Technology Skills Research Articles

Investigating the causal relationship between wealth index and ICT skills: a mediation analysis approach

This study examines the relationship between the wealth index (WI) and Information and Communication Technology (ICT) skills among women aged 15–49 in Bangladesh. The research aims to establish a cause-and-effect relationship between WI and ICT skills, while also examining how education mediates this relationship. Using the data from the Bangladesh Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS) Program 2019, a two-stage stratified clustered sampling method yielded a sample of 64,378 women. The analysis employed inverse probability weighting (IPW) to assess the causal effect of WI on ICT skills while investigating the mediating role of education in this cause-and-effect relationship through causal mediation analysis. The findings demonstrate a significant relationship between higher economic status and increased ICT proficiency among women aged 15–49 in Bangladesh. Mediation analysis reveals education status as a significant mediator, indicating that educational attainment plays a vital role in linking wealth and ICT skills among women. Sensitivity analysis indicates the observed effect estimates are robust to unmeasured confounding. This research underscores the importance of economic empowerment and educational interventions in narrowing the digital divide and fostering ICT skills development among women, particularly in rural and economically disadvantaged communities.

Assessment Strategies, Instructional Resources, Science Course Teaching Methods and Acquisition of Employability Skills by Potential Science Graduates: The Lecturers’ Perspective

The study examines the interconnectedness of assessment strategies, instructional resources, and science course teaching methods relating to employability skills acquisition by potential science graduates from the lecturers’ perspective. The study utilised a research survey design. A sample of 371 was drawn from the population of science lecturers in universities in South-west using a multi-stage sampling technique. This involved purposive, stratified, and quota sampling techniques. A well-structured questionnaire was used to collect data analysed using descriptive statistics (multiple bar charts) and inferential statistics of correlation and regression analyses. The key findings of the study showed that instructional resources [instructional material, physical facilities, and human resources], science course teaching methods, and assessment strategies had joint significant predictions on employability skills acquisition. This implies that these variables must be adequately provided for improved acquisition of employability skills by students. Also, lecturers’ understanding of students’ key employability skills revealed low ratings of information technology, initiative, leadership, problem-solving, and adaptability skills of students. The study recommends that higher education administrators should strive to provide instructional materials, physical facilities and human resources as instructional resources to implement excellent teaching techniques and assessment strategies. The study concludes that lecturers should consciously seek self-upgrade and improve teaching techniques and assessment strategies.

Secure Storage of Crypto Wallet Seed Phrase

The Expense Tracker Application is a user-friendly and efficient tool designed to help individuals manage their personal finances with ease. In the ever-changing landscape of daily expenses, this application offers a structured method for tracking income, categorizing expenditures, and generating insightful financial reports. Its intuitive and visually appealing interface ensures that users of all technological skill levels can navigate it effortlessly. The application features visual representations to help users understand their budgetary trends and set limits for different expense categories. It provides timely alerts and notifications when users approach or exceed these budget limits. With robust security measures in place, the application ensures the confidentiality of users' financial data, enhancing their awareness of spending habits and enabling informed financial decisions. Additionally, this system proposes a novel approach to cryptocurrency transactions. Instead of relying on complex public and private keys, it simplifies key management by binding these keys to the unique IP addresses of the nodes involved. This method minimizes the need for users to manage large cryptographic keys, offering a more secure and user-friendly alternative for cryptocurrency wallets. By addressing the limitations of traditional cryptocurrency systems, this approach enhances key management and overall security

Utilization of Information and Communication Technology and 21st Century Skills

Utilization of Information and Communication Technology and 21st Century Skills

Employers feedback on the job performances of the Bachelor of Arts in English Language graduates

The study examined the employers feedback on the job performances of the Bachelor of Arts in English Language (BAEL) graduates of Kalinga State University. Employer's feedback is vital in honing future nation-builders as it provides input in evaluating a curricular program to determine whether it is congruent with the demands of the industries. It used an explanatory sequential research design, explicitly employing a quantitative-quality approach. Significantly, it revealed that the employers of the graduates are very satisfied with their job performances in the areas of competence, commitment, collaboration, and credibility. The employers identified the graduates’ strengths in terms of job traits such as flexibility, initiative, creativity, dependability, leadership potential, and intellect. However, the employers also identified their weaknesses as a lack of self-confidence and a lack of time management. The study further revealed that most employers require new recruits to have job skills such as communications skills, Information and Communication Technology (ICT) skills, cooperative skills, leadership skills, and research skills. Therefore, the study concludes that the BAEL graduates perform in their jobs with very much satisfaction from their employers. It significantly implies an effective curricular program, producing BAEL graduates with the required competence, commitment, collaborative skills, and credibility to perform in their chosen jobs.

