Patterns Of Technology Use Research Articles

Technological leadership of kindergarten teachers along their careers and during the COVID-19 period

AbstractThe study examines the use of technology by kindergarten teachers during the COVID-19 pandemic and in the course of their professional careers, and their attitudes toward the integration of technology in kindergartens with the resolution of the crisis. The article presents findings derived from interviews with kindergarten teachers in Israel. The study revealed three patterns of technology use by kindergarten teachers, with no differences between career stages. The avoidance pattern (37%), the structured activism pattern (22%), and the entrepreneurial pattern (40%). The findings of the study contradict the approach that explains the use of technology based on career stages.

Use of systems thinking and adapted group model building methods to understand patterns of technology use among older adults with type 1 diabetes: a preliminary process evaluation

BackgroundA growing number of older adults (ages 65+) live with Type 1 diabetes. Simultaneously, technologies such as continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) have become standard of care. There is thus a need to understand better the complex dynamics that promote use of CGM (and other care innovations) over time in this age group. Our aim was to adapt methods from systems thinking, specifically a participatory approach to system dynamics modeling called group model building (GMB), to model the complex experiences that may underlie different trajectories of CGM use among this population. Herein, we report on the feasibility, strengths, and limitations of this methodology.MethodsWe conducted a series of GMB workshops and validation interviews to collect data in the form of questionnaires, diagrams, and recordings of group discussion. Data were integrated into a conceptual diagram of the “system” of factors associated with uptake and use of CGM over time. We evaluate the feasibility of each aspect of the study, including the teaching of systems thinking to older adult participants. We collected participant feedback on positive aspects of their experiences and areas for improvement.ResultsWe completed nine GMB workshops with older adults and their caregivers (N = 33). Each three-hour in-person workshop comprised: (1) questionnaires; (2) the GMB session, including both didactic components and structured activities; and (3) a brief focus group discussion. Within the GMB session, individual drawing activities proved to be the most challenging for participants, while group activities and discussion of relevant dynamics over time for illustrative (i.e., realistic but not real) patients yielded rich engagement and sufficient information for system diagramming. Study participants liked the opportunity to share experiences with peers, learning and enhancing their knowledge, peer support, age-specific discussions, the workshop pace and structure, and the systems thinking framework. Participants gave mixed feedback on the workshop duration.ConclusionsThe study demonstrates preliminary feasibility, acceptability, and the value of GMB for engaging older adults about key determinants of complex health behaviors over time. To our knowledge, few studies have extended participatory systems science methods to older adult stakeholders. Future studies may utilize this methodology to inform novel approaches for supporting health across the lifespan.

Foreign Language Learning: A Study of Digital Literacy in Generation Z

Background. The background of this research lies in the change in educational paradigm triggered by the use of technology in foreign language learning. Technology integration has great potential to increase students' engagement, motivation and understanding of the target language. Along with this, Generation Z, as a group of students who grew up in the era of digital technology, has become the object of study because of the tendency to use technology intensively in learning. Purpose. This research has the general aim of exploring and understanding how digital literacy can be optimized in foreign language learning in Generation Z. Specifically, this research aims to identify patterns of technology use, detail the obstacles faced, and design solutions that can be implemented in increasing the digital literacy of students majoring in foreign languages. Method. This research methodology carries a quantitative approach with a research design in the form of a survey. The use of questionnaires as research instruments was carefully designed to explore aspects of digital literacy. Data collection was carried out via the Google Form platform with the participation of 30 Generation Z students, which is expected to provide an in-depth perspective regarding the experiences and challenges in their digital literacy. Results. The results of data analysis show a significant level of involvement of students in the use of digital devices, with the majority choosing learning via an application or digital platform. Digital literacy is an important focus, and the majority of students feel comfortable and confident in using digital resources. Nonetheless, challenges such as confusion in evaluating the authenticity of online information need to be addressed. Conclusion. Results Barriers and challenges to digital literacy include accessibility inequalities, lack of training, and technological changes. Strategies to overcome these obstacles vary, with students more likely to seek help from friends or teachers, seek online guidance, and try new learning methods. In conclusion, this research makes a significant contribution to the understanding of digital literacy of students majoring in foreign languages, with an emphasis on learning strategies that are holistic and tailored to students' individual preferences and needs.

