Patterns Of Computer Use Research Articles

Network Economics and the Digital Divide in Rural India

The idea of a ‘global digital divide’ is well accepted, and cross-country studies of determinants of differences in computer and Internet penetration have identified income, telecommunications infrastructure, and regulatory quality as key influencing factors. The policy implications from these studies are relatively blunt: get richer, have more telephones, and regulate telecommunications better. In this paper, we examine an alternative policy approach to bridging the digital divide, through organizational innovations that provide low cost Internet access in developing countries, within the existing levels of income, telecommunications infrastructure and regulatory environment. We use survey data from 500 individuals in four states of India: Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab and Rajasthan, to examine factors influencing patterns of computer and Internet use. The situations in which data was collected were ones where computer and Internet access was being provided by a developmental agency (government or non-government). We estimate logit and multinomial logit models, using explanatory variables such as income, household size, education, and occupation, as well as infrastructure factors such as quality of electricity supply, and availability of telephones and televisions. Thus we are able to go beyond simple analyses of penetration at the country level, to understand the microeconomics of computer and Internet use in rural India. In particular, by examining patterns of use, we are able to comment on the importance of network externalities for diffusion of computers and the Internet in these local rural contexts.

Network Economics and the Digital Divide in Rural South Asia

The concept of a 'global digital divide' is now common, and many cross-country studies of determinants of differences in computer and Internet penetration have been performed. The main conclusions and policy implications from these studies are relatively blunt: get richer, have more telephones, and regulate telecommunications better. In this paper, we examine an alternative approach to bridging the digital divide, through organizational innovations that provide low cost Internet access in developing countries, within the existing conditions of income levels, telecommunications infrastructure and regulatory environment. We use survey data from 500 individuals in three South Asian countries, Bangladesh, Nepal and Sri Lanka, to examine factors influencing patterns of computer and Internet use. These individuals were in situations where computer and Internet access has been provided by a developmental agency (government or non-government). We estimate logit and multinomial logit models, using explanatory variables such as income, household size, education, and occupation, as well as infrastructure factors such as quality of electricity supply, and availability of telephones and televisions. Thus we are able to go beyond simple analyses of penetration at the country level, to understand the microeconomics of computer and Internet use in rural South Asia.

Computer use among older adults in a naturally occurring retirement community

Though computers and the Internet offer an opportunity to enhance the lives of older adults, rates of computer use among older adults are low relative to other age groups. This study examined patterns of computer use and barriers to use among 324 residents living in a suburban naturally occurring retirement community (NORC). One-third (36%) of the residents were actively using computers. Residents currently using computers were more likely to be younger, with more education, fewer functional impairments, and greater social resources. Results from a multidimensional scaling analysis suggested that common uses fell along two dimensions: a solitary-social dimension and an obligatory-discretionary dimension. Barriers to more frequent use included cost, complexity, ergonomic impediments, and a lack of interest. Results from this study could inform the development of services by taking into account how older adults prefer to use computers and their perceptions of the technology. We include practical recommendations for program developers.

Computer Use in the Management of Aphasia: A Survey of Practice Patterns and Opinions

Computers are involved in many facets of daily life, and studies have shown computers to be effective tools in aphasia rehabilitation. However, the degree to which speech-language pathologists (SLPs) use computers in aphasia management is unclear. This study surveyed SLPs to determine patterns and frequency of computer use associated with aphasia rehabilitation. The survey was distributed to SLPs in health care settings through e-mail and traditional mail. Surveys were analyzed for frequency and patterns of computer use in direct therapy and for other related purposes. Responses were received from 107 SLPs. Survey results indicated that SLPs use computers more often for indirect or supplemental purposes than for direct therapy. When SLPs implemented computers in direct treatment, the

Patterns of computer use in clinical consultations

Patterns of computer use in clinical consultations

'Computer literacy' im Vergleich zwischen europäischen Nationen - Zielgröße des Bildungswettbewerbs in der Wissensgesellschaft