Teaching Innovation: Increasing the Competency of Arabic Teachers through TELL-Based Learning Technology

This research focuses on increasing the technological competence of Arabic teachers in integrating technology into teaching. The methods used include a mixed approach with quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews. The research population was Arabic teachers, with a purposive sample. Research instruments include questionnaires and semi-structured interview guidelines. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and thematic analysis techniques. The results showed that the level of technological skills of Arabic teachers varies, with most teachers feeling quite comfortable using basic technology but less confident with advanced technology. Key barriers identified include lack of technology skills, limited access to devices and the internet, resistance to change, and lack of interactive learning materials. Proposed solutions include ongoing training programs, provision of devices and internet, persuasive approaches to overcome resistance, development of interactive materials, and ongoing technical support. The main conclusion is that ongoing support and solutions focused on the specific needs of Arabic teachers can significantly improve the quality of teaching and students' learning experiences. This research provides valuable insights and practical solutions that can be implemented to overcome obstacles in the integration of technology in Arabic language learning.

Technological Skills Implications: Identification of the Gap between Architectural Education Curricula and Practices in Architecture Firms in Pakistan

Technological Skills Implications: Identification of the Gap between Architectural Education Curricula and Practices in Architecture Firms in Pakistan

The digital evolution- needs to adapt education for a Tech-Savvy Generation

Technology and innovation have impacted all industries and education is not exempt from this change. Organizations in different industries are constantly re-inventing their competencies and capabilities based on the technological upgrades that are being introduced into the markets; however, the change in education has not seen a drastic shift as it should. The current generation of scholars are exposed to technology from an early age (Manchanda, & Arora, 2023) and are equipped with tech-savvy devices that they are capable of using efficiently; can education leverage this skill in students to impart knowledge and improve their capabilities. This study aims to understand the gap in digitalization of education and propose various mediums and methods to adapt curriculum to engage students. Recent literature will also be reviewed as part of the study to gather evidence regarding empirical studies that have identified the need for technological adaptations, the benefits derived, and process followed to accomplish the same. There are a multitude of factors that must be considered to transform the education system through digitalization; as it certainly is not a simple process; the need to implement technology, students’ expectations, alignment between course content and technology, instructors’ ability to adapt to the change are some key factors that will impact this digital evolution in education. A vital purpose for conducting the study is also to evaluate the need for the suggested changes in education as current students are the future workforce who must be aware of technology, as it makes them employable in organizations; a digitally enables study environment trains students to utilize their technological skills so they can be transferred to organizations when they graduate and seek job opportunities (Murniarti, Simbolon, Purwoko, Fatmawati, & Hariyanto, 2023).

Implementing Employee Competencies for Geographic Information System (GIS) Website Digitalization

The rapid advancement of technology has become integral to all aspects of modern life. This research examines the relationship between employee competency and the use of a digitalized GIS website for managing customer data, focusing on employees at PDAM Surabaya City. The study involved 100 participants and employed a quantitative descriptive approach, utilizing data collection techniques such as observation, interviews, and surveys through questionnaires. Findings reveal that while employees generally believe their education and technological skills are well-suited to their job roles and support their performance, there are notable issues with the GIS website's reliability and error management. The high consensus on the need for improvements highlights the importance of ongoing maintenance and user support. Statistical analysis confirms that employee competencies significantly impact the effective use of the GIS website, underscoring the importance of skill development in optimizing digital tool utilization and enhancing organizational efficiency. The research implies that improving employee competencies and addressing technical issues with the GIS website are essential for enhancing its utilization and overall organizational performance

E-Book of One's Own

As we enter a new age of technological innovation and subsequent educational instrumentation change, there is increasing demand for innovative methods that encourage student learning experiences in virtual, online spaces. ePortfolios and e-book projects are designed and owned by students and are centered within the student’s learning. They provide a structured, online space for students to learn new technological skills while intentionally integrating it with their learning experience. We have utilized the content creation platform Pressbooks for our student learners to develop and create their “e-Book of One’s Own” (eBoOO). A simplified derivation of the “Domain of One’s Own” (DoOO) philosophy, our intention with eBoOO was to address the high bar for digital literacy required to get started while staying true to the embodied ideology of Virginia Woolf’s A Room of One’s Own.