Shocks and IS user behavior: a taxonomy and future research directions

PurposeJarring events, be they global crises such as COVID-19 or technological events such as the Cambridge Analytica data incident, have bullwhip effects on billions of people's daily lives. Such “shocks” vary in their characteristics. While some shocks cause, for example, widespread adoption of information systems (IS) as diverse as Netflix and Teams, others lead users to stop using IS, such as Facebook. To offer insights into the multifaceted ways shocks influence user behavior, this study aims to assess the status quo of shock-related literature in the IS discipline and develop a taxonomy that paves the path for future IS research on shocks.Design/methodology/approachThis study conducted a literature review (N = 70) to assess the status quo of shock-related research in the IS discipline. Through a qualitative study based on users who experienced shocks (N = 39), it confirmed the findings of previous literature in an illustrative IS research context. Integrating the findings of the literature review and qualitative study, this study informs a taxonomy of shocks impacting IS use.FindingsThis study identifies different ways that shocks influence user behavior. The taxonomy reveals that IS research could profit from considering environmental, private and work shocks and shedding light on positive shocks. IS research could also benefit from examining the urgency of shocks, as there are indications that this influences how and when individuals react to a specific shock.Originality/valueFindings complement previous rational explanations for user behavior by showing technology use can be influenced by shocks. This study offers a foundation for forward-looking research that connects jarring events to patterns of technology use.

Gender differences in perception and usage of public transit technologies: Implications for digital government

Technological solutions available to public agencies in delivering public services have increased, including the information and communication technologies (ICTs) used in public transit. For many women who depend on public transit services to access employment, childcare, education, health, and political processes (Hamilton & Jenkins, 2000), transit technologies may offer increased convenience and benefits and eventually improve their living conditions. While women tend to use public transit services more intensively than men (Racca & Ratledge, 2004), prior studies have shown that their perceptions and attitudes towards ICTs and patterns of technology use tend to differ from men. On the other hand, these differences are not well explored in the context of public transit services. Accordingly, using systematic literature review methodology, this paper intends to outline what we know and do not know about gender differences in technology adoption in the public transportation context to develop a research agenda for future studies. It aims to inform theory and policy development for digital government by identifying the gaps in this area.

Predicting Technology Use Among Older Adults During the COVID-19 Pandemic With Community Participation

The social isolation imposed by the Covid-19 pandemic has significantly affected older adults, and has impacted both their physical and mental health. The pandemic has led to an increase in ageism associated with poorer mental health and a lower sense of dignity, self-esteem and contribution to society. This cross-cultural study involved 24 participants from Italy and Israel aged 79 to 92. The aim was to develop a brief art-based online intervention to enhance the participants’ sense of dignity and sense of meaning in life during this time of crisis. The process focused on the creation of digital photo-collages that captured the participants’ values through three perspectives: their past experiences, legacy, and future perspectives. It employed an arts-based research methodology to explore the participants’ experiences by analysing their relationship with the artistic expression, the photo collage, and its creative process.

Use of monitoring technology and injury incidence among recreational runners: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundMonitoring technology is increasingly accessible to recreational runners. Our aim was to examine patterns of technology use in recreational runners, and its potential association with injury.MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional questionnaire study in a sample of adult runners. Recruitment took place at three different 5 km parkrun event across Northern Ireland. Demographics, technology use, running behaviour and running-related injury (RRI) history were examined. Regression analyses were performed to determine relationships between variables.ResultsResponses were obtained from 192 of 483 eligible finishers (39.8% response rate). Average age was 45.9 years (SD 10.3), with males (47.1 years SD 9.7) slightly older than females (44.8 years SD 10.8). On average, participants ran 3.0 days per week (SD 1.3), with an average weekly distance of 22.6 km (SD 19.7). Males typically ran further (MD 6.2 km/week; 95% CI 0.4 to 12.0) than females. Monitoring technology was used by 87.4% (153/175); with GPS watches the most common device (87.6% (134/153)). Runners using monitoring technology ran further (MD 14.4 km/week; 95% CI 10.3 to 18.5) and more frequently (MD 1.3 days/week; 95% CI 0.7 to 1.9) than those who did not use monitoring technology. There was no significant difference in average age between runners who used monitoring technology and those who did not (MD 4.0 years; 95% CI −0.7 to 8.7). RRI was reported by 40.6% (71/175) of participants in the previous 12 months. In a univariate analysis, none of the selected predictors (age, number of days run per week, distance run per week, or usage of technology to modify training pattern) (p > 0.1) were associated with RRI.ConclusionsThis study found a high prevalence of monitoring technology usage among recreational runners. While the incidence of RRI remains high, it is not associated with the usage of monitoring technology. Further prospective research should examine if monitoring technology can reduce RRI incidence among recreational runners in future.