ICT-based education can be used as a driver to initiate economic growth and societal development in the knowledge based society. 'Computer literacy' is recognised as a key competence to manage the challenges of this technique driven society. Therefore the European Union gathers information about the framework and the use of computers and the Internet in the schools of their member states - also by using results of school assessment studies like PISA or PIRLS. This article shows that there are different patterns of computer equipment and use in the European Union which depend to some extent on the basic structures of the educational systems. It will be demonstrated that nations with sustainable reforms in the last decades to decentralised structures are more 'modern' than others in terms of computer equipment and use. The article enlightens also the differences between the three terms 'computer literacy', 'digital literacy' and 'media competence' and their 'mixed use' in political but also academic discussion. In summary it will be stated that the discussion about 'computer literacy' misses a clear conceptualisation and sustainable empirical investigation methods. (DIPF/Orig.)

Different worlds? A comparison of young people's home and school ICT use

Abstract This paper explores young people's access to and use of computers in the home and at school. Drawing on a questionnaire survey, conducted in 2001 and 2003 with over 1800 children in the South‐West of England, on group interviews in school with over 190 children and with visits to 11 families, the paper discusses: (1) children's current use of computers in the home and in school; 2) changing patterns of computer use in home and school between 2001 and 2003; (3) the impact of age, gender and socio‐economic area on young people's computer use in home and school. The paper then goes on to discuss young people's perceptions of the differences between home and school use of computers and to address the question of whether young people's home and school use of information and communications technologies (ICTs) are really ‘different worlds’. Through analysis of both quantitative and qualitative data, the paper proposes that the boundaries between home and school are less distinct in terms of young people's ICT use than has previously been proposed, in particular through young people's production of virtual social networks through the use of instant messenger that seem to mirror young people's social school contexts. The paper concludes by suggesting that effective home–school link strategies might be adopted through the exploration of the permeability of home/school boundaries.

Patterns of internet use by persons with spinal cord injuries and relationship to health-related quality of life

Drainoni M-L, Houlihan B, Williams S, Vedrani M, Esch D, Lee-Hood E, Weiner C. Patterns of Internet use by persons with spinal cord injuries and relationship to health-related quality of life. Arch Phys Med Rehabil 2004;85:1872–9. Objectives To examine patterns of computer and Internet use among persons with spinal cord injuries (SCI) and to assess the relationship between Internet use and health-related quality of life (HRQOL). Design Cross-sectional survey design. Setting National Model Spinal Cord Injury Systems. Participants People with SCI enrolled in a national database. Interventions Not applicable. Main outcome measures Patterns of Internet use and relationship to HRQOL indicators: self-perceived health status, health status compared with 1 year ago, severity of depression, social integration score, occupation score, contacts with friends, business contacts, and satisfaction with life. Results Most subjects owned computers, had Internet access, and used the Internet regularly—primarily for email, disability and health information, and shopping. Bivariate analysis revealed significant differences in Internet access based on sociodemographics, particularly among subjects with less education and among African Americans and Hispanics. In initial univariate analysis, most HRQOL indicators were significantly better for Internet users; once sociodemographic factors were included, 4 indicators remained significant. Conclusions Complex factors contribute to Internet access among people with SCI, with more barriers among specific subgroups. A significant HRQOL benefit from Internet use is suggested. Targeted interventions and studies of usage patterns are recommended.

The feasibility of using pattern recognition software to measure the influence of computer use on the consultation.