Assessment of an English and Business Computer Science program in bridging academia and job market in the Democratic Republic of Congo

This paper evaluates the impact of an English and Business Computer Science program in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), the world’s second-largest French-speaking country after France. The program addresses the gap between academic training and market needs by combining English language proficiency with essential business and computer science skills. This combination aims to equip students for success in the business and technology sectors, where English is a key language. The paper details the program’s implementation, outcomes, and evaluation, using surveys of employers and graduates, along with an analysis of student competencies and employability. The findings underscore the importance of English proficiency, along with business and technological skills, in aligning educational outcomes with job market demands, thereby improving student success.

Articulation Between a Technological Model and an Educational Model to Deepen the Reflection of Prospective Mathematics Teachers

<p style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:9.0pt"><span style="color:black">This article is aimed at integrating the Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge (TPACK) system with the Didactic Suitability Criteria (DSC) of the Didactic-Mathematical Knowledge and Competences (DMKC) system to improve the reflection of prospective mathematics teachers on online classes. Thirteen prospective teachers, divided into two subgroups, participated in a training cycle that addressed both models. Each participant used and created indicators of reflection of the assigned model to analyze an online class on functions, and subgroups exchanged reflections to examine the class from the other model’s perspective. It was noted that the DMKC model allows for a broad analysis of the class but has limitations in assessing technology and the teacher's technological knowledge, while TPACK’s emphasis is on technology and teacher knowledge but does not explicitly address mathematical interaction or affective aspects. It is concluded that combining the TPACK model and the DSC of the DMKC model can generate more complete tools to reflect on online math classes and consequently allow for a comprehensive evaluation that covers both the mathematical content and the technological and pedagogical skills of the teacher.</span></span></p>

Uncovering the Impact of Digitalization on the Performance of Insurance Distribution

This study explores the impact of digitalization on the performance of insurance intermediaries, who still play a key role in the revenue generation of insurance companies. By using an interdisciplinary approach, this study is the first to examine the extent and type of digital technologies used by intermediaries, their impact on performance with respect to revenue, productivity, and interaction with clients, and the role of digital stress in this context. The research is exploratory, which is why a research model with many variables and relationships between them was built. The quantitative multivariate method of Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) was applied as it allows the simultaneous estimation of models with multiple dependent variables and their interconnections. In this context, data collected in 2022 from 671 insurance intermediaries from Germany, whose demographic distribution in the sample is representative of the German insurance market, were analyzed. The findings show that insurance intermediaries use many digital technologies compared to other industries, particularly those that create added value in their daily work. Empirical evidence also showed that using digital technologies positively affects performance but induces perceived digital stress. As this study reveals, the latter diminishes the positive effects on performance. Technology optimism, technological skills, and organizational support reduce the severity of stress. This means that insurers can start here to support intermediaries to mitigate the performance-limiting effects. This study adds to the insurance literature by providing a broader understanding of how insurance intermediaries deal with digitalization and what it means for their performance.