Digital Community Inclusion of Individuals With Serious Mental Illness: A National Survey to Map Digital Technology Use and Community Participation Patterns in the Digital Era.

BackgroundDespite the growing interest in developing and using mobile health (mHealth) and digital technologies in mental health, little is known about the scope and nature of virtual community inclusion.ObjectiveThe overarching goal of this study was to understand and conceptualize virtual community inclusion of individuals with serious mental illness (SMI). Specific objectives of this study were as follows: (1) mapping the prevalence, trends, and experiences related to mHealth and digital technology use among individuals with SMI; (2) comparing patterns of technology use by individuals with and those without SMI; and (3) examining whether use of mHealth and digital technologies predicts recovery among individuals with SMI.MethodsA web-based survey of technology use and virtual participation was developed and distributed among adults with and those without SMI via social media, national email discussion lists, nonprofit organizations, and advocacy groups.ResultsA total of 381 adults aged 18 years or older participated in the survey, of whom 199 (52%) identified as having a SMI. Participants with SMI reported significantly greater access to technology and significantly fewer days of face-to-face participation in community activities than those without SMI. Among participants with SMI, greater technology use was positively associated with positive emotions and significantly predicted recovery.ConclusionsThis study is the first to explore, map, and conceptualize virtual community inclusion among adults with SMI. Our findings indicate a gap in the literature and research on community inclusion and participation, and emphasize the need for virtual community inclusion, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic and its future implications.

VIRTUALLY AMISH: PRESERVING COMMUNITY AT THE INTERNET’S MARGINS

My forthcoming book (MIT Press), Virtually Amish, is an ethnographic study of the adoption, design and use of digital communication technologies among members of Old Order Amish communities. This paper explores a section of the book focusing on Amish strategies for internet management. These strategies are in place to protect Amish communities from perceived negative impacts of technologically mediated connectivity. Today it is increasingly common for the Amish to adopt computers, the internet and mobile devices in calculated ways to remain competitive in business. Often the use of these devices blends into the personal sphere as well. This research is notable for its empirical observations that show shared values are key to determining patterns of technology use in Amish communities. Data was collected via semi-structured interviews with thought-leaders (business and religious leaders) in Indiana Amish settlements. Findings show that the Amish consider their own cultural, social, political and religious autonomy in deciding how to engage with a broader social and economic system as technologies are essential to the mediation of these relationships.

International Survey on the Use of Emerging Technologies Among Forensic and Correctional Mental Health Professionals

Although the global diffusion of e-mental health has increased in recent years, research on the use of technologies in criminal justice settings is limited. To bridge this knowledge gap, we conducted an international online survey ( N = 555) of forensic and correctional mental health professionals from Germany, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, the United States, and 20 additional countries. Telecommunication technologies and mental health platforms had the highest numbers of users, the broadest scope, and the largest increase in use due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. In contrast, the use of social media and advanced technologies was lower, narrower in scope, and remained the same or decreased during the COVID-19 pandemic. Respondents’ age, professional discipline, country, and clinical setting significantly predicted total technology use in clinical practice. The study findings provide an overview of the current patterns of technology use and point to opportunities for research and development.

