributed in positive and significant way to support the process of increasing knowledge, learning experience, and internalization of students' tauhid.

Assessment of staff ICT literacy competence in Nigerian federal university libraries

This paper discussed information communication technology (ICT) literacy as the relative measure of library staff’s capacity to make appropriate use of ICTs for information acquisition, organization, retrieval and dissemination. It also examined the impact of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) literacy on the duties of library staff in selected federal university libraries in Nigeria. The research employs a purposive sampling technique to select six federal universities one each from the six geo-political zones in Nigeria. Questionnaire was used for data collection which yielded a 79.7% response rate. A major finding of the study revealed that over 60% of the respondents were competent in sending emails, use of search engines, the use of Microsoft application software such as Ms Word and Ms Power Point. The study concluded that the level of ICT literacy competence among the library staff in the Nigerian federal university libraries studied is on the averageKeywords: ICT literacy, information literacy, university libraries, computer literacy

Leveraging information technology literacy to enhance college and career readiness for secondary students with disabilities

Leveraging information technology literacy to enhance college and career readiness for secondary students with disabilities

TOOLS FOR INQUIRY-BASED LEARNING IN PRIMARY SCHOOL

Information technology and information literacy are becoming increasingly important in today's knowledge society. Many studies have shown that students from elementary school to graduate school do not have enough information literacy and skills in IT, therefore, there is a need for effective pedagogical approach that will develop these skills. One of the important step in this direction is the possibility of combining a collaborative teaching approach with inquiry-based learning to develop information literacy of elementary school students and IT skills. Based on existing theoretical framework, we believe that modern teaching technology should be used in early childhood. Children of primary school age explore and learn about the environment by using queries, and computer technologies offer available way to extend the domain and range of this request. A great number of interactive games and educational software packages have been implemented over the last decade for primary schools. However, a large number of software packages are not focused on inquiry-based learning. Examples of existing and hypothetical apps to research in early childhood presented in this article. Problems and future research directions are also identified and discussed. DOI: https://doi.org/10.28925/2414-0325.2017.3.4354

The Role of Basic Vocational Education Towards Students Employability

This study aims to identify the role of the curriculum of the Basic Vocational Education (BVE) to the employability of pupils in selected secondary schools in Sabah. A total of 100 respondents involved in this study with a focus on preparation for further study at the Institute of Public Skills Training (IPST) and Private Skills Training Institutes (PSTI) or preparation for entering the workforce. In addition, the objective of this study was to identify differences employability among students and identify the direction of the transformation of the relationship with the employability of vocational education and vocational skills to identify the relationship with the employability of basic education students in vocational secondary schools selected. The findings show that there are significant differences in terms of gender, nationality and course of employability. While in terms of the transformation of vocational education and vocational skills showed a significant relationship with the employability of BVE pupils in secondary schools selected. Some proposals put forward to increase its employability among students BVE at the same time ensuring appropriate courses offered by IPST and improve the level of English proficiency as well as information and communication technology literacy of students.

A Preliminary Psychometric Analysis of a Measure of Information Technology Literacy Skills

Information technology (IT) literacy skills are increasingly important for all adolescents to learn, as the majority of post-school pursuits will require at least some amount of computer skills. For adolescents with disabilities, this urgency is perhaps more pronounced, as this subpopulation typically experiences more dismal post-school outcomes than their peers without disabilities. The purpose of this study was to examine the psychometric properties of the Envision Information Technology Literacy (EITL) scale based on pretest and posttest responses of students with and without disabilities ( N = 150). Findings show promising validity and reliability of the EITL scale. Implications for practice are discussed with regard to uses in high school career courses and as an age-appropriate transition assessment.