Technological Fluency Research Articles

The promise and peril of Coding & Robotics education in South Africa: A scoping review of teacher preparation and generative artificial intelligence's potential for delivering equity

Integrating the Coding & Robotics (C&R) subject in South African schools signifies the nation's commitment to Fourth Industrial Revolution preparedness. However, challenges like inadequate teacher preparation and limited technological infrastructure must be addressed to ensure equity. Although Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) may not address the infrastructural deficiencies directly, in this scoping review we examine its potential to complement existing resources and support teachers in delivering C&R instruction. Following Arksey and O'Malley's framework, we conducted a systematic literature search in numerous databases, followed by a screening procedure: 10 of the 61 eligible papers satisfied the inclusion criteria. Our findings reveal that GenAI can optimise C&R teacher development through personalised learning, content generation, feedback on teaching methods, and fostering collaboration with other teachers. Despite its potential, issues including equity, ethical concerns, technological fluency gaps, and overreliance on GenAI tools, must be navigated to enhance equitable C&R instruction and prepare learners for the digital era.

Teacher Professional Development in the Digital Age: Strategies for Integrating Technology and Pedagogy

The rapid advancement of digital technologies has transformed the educational landscape, creating a critical need for teacher professional development (TPD) that integrates technology with pedagogy. This article explores strategies for enhancing teacher competencies in the digital age, focusing on the integration of educational technologies into pedagogical practices. It synthesizes key approaches from recent research, including blended learning models, professional learning communities (PLCs), and personalized learning pathways. The findings suggest that effective TPD programs are those that not only provide hands-on technology training but also emphasize pedagogical alignment, collaboration among educators, and ongoing support. The article argues that successful integration of technology in the classroom requires a shift in both teaching practices and teacher mindsets, supported by institutional policies that promote innovation and adaptability. Ultimately, this research highlights the importance of a holistic approach to TPD that fosters both technological fluency and pedagogical mastery, preparing educators to meet the demands of 21st-century learners.

Assessment of the Relationship Between Music Students' Self‐Efficacy, Academic Performance and Their Artificial Intelligence Readiness

ABSTRACTIn recent years, the intersection of self‐efficacy and technological readiness has become increasingly relevant in educational research, particularly within specialised fields like music education. Understanding how these factors interplay can offer valuable insights into enhancing educational practices and fostering academic achievement among music students. This study investigates the relationship between music students' self‐efficacy, academic performance and artificial intelligence (AI) readiness within the context of Chinese Music education. Adopting a random sampling method, the researchers distributed questionnaires to 1082 Chinese music students to assess their self‐efficacy, academic performance and AI readiness. Utilising SPSS (version 27) and AMOS (version 24) for data analysis, the researchers explored the statistical relationships among these variables. The findings indicate that a significant 63% of variations in students' academic performance can be explained by the combined influence of self‐efficacy and AI readiness. This highlights a strong relationship between these factors and students' overall success in their professional pursuits. Specifically, students' self‐efficacy uniquely predicts 52% of changes in academic performance, emphasising the importance of self‐belief in academic achievement, whereas their AI readiness uniquely predicts 60% of changes in academic performance, showcasing the critical role of technological fluency in driving academic success. These results provide valuable insights into the interconnected dynamics of self‐efficacy, academic performance and AI readiness among Chinese music students. The study underscores the significance of confidence, technological proficiency and their impact on students' educational trajectories, offering implications for enhancing educational practices and fostering student success in the context of music education.

Sexual Interventions in the Metaverse: Attitudes Towards Novel Therapeutic Approaches, a Qualitative Study.