Patterns of digital information and communication technology use among patients at primary health care centres in Colombia: Phase I of the DIADA project

ObjectiveAssess the prevalence and types of digital technology use, as well as the extent to which patients use the internet and mobile devises. Evaluate the socioeconomic characteristics of patients and the possible relation to patterns of technology use in Colombia. Understand the nature of patient technology use in primary care for finding medical information. MethodsA survey was applied to adult patients who attended primary health care centers systems in 6 Colombian cities. The survey inquired about demographic characteristics, insurance, access to services, cell phone use, internet access, and the use of such technology to access health-related services and information. Data was collected and managed using REDCap. Summary statistics on each survey item were calculated and the differences between discrete variables were analyzed using chi-square. Multivariate analyses were performed using logistic regression analysis for binary dependent variables. ResultsA total of 1580 patients were surveyed across the six study sites. 93% of the patients reported they have a cell phone. Patients from urban healthcare centers showed a higher use of the Internet on their phone than less urban settings. Around half of the surveyed patients reported Internet use (49.7%). Among Internet users, 65% of participants use the Internet looking for health care information. Around one-third of patients use cellphones to arrange clinic visits. Around 24% of participants answered positively for both Whooley’s questions. Of those who screened positive on the Whooley questions, 43% reported being moderately anxious, 47% reported being very anxious. 51% reported having moderate pain; 52% reported having severe pain. ConclusionsThe patterns of technology use identified in this study are essential for developing future health interventions based on ICT. The design of ICT clinical interventions must take into account the cellphone payment plans, availability of internet connection, advantages, and disadvantages of messenger services, including SMS as a possible alternative to people who do not have smartphones.

Patterns of Technology Use Among Patients With Head and Neck Cancer and Implications for Telehealth.

ObjectiveTo describe baseline technology use within the head and neck cancer (HNC) population prior to the COVID-19 pandemic.Study DesignCross-sectional analysis of National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) data.SettingThe NHIS is a survey of population health administered in person annually to a nationally representative sample of noninstitutionalized US residents via a complex clustered sampling design.MethodsData regarding technology use, cancer history, and demographics were extracted from the NHIS. The study population comprised individuals who completed the NHIS Sample Adult survey from 2012 to 2018 and self-reported a cancer diagnosis. Poisson regression was used to evaluate associations between demographics and general or health-related technology use and prevalence ratios reported.ResultsPatients with HNC were less likely to use general technology (computers, internet, or email) when compared with other patients with cancer (60% vs 73%, P < .001), although this difference was not statistically significant after controlling for sociodemographic factors. Among patients with HNC, older age, lower education, and lower income were negatively associated with general technology use (adjusted prevalence ratio [aPR], 0.71 [95% CI, 0.59-0.87] for age 65-79 years vs <50 years; aPR, 0.66 [95% CI, 0.51-0.85] for high school vs master; aPR, 0.66 [95% CI, 0.48-0.91] for income 100%-200% vs >400% federal poverty level). Older age and lower education were negatively associated with health-related technology use (aPR, 0.46 [95% CI, 0.32-0.67] for age 65-79 years vs <50 years; aPR, 0.47 [95% CI, 0.30-0.74] for high school vs master).ConclusionSocioeconomic disparities exist in technology use rates among patients with HNC. Access to technology may pose a barrier to telehealth visits for many patients with HNC due to the unique socioeconomic demographics of this patient population.

Delivering Perinatal Health Information via a Voice Interactive App (SMILE): Mixed Methods Feasibility Study.