BackgroundA key feature of a good general practice consultation is that it is patient-centred. A number of verbal and non-verbal behaviours have been identified as important to establish a good relationship with the patient. However, the use of the computer detracts the doctor's attention away from the patient, compromising these essential elements of the consultation. Current methods to assess the consultation and the influence of the computer on them are time consuming and subjective. If it were possible to measure these quantitatively, it could provide the basis for the first truly objective way of studying the influence of the computer on the consultation.The aim was to assess whether pattern recognition software could be used to measure the influence and pattern of computer use in the consultation. If this proved possible it would provide, for the first time, an objective quantitative measure of computer use and a measure of the attention and responsiveness of the general practitioner towards the patient.MethodsA feasibility study using pattern recognition software to analyse a consultation was conducted. A web camera, linked to a data-gathering node was used to film a simulated consultation in a standard office. Members of the research team enacted the role of the doctor and the patient, using pattern recognition software to try and capture patient-centred, non-verbal behaviour. As this was a feasibility study detailed results of the analysis are not presented.ResultsIt was revealed that pattern recognition software could be used to analyse certain aspects of a simulated consultation. For example, trigger lines enabled the number of times the clinician's hand covered the keyboard to be counted and wrapping recorded the number of times the clinician nodded his head. It was also possible to measure time sequences and whether the movement was brief or lingering.ConclusionPattern recognition software enables movements associated with patient-centredness to be recorded. Pattern recognition software has the potential to provide an objective, quantitative measure of the influence of the computer on the consultation.

Exploring Patterns of Computer Use in Schools

Using data from official UK government reports spanning twenty years this paper attempts to identify patterns of ICT use in primary and secondary level schooling. Beneath the 'headline' statistics charting the reduction of pupil: computer ratios and increases in funding there lies an enduring picture of educational use of ICT remaining inconsistent and sporadic. From this basis the paper then considers the factors which appear to exert some influence over the general use of ICT in schools and, in doing so, highlights key areas of interest for future educational technology research.

Children's Computer Use at Home and at School: Context and continuity

ABSTRACT The home computer use of 33 children aged between 7 and 11 years is described. These children and their parents were interviewed on four occasions. In addition, domestic computer use was monitored for 30 days in respect of the identity of user(s) and the nature and duration of their software use. Although parents had strong aspirations that household computers should support their child's learning and although parents' main software purchases were educationally oriented, children spent most of their time on games of a sort not typically found in their classrooms. This observation was explored through a comparative analysis of the home and school ecology. Description of the school setting was achieved by engaging with pupils and teachers attending the five schools from which the home‐based sample was drawn. Patterns of school computer use conformed to practices commonly reported for early education. However, this classroom context of computer use was shown to be very different to that sustained in homes. Parents took few steps to orchestrate the content or motive of children's computer activity and they rarely become directly involved in that activity themselves. These observations are discussed in relation to contemporary ambitions to influence the interface of home and school through the mediation of information and communications technology (ICT).

A profile of student computer use, training, and proficiency

TO EXAMINE STUDENT COMPUTER USE, training and proficiency patterns, 688 undergraduate students were surveyed at a large state university. Students reported which computer applications they used and how they learned specific computer applications. They also rated their proficiency with computers. Common computer applications such as word processing and spreadsheets, Web browsers, and e-mail were used by 84%–90% of students; 86% of students own a computer. Eighty-nine percent of the students agreed or strongly agreed with the statement, “my computer skills are adequate for my professors’ needs.” Approximately 25% of students considered themselves advanced computer users. Correlates with student ratings of proficiency included programming skills and the use of other operating and hardware systems, but also extended to construction of Web sites, the use of newsgroups, and the ability to use the Web for research. The predominant way students reported learning about the use of e-mail, the Web, and spread-sheets was informally; increased use of common applications was not correlated with formal training. Finally, even when major and class standing were held constant, differences existed for males and females in the use of specialized applications and self-ratings of proficiency. But, substantive gender differences were not evident for the use of common applications.

Computer and Internet Use in Physically Frail Elders

A study was designed to investigate the feasibility of computer-based communication to monitor self-care needs of older persons with disabilities. As a preliminary measure, tracking software was used to observe patterns of computer and Internet use. This case study report of 5 physically frail elders found that study participants primarily used e-mail, accessed health related Internet sites, and played computer games. These individuals reported that having access to this technology allowed them to feel less isolated from their family, better informed about health issues, and more socially connected. The findings also suggest patterns of use that could assist in implementing computer based communication programs for older persons with disabilities.

Computer and Internet Use in Physically Frail Elders

A study was designed to investigate the feasibility of computer-based communication to monitor self-care needs of older persons with disabilities. As a preliminary measure, tracking software was used to observe patterns of computer and Internet use. This case study report of 5 physically frail elders found that study participants primarily used e-mail, accessed health related Internet sites, and played computer games. These individuals reported that having access to this technology allowed them to feel less isolated from their family, better informed about health issues, and more socially connected. The findings also suggest patterns of use that could assist in implementing computer based communication programs for older persons with disabilities.