Mental health treatment for psychosexual problems is effective, but treatment rates are low. Metaverse-based therapy offers one solution to increase overall treatment rates. Understanding attitudes towards this novel approach could lead to wider adoption of metaverse-based therapy, resulting in higher treatment rates for psychosexual problems. Twenty-one participants across three focus groups of different ages shared their perceptions and attitudes about metaverse-based therapy broadly and for treating sexual disorders. A content analysis of the transcribed text from the focus groups using qualitative data analysis software was conducted. Participants identified several perceived benefits of metaverse-based intervention, including avoiding the perceived embarrassment of going to a clinic and accessing patients (a) with diverse physical or mental functionality, (b) living in remote areasand/or (c) balancing different family/work obligations or duties. The two main concerns with metaverse-based therapy were the fear of online therapy being less personal than traditional therapy and the technological fluency needed. Clarifying their acceptance of the therapy, participants reported that they would be more likely to engage in metaverse-based therapy if they trusted their therapist. Also, although it might be effective for mild and moderate disorders, participants were more reluctant about its use for severe mental illness. Results suggest that attitudes towards metaverse-based intervention are mainly positive, since it removes some barriers that hinder access to psychological treatment in general and, specifically, for problems of a sexual nature. During the design stage, a person with sexual difficulties was consulted to understand the patient's perspective. Members of the public advised the implementation of the focus groups. Three potential service users were involved in the coding of the text during the content analysis.

The Impact of Motivation and Commitment on Gen Z Work Performance in the Jabodetabek Area

This study explores the impact of motivation and commitment on the work performance of Gen Z (Generation Z) employees in the Jabodetabek area. The study aims to identify the most significant factors influencing the work performance of Gen Z in the Jabodetabek area, a demographic group known for their technological fluency and career development aspirations, and focus on work-life balance. The research employs a quantitative approach. The findings contribute to understanding how motivation and commitment can be leveraged to improve work performance in the Jabodetabek region, a critical hub for businesses and organizations in Indonesia. The study's results provide valuable insights for managers and policymakers seeking to optimize the performance of their workforce, particularly in the context of the evolving work dynamics driven by digitalization and the changing preferences of younger generations. This research helps to see the development of employee performance, especially in Gen Z, a generation that has just entered the world of work. The results showed that work motivation contains a positive and critical impact on the performance of Gen Z workers, work commitment encompasses a positive and noteworthy impact on the performance of Gen Z workers, also simultaneously work motivation and work commitment have a positive and noteworthy impact on the performance of Gen Z workers in Jabodetabek area

Cognitive Performance in the Digital Era

Generational categories classify individuals born in specific time frames, known for unique traits and tech adaptability. Some research indicates that the digital-native generation is more prone to distractions than other groups. However, the underlying mechanism is unclear and influenced by many factors, such as stress. In the current study (n=299), the authors leveraged the mobile monitoring of cognitive change (M2C2) symbol search task to measure processing speed. This study examines the relationships between generational categories (Gen X, Millennials, and Gen Z), perceived stress, subjective age (considered to predict important aspects of well-being beyond chronological age), and distraction cost. These results emphasize the significant influence of age-related variables and stress in shaping susceptibility to distractions. Future research can expand participant numbers, conduct longitudinal studies to track cognitive changes in digital-era generational cohorts, and explore neurocognitive mechanisms and technological fluency's role in distraction susceptibility.

Adoption of E Payment Technology among Generation Z

The aim of this think about is to investigate the selection of e-payment innovation among Era Z, people born between the mid-1990s and early 2000s, and get it the components affecting their appropriation conduct. The comfort and availability advertised by e-payment arrangements have changed the conventional instalment scene. A organized survey was conveyed among a agent test of Era Z people. Moreover, in-depth interviews were conducted with a subset of members to assemble subjective bits of knowledge into their encounters and recognitions of e-payment innovation. The discoveries show that Era Z promptly embraces e-payment innovation due to their tall level of innovative fluency, convenience, and believe in computerized stages. The speed and productivity of e-payment exchanges, alongside improved monetary administration highlights, were distinguished as key drivers of appropriation. In any case, concerns with respect to security and protection were too raised as potential boundaries to selection The sample size of the study contains 352 respondents. And the sampling method used here is non-probability sampling and snow ball sub sampling technique. And the analysis performed here is one way ANOVA and regression analysis. To empower more extensive appropriation, epayment benefit suppliers ought to prioritize vigorous security measures and straightforward protection arrangements. Moreover, businesses ought to coordinate e-payment choices into their instalment frameworks to cater to Era Z's inclinations and improve client encounter. The adoption of e-payment technology among Generation Z is driven by their technological fluency, convenience, and trust in digital platforms. The benefits of speed and enhanced financial management further contribute to adoption. However, addressing security concerns and providing education and awareness are crucial for broader adoption. Businesses that adapt to Generation Z's preferences can gain a competitive advantage. Overall, the adoption of e-payment technology represents a significant shift in payment behaviour and highlights the importance of digital transformation in the modern era.