BackgroundPerinatal health care is critically important for maternal health outcomes in infants. The United States fares considerably worse than comparable countries for maternal and infant mortality rates. As such, alternative models of care or engagement are warranted. Ubiquitous digital devices and increased use of digital health tools have the potential to extend the reach to women and infants in their everyday lives and make a positive impact on their health outcomes. As voice technology becomes more mainstream, research is prudent to establish evidence-based practice on how to best leverage voice technology to promote maternal-infant health.ObjectiveThe aim of this study is to assess the feasibility of using voice technology to support perinatal health and infant care practices.MethodsPerinatal women were recruited from a large Midwest Children’s Hospital via hospital email announcements and word of mouth. Owing to the technical aspects of the intervention, participants were required to speak English and use an iPhone. Demographics, patterns of technology use, and technology use specific to perinatal health or self-care practices were assessed at baseline. Next, participants were onboarded and asked to use the intervention, Self-Management Intervention–Life Essentials (SMILE), over the course of 2 weeks. SMILE provided users with perinatal health content delivered through mini podcasts (ranging from 3 to 8 minutes in duration). After each podcast, SMILE prompted users to provide immediate verbal feedback to the content. An exit interview was conducted with participants to gather feedback on the intervention and further explore participants’ perceptions of voice technology as a means to support perinatal health in the future.ResultsIn total, 19 pregnant women (17 to 36 weeks pregnant) were consented. Themes identified as important for perinatal health information include establishing routines, expected norms, and realistic expectations and providing key takeaways. Themes identified as important for voice interaction include customization and user preferences, privacy, family and friends, and context and convenience. Qualitative analysis suggested that perinatal health promotion content delivered by voice should be accurate and succinctly delivered and highlight key takeaways. Perinatal health interventions that use voice should provide users with the ability to customize the intervention but also provide opportunities to engage family members, particularly spouses. As a number of women multitasked while the intervention was being deployed, future interventions should leverage the convenience of voice technology while also balancing the influence of user context (eg, timing or ability to listen or talk versus nonvoice interaction with the system).ConclusionsOur findings demonstrate the short-term feasibility of disseminating evidence-based perinatal support via podcasts and curate voice-captured data from perinatal women. However, key areas of improvement have been identified specifically for perinatal interventions leveraging voice technology. Findings contribute to future content, design, and delivery considerations of perinatal digital health interventions.

The new natural? Authenticity and the naturalization of educational technologies

ABSTRACT The past 40 years have been characterized by an ongoing shift in the rationale underlying the use of educational technologies – an earlier emphasis on efficiency and engagement has been overshadowed by a vision centered on educational technologies’ capacity to facilitate authentic learning in the inauthentic school context. However, despite its intuitive appeal, authenticity is a vague and contestable concept that warrants further scrutiny. Accordingly, this theoretical paper sets out to offer a conceptual analysis of the various meanings of authenticity in educational discourse, and to examine how these both shape and obfuscate arguments concerning educational technologies. To do so, I identify two key ambiguities inherent in the concept of authenticity: (1) whether authenticity relies on correspondence to real-world contexts (is), or aims to tap into a deeper essence of an individual or phenomenon (ought); (2) whether authenticity is mainly viewed from a supposedly objective perspective (external), or aims to capture individuals’ subjective experiences (internal). The depiction of technology as authentic, along with the conflations between its various meanings, serve to naturalize existing patterns of technology use, while obscuring the ways in which they are shaped by social, political and pedagogical considerations that should remain open to evaluation and critique.

Racial differences in cyberbullying from the perspective of victims and perpetrators.

Although cyberbullying has attracted a good deal of research attention in recent years, we know much less about how cyberbullying differs by race and ethnicity, and the few studies that have examined this topic have yielded conflicting findings. In the current study, 352 White and Black respondents answered questions about their victimization and perpetration experiences with both traditional bullying and cyberbullying. More than 80% of both White and Black participants indicated that they had been victims of traditional bullying, and over 45% had been victims of cyberbullying at least once. Fewer reported perpetrating either type of bullying. Texting and social media were the most common forms of technology used by both White and Black respondents as well as the most common venues by which cyberbullying occurred. For all participants, cyberbullying victimization was associated with greater suicidal ideation, and traditional bullying victimization was related to higher loneliness, depression, and suicidal ideation. At higher frequencies of traditional bullying victimization, Black respondents reported higher loneliness than did White participants. Understanding patterns of technology use and experiences with cyberbullying victimization and perpetration will help to inform effective strategies for prevention and intervention. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2020 APA, all rights reserved).