Conceptions or Misconceptions? Primary Teachers‘ Perceptions and Use of Computers in the Classroom

Why should computers be used in primary schools and what roles have they come to play in the classroom? This paper describes an investigation into UK primary teachers‘ perceptions and use of computers in the classroom. The responses collected illustrate the existence of two broad groups of teachers. Those who adopt a computer awareness perspective and those who believe that the computer should be used as a means to facilitate and enhance teaching and learning. Furthermore, the responses suggest an association between teachers‘ beliefs about computer use and teachers‘ patterns of actual computer use and thus demonstrate that educational innovations are primarily and intrinsically realized in our way of thinking before they become practice. Yet, this way of thinking may be formed not only by teachers‘ interpretations of official orders and requirements but also by their knowledge of information technology (IT) and their comprehension of what teaching and learning is about.

Introduction of Microcomputers: A Case Study of Patterns of use and Children's Perceptions

Children's attitudes toward and perceptions of the use of computers were monitored in two upper primary classrooms over a nine-month period, following the introduction of computer use. Unstructured use during non-class hours became the dominant pattern in both classrooms, with boys dominating the access and use in one of these classrooms. The resulting reduced computer use by girls contributed to the boys' and teachers' perceptions that girls are less interested in computers. Girls tended to be less positive than boys about the usefulness of computers in the classroom and their attitude scores were even more polarized after the year's experiences. The research highlights the potential role that patterns of computer use in classrooms may play in the formulation of children's attitudes toward and perceptions of computers.

Computer use by School-Age Children: Trends, Patterns, and Predictors

Patterns of computer use are studied based on analysis of data from the Longitudinal Study of American Youth (LSAY) in which a cohort of students and their parents were surveyed for five consecutive years. Special attention is given to students who were heavier users of computers. Heavier use is associated with high SES as well as superiority in grades. Heavier use declined as this cohort progressed from the seventh grade to high school despite increasing access to computers at home. Parents with computers at home reported that their children used computers mostly for educational purposes. Males were significantly more likely to be heavier users until the 1992 survey when the gap with females narrowed. A substantial proportion but less than half (42%) of heavier users remained more frequent users from 1988 to 1992. Analysis suggests that computer ownership and parental interest in their children using computers exerted the biggest impacts on the likelihood of being a heavier user.

Computers in the Kindergarten∗

The computer use of two classrooms of kindergarten aged children in private school in Chicago were compared for variance in terms of the age and sex of the children, for variance by classroom, and for variance in the software selected. The major statistical method used was analysis of variance. There were two dependent variables: total frequency of computer use and the difference between the frequency in the first half and that in the second half (in order to examine the changing pattern of computer use in the two classrooms). There was no significant difference in computer use by sex or age, but there was a significant difference in the frequency of computer by classroom in the second half of the project compared to the first half. There was no significant difference in the software selected. ∗ This research was completed with the help of a Committee on Research Grant from Northeastern Illinois University.

Computer experience, patterns of computer use, and effectiveness — an inevitable sequence or divergent national cultures?

Computer experience, patterns of computer use, and effectiveness — an inevitable sequence or divergent national cultures?

Rates and patterns of computer adoption and use in agricultural extension

This paper analyzes the adoption and use of computers by extension advisors as affected by human capital variables, area of specialization (extension discipline), and stock of available computers. The portion of the advisor's time devoted to computerized extension is used as a measure for the intensity of adoption of the technology. An empirical model of computer technology adoption by advisors was applied to the extension service in Israel. Results indicate that the stock of computers is positively related to the rate of their diffusion. The age of the advisor has a positive effect on the likelihood to more intensively use computers. Advisors having previous experience with computers also tend to use this technology more intensively than advisors with less experience. The regional effect was found to be insignificant, while the extension discipline significantly affects the intensity of use.