Exploring the Legacy of Tibetan Mapmaking

At the 2019 International Conference on the History of Cartography (ICHC) in Amsterdam, the map historian Peter Barber stated in his ground-breaking keynote speech that ‘with a few exceptions, the emphasis in the traditional history of cartography [before 1980s] was on European mapping. In the age of European empires, it was assumed that, on grounds of technological skill as well as cultural superiority, European map making set the standard and that indigenous mapping in other parts of the world, with the partial exceptions of the medieval Arab world and China, was ipso facto inferior and hardly worth consideration.’ In recent decades the approach to the study of maps has changed and the field has been transformed. Researchers from different academic backgrounds have discovered the relevance of maps to their disciplines, and the primacy of the essentially European concepts of scale and accuracy as the sole criteria for assessing the quality of maps has been questioned. Finally, non-European indigenous mapping has been brought into the field. This paper makes a significant contribution to this development by presenting an important collection of Tibetan maps, namely those of the Harrer Collection held at the Ethnographic Museum at the University of Zurich, probably the largest corpus of Tibetan geographic regional maps outside of Tibet. For the first time, we show the entire set of maps and describe their cartographic characteristics. We also provide the Tibetan spelling, transliteration and translations for the numerous Tibetan inscriptions and explanations. We have endeavoured to study the maps using a comprehensive approach, and we discuss what we can learn from them in various respects: the human and geographic landscapes they show; their makers; the role they might have played within the historical context and the society in which they were produced; their circulation; and their role as historical sources.

Keeping the gates closed: the effect of conflict management styles, anxiety, and technical skills on security noncompliance intention among smartphone users

ABSTRACT Using personal mobile phones for work-related purposes is an increasingly common trend in organisations yet adding to cyber security concerns. It is vital to identify employees’ characteristics that impact security noncompliance behaviours when using mobile phones at work, as it could open a channel for cyber-attacks in the enterprise's IT systems. Using the unique context of personal smartphones and building on the theoretical framework of the Dual-Concern Model, this study identifies key characteristics of employees’ intention to engage in security noncompliance activities. Through a scenario-based survey of 391 mobile phone users in the United States, we examined the impact of personal characteristics (specifically conflict management style, context-specific anxiety, and technological skills) in explaining people’s intention to demonstrate security noncompliance behaviours. Younger individuals, those with higher conflict approach tendencies, and those with online communication apprehension tend to show higher noncompliance with information system security policies. Also, technical skills were found to moderate the association of online communication apprehension with increased noncompliance with security policies. The findings offer a range of theoretical implications and practical insights for strengthening organisations’ cyber security.

The impact of PACK on the adoption of Metaverse in Oman

In the rapidly evolving digital landscape, e-learning methods have emerged as a highly influential phenomenon in higher educational institutions. The adoption of e-learning has transformed traditional face-to-face teaching environments into flexible and collaborative modes of education through the utilization of the metaverse platform. However, limited research has addressed the educational aspect of students' adoption of the metaverse platform. This study aims to bridge this gap by examining a conceptual model that incorporates crucial factors such as Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge (TPACK), Technology Self Efficacy (TSE), Perceived Enjoyment (PE), Perceived Complexity (PC), Perceived Value (PV), and Controlled immersion, interaction, and imagination (III). A survey involving 342 students from Omani universities was conducted, revealing that TPACK positively influences metaverse adoption. The noteworthy impact of perceived enjoyment, perceived complexity, and perceived value were also observed. These findings underscore the significance of these factors in shaping the adoption of the metaverse and enhancing the e-learning experience. The practical implication of this study emphasizes the need for educational institutions to develop strategies enhancing technological skills, engagement, and content relevance in e-learning, particularly in the metaverse, to improve student adoption and learning experiences. This involves focusing on technological pedagogy, student confidence in technology use, and creating immersive, enjoyable, and valuable learning environments.

Low-Cost Automated Vegetable Garden: Integrating Educational Robotics in High School

Objective: The objective of this study is to investigate the integration of Educational Robotics (ER) into high school curricula through the development of the Automated Vegetable Garden project, aiming to enhance student learning and support sustainable agricultural practices among small local producers. Theoretical Framework: This study is based on the theories of STEAM education, problem-based learning (PBL) and the principles of Design Thinking. These frameworks provide a foundation for inserting Educational Robotics into real-world interdisciplinary problems and enhancing individual and collaborative learning. Method: The methodology adopted for this research comprises a Design Thinking approach divided into phases of exploration, ideation and prototyping. Participants include high school students and small, local producers. Materials used include the ESP8266 microcontroller and low-cost sensors, and to the use of Google Sheets for data collection. Data was collected through field testing. Results and Discussion: The results revealed the integration of Educational Robotics through the Automated Garden project, with two educational interventions being proposed: project-based, with the creation of the prototype, and another based on Storytelling. Research Implications: Practical implications of this research include the development of improved educational practices in ER, promoting students' skills in digital technologies and problem-solving. The project also promotes sustainable agricultural practices by providing smallholder farmers with actionable data. Originality/Value: This study contributes to the literature by demonstrating an approach to integrating Educational Robotics into high school curricula through practical real-world applications. The relevance and value of this research is evidenced by its potential to improve educational outcomes and support sustainable agriculture in local communities.