Exploring patterns of technology use in UK college students: a cluster analysis of learners’ digital practices

ABSTRACT This study assesses the use of various technologies, from institutional virtual learning environments to Web 2.0 tools, amongst learners studying at six general Further Education colleges in the UK. The study surveyed 218 students from a range of disciplines and qualifications. Cluster analysis revealed distinct patterns of engagement with technologies in both personal/social and educational contexts. Some support was found for a connection between personal/social and academic uses of technology. In contrast to the dominant narrative of learners as digitally fluent technology users, the analysis showed the majority of learners were using educational technologies in fairly simplistic ways that satisfy the demands of their course. Significant relationships were found between digital practices in college and subject studied and gender. The discussion draws on the literature of digital literacy practices in order to interpret the findings and inform the planning and development of learning technologies.

A Study of Digital Nativeness and Digital Productivity: Data from EFL and ESL Contexts

It is often argued that current generations use digital technologies in different ways than older ones do. In response to the need for research on how younger generations use new technologies, this paper surveys identifiable patterns of technology use in EFL (English as a foreign language) and ESL (English as a second language) learners in daily and academic contexts, with a focus on digital productivity. To collect data, 97 EFL learners and 30 ESL learners were given a survey developed by the researcher. The survey was validated using verbal probing as a cognitive validation strategy. The data were analysed using SPSS 18.0 through descriptive statistics, Welch–Satterthwaite test and correlation coefficients. The results revealed that access to technology is not a significant issue in both contexts. However, although ESL students are better at using technologies in daily life, they are no different from EFL students with respect to producing content for learning. The data also indicated that both EFL and ESL learners produced content using only well-established digital tools, and there is some individual variation within both cohort of students. The findings imply that it could be useful to introduce new technologies into educational context both at individual and instructional levels

TECHNOLOGY USE AMONG OLDER ADULTS IN RURAL AREAS

Relative to urban areas, rural areas in the United States contain a disproportionate number of older adults (65+ years old). Older residents of rural communities are at risk for social isolation, caregiver burden, and lack of access to healthcare and other resources. Modern technology could help address these issues, but studies of technology use among rural seniors are sparse. The current study explored patterns of technology use among 131 adults residing in rural counties across six states (Arkansas, Iowa, Kansas, North Dakota, Oklahoma, and Texas). A majority of the sample was female (73%), with an average age of 76.3 years (range 65–100). Participants completed a telephone survey with questions about demographics, health, social support, and technology. A total of 103 participants (78.6%) stated that they used current technology, including cell phones, texting, email, social media, and video chat, to communicate with adult children, grandchildren, siblings, and friends. Conversely, 28 participants (21.3%) did not use such technology. Logistic regression analyses showed that the likelihood of using technology was significantly associated with being married, younger age, lower depressive symptoms, better self-rated health, and better quality of social support. Of participants who used technology, the average time spent was 6.15 hours per week (SD=6.45), and most felt that it increased their sense of social support (61.1%). These findings suggest that technology may benefit older adults in rural areas, yet a sizeable minority of these seniors do not use technology. Implications for future research and interventions are discussed.

Understanding mobile digital worlds: how do Australian adolescents relate to mobile technology?

ABSTRACTVarious responses to the ideas of a digital disconnect between home and school include the call for a more thoughtful exploration of the relationship between formal and informal uses of technologies. Studies have indicated the complex and interacting influences on patterns of technology use at home and at school, including patterns of Web 2.0 use that do not align with common assumptions about the characteristics of current students. Together, these studies indicate that we need more nuanced insights into how today’s students relate to available digital technologies if we are to build appropriately on their experiences in education. The current research investigates quantitatively mobile digital practices and literacy as well as attitudes in over 1140 school students in the first years (7–10) of secondary education in Australia in order to enrich insights into these students as learners in contemporary classrooms. The implications of the research for teaching are discussed.

Pornography as a replacement for substance use: an emerging approach to understand addiction mechanism

Substituting addiction, using one substance instead of another has been an important area of research in recovery and relapse prevention studies on substance dependence. Mostly studies have studied this phenomenon in relation to alcohol and drugs use substituting each other. However there is a dearth of research on emergence of pornography use as a substitute for substance dependence. The case was analyzed using clinical interview and tools were administered for evaluation and understanding the pattern of technology use. The case shows the emergence of pornography as a substitute for substance abuse. The case study highlights the replacement of substance use with pornography, a new and emerging field in the area of addiction research.