The podcast as strategy to professional development and knowledge transfer in Health Care Planning

Abstract Background Is a notorious concern to seek new ways to use technologies in strategies for the development of health professionals with a focus on changes in the work process of health teams and in management practices. The PlanificaSUS Project implements the Health Care Planning (HCP) methodology in Brazil, with a goal to organizing and integrating Primary Health Care (PHC) and Specialized Outpatient Care (SOC) services. Some materials present podcasts as one of the pedagogical resources for reflection and discussion of heath themes. In this sense, each episode of the podcast has a specific theme. Objective: Report the experience of using podcast as a strategy to professional development and knowledge transfer in Health Care Planning. Results So far, nine podcast episodes, lasting ten minutes each, have been made available in the HCP materials and total more than 15,000 views. This strategy reached 4,000 health professionals, who work in 1,635 health units, distributed in 19 federative units in Brazil. All podcasts episodes are prepared using language that dialogues with the health professional and stimulates discussions of changes through cycles of continuous improvement. In specific HCP evaluation moments, participants demonstrated that, in their practice scenarios, the use of the podcast together with repetitive listening, helped to significantly improve their understanding. Conclusions The podcast presents flexibility in its aspects of production and distribution, supporting pedagogical possibilities. As one of the great challenges the training of teacher specialists to produce podcasts, this requires not only technological fluency, but also pedagogical fluency. The use and study of this tool in the educational context of health in Brazil is still incipient, but possible in the different realities of the country. Main messages: The podcast strategy has promising attributes for developing knowledge transfer strategies among healthcare professionals. Key messages • The podcast support possibility of making educational material available in the form of lectures or audio interviews, being accessible at any time without limitation of location. • It is important to provide information access strategies for professionals who have difficulty obtaining protected time to read and study.

Strategi Pengembangan Manajemen di Ngasinan Fashion Kediri

One of the business opportunities that most entrepreneurs are interested in is the fashion business, because fashion is considered a major requirement in today's society in various circles. The Ngasinan Fashion store is one of the shops engaged in the clothing trade located in Rejomulyo, Kediri City, which has been running its business since 2014 until now, it still exists and even has a branch located not far from the first shop in Blabak, Kediri Regency. This research will discuss what problems often arise in the shopping sector. The research method used in this research is qualitative research where the data collection model used in this field research is in the form of observations and interviews, to obtain data, phenomena, or events being studied. The results of the research show that there are several problems that often arise, starting from the shop owner's lack of fluency in the latest technology and innovations, lack of observance in seeing developments in trends in society, product defects from distributors, lack of cooperation between employees, and shops that are empty of visitors during the day. usual, and only crowded at certain times such as during holidays. This research also discusses the solutions that have been applied to the Ngasinan fashion shop so that the problems that arise can be handled properly.

A QUANTITATIVE ANALYSIS OF TEACHERS’ AND STUDENTS’ CONTENT KNOWLEDGE IN PHYSICS

This research examined the extent of content knowledge in Physics of teachers and students, as well as its correlation to the contributing factors that affects the extent of content knowledge in Physics among the teachers and students. Based on the computed data, the researcher found a significant relationship between the age, sex, undergraduate specialization, and years in service of teachers profile and the teachers self-evaluation on the extent of content knowledge in Physics. It was also revealed that the teachers self-evaluation on the extent of content knowledge in Physics and the following contributing factors: availability of resources, attendance to trainings and seminars, technological fluency, and research engagement in physics related studies. However, the Peer observation and coaching of Contributing Factors was not observed to have any significant relationship to the teachers self-evaluation on the extent of content knowledge in Physics. The level of students content knowledge in Physics as to test scores has a descriptive equivalent of Satisfactory and verbally interpreted as Average. Moreover, the availability of resources, exposure to practical work, study habits, and teacher factor of contributing factors was observed to have a significant relationship to the test scores based on the computed data. Based on the self-evaluation of the teachers and students, it is recommended to conduct targeted seminar or training in least learned competencies in Physics for various proficiency levels of teachers. There are a lot of trainings implemented on the teaching strategies but only none to few focuses on the mastery of subject content. There should be short-term workshops and trainings on the use of laboratory apparatus and equipment to improve teachers technological fluency. The education sector should also focus on provision of credible and comprehensive learning materials (online or printed) that are aligned with the national standard, appropriate to the level of knowledge of the learners, supplements student learning, and is easy to understand. To bridge learning gaps, it is also recommended to conduct remediation or intervention in Mathematics and English as it has an impact on conceptual understanding of Physics is recommended for students.