Digital literacy education for UK undergraduate pharmacy students: a mixed-methods study.

Digital literacy is increasingly crucial in pharmacy practice, and relevant education and training are required to prepare the future workforce. This study aims to explore the current and planned inclusion of digital literacy education in the undergraduate curricula of UK pharmacy schools. A mixed-methods approach was conducted with two phases. The first involved a content analysis of published curricula from all 30 UK pharmacy schools. The second phase included a survey based on the Health Education England Digital Capabilities Framework, distributed to academic staff across all pharmacy schools. Data from 14 pharmacy schools' curricula were included in the analysis, with 10 reporting digital literacy education. Key themes identified from the analysed documents included understanding of health informatics, applied informatics, information technology skills, and the emerging digital health technology. Nineteen respondents from 16 schools participated in the survey; digital literacy inclusion was reported by 18 participants. There was variable alignment of digital literacy competencies with the Health Education England framework. Digital literacy was mainly integrated into existing teaching sessions, predominantly through self-learning (n = 12). Electronic Health Records and remote counselling were the main focus areas within the curricula. Challenges in implementing digital literacy include a lack of expertise (n = 13), and time constraints (n = 10). The trend towards embedding digital literacy in UK pharmacy curricula is clear, but disparities suggest the need for a more unified strategy. Recommendations include establishing a specific digital literacy framework aligned with professional needs, improving accessibility and transparency in curricula documents, and investing in faculty development.

REVITALIZING DIGITAL-BASED BASIC EDUCATION IN AN EFFORT TO STRENGTHEN STUDENTS' CRITICAL AND CREATIVE THINKING IN THE PANCASILA STUDENT PROFILE PROGRAM AT MADRASAH IBTIDAIYAH

In the digital era, basic education needs to be revitalized to be renewable and in line with the times. One of the efforts that can be made is to utilize digital technology in learning. The Pancasila student profile program is project-based and can stimulate students to think critically and creatively. However, conventional learning is still found, so it is important to revitalize learning to provide novelty and improve learning. This study aims to reveal revitalization in basic education from conventional to digital-based learning to increase students' critical and creative thinking. This research uses a qualitative research approach with a Field Research research method. Data collection techniques in this study used interviews. Interviews were conducted with the principal, class teachers, and students. Research sources were selected through a purposive sampling technique. The data analysis technique used in this study uses thematic analysis theory to understand the data, compile codes, and look for themes. The location of this research is SDN Wijilan Kulonprogo Yogyakarta. Revitalization of digital-based learning is carried out by providing training to teachers, preparing supporting facilities and infrastructure and controlling and evaluating. Conventional learning needs to be revitalized because it only focuses on the teacher and makes students less active in learning, so the term digitization in learning emerged. Digitalization in learning can positively impact and make students think critically and creatively because it has advantages such as learning being more varied, students being more active in participating in learning, helping students improve their technological skills, and diverse learning resources. Teachers in the Pancasila student profile program strongly feel these advantages, as they can make students think critically and creatively.

Connecting Compassion: Empathy's Role in STEM and Literacy Integration

AbstractEmpathy, an unsung, yet critical element of learning, can be strategically interlaced with literacy instruction and engineering design to create a rich and authentic learning experience for students. Integrated STEM education rests on the promise of engaging students and providing deep understandings through the intentional practice of delivering science and math content through the application of technology and engineering skills. Using children's literature to activate empathy and design thinking can help students become better problem‐solvers, critical thinkers, and caring members of society. Empathy facilitates a deeper connection to the human experience, ensuring that solutions not only meet the design requirements, but also address the emotions and concerns of the end user. Building upon story grammar, students can understand the needs of characters in narratives and create empathetic solutions to the challenges that characters in a book may face, ultimately helping students develop confidence and embrace their future possibilities.