Returning home during the pandemic: a thematic analysis describing experiences of people with substance use disorders released early from New Jersey prisons during COVID-19

Background & aimsThe COVID-19 pandemic created intersecting health risks for incarcerated people with a history of substance use disorder (SUD). To reduce exposure to COVID-19 in prison, several US states enacted decarceration legislation. New Jersey enacted the Public Health Emergency Credit Act (PHECA), granting early release to thousands of incarcerated persons meeting eligibility criteria. This study undertook to explore how large scale decarceration during the pandemic impacted the reentry process for released individuals with SUDs.MethodsTwenty seven participants involved in PHECA releases – 21 persons released from NJ carceral facilities with past/present SUDs (14 with opioid use disorder, 7 with other SUDs) and 6 reentry service providers acting as key informants – completed phone interviews on PHECA experiences from February–June 2021. Cross-case thematic analysis of transcripts identified common themes and divergent perspectives.ResultsRespondents described challenges consistent with long-documented reentry difficulties including housing and food insecurity, difficulty accessing community services, insufficient employment opportunities, and limited access to transportation. Challenges that were pertinent to mass release during a pandemic included limited access to communication technology and community providers and community providers exceeding enrollment capacity. Despite reentry difficulties, respondents identified many areas where prisons and reentry service providers adapted to meet novel challenges presented by mass decarceration during the COVID-19 pandemic. Facilitators made available by prison and reentry provider staff included providing released persons with cell phones, transportation assistance at transit hubs, prescription support for medications for opioid use disorder, and pre-release assistance with ID and benefits through NJ’s Joint Comprehensive Assessment Plan.ConclusionsFormerly incarcerated people with SUDs experienced reentry challenges during PHECA releases similar to those that occur during ordinary circumstances. Despite barriers faced during typical releases and novel challenges unique to mass release during a pandemic, providers made adaptations to support released persons' successful reentry. Recommendations are made based on areas of need identified in interviews, including reentry service provision facilitating housing and food security, employment, medical services, technology fluency, and transportation. In anticipation of future large scale releases, providers will benefit from planning ahead and adapting to address temporary increases in resource demands.

Digital Technology Fluency and BIM Learning Environment in Undergraduate Construction Management

Building Information Modelling (BIM) education is gaining more attention from various parties such as government, industry, and academicians. Many universities have integrated BIM into their curricula by using various approaches and teaching methods, but there is no commonly accepted approach to teaching BIM in Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) programs. This research aims to identify the level of BIM literacy among students in higher education institutions and its correlation with the components of BIM learning and the outcomes of BIM learning progress. A quantitative method was adopted where Partial Least Square – Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) analysis was used to analyze the data. Questionnaires were distributed to the respondents for data collection. A total of 33 respondents were chosen, consisting of second-year undergraduate Construction Management students at Universiti Sains Malaysia. The results were analyzed by using SPSS and SmartPLS 3. SPSS was used to study the correlation between variables, whereas SmartPLS was used to conduct other tests such as the path coefficient, bootstrapping, coefficient of determination (R-squared), effect size (F-squared), collinearity statistics (VIF), inner and outer VIF value, outer loading and outer weights. From the result findings, it was found that the respondents have less knowledge of the BIM software. The respondents also felt neutral toward improving their CGPA through BIM courses. Results showed that 3D parametric modeling and outcomes of BIM learning are correlated. For future research, the focus can be shifted to other BIM competencies, such as the managerial, functional, technical, and support aspects of BIM.

Generations in contemporary US politics: statistical aggregations or collective political actors?

ABSTRACT The cultural salience of generational categories is on the rise: the large and powerful Baby-Boom generation continues to dominate electoral politics while younger Millennials’ and Gen Zers’ fluency in digital communication technology lets them voice their frustrations. We demonstrate that these three generational groups show many signs of being—or becoming—collective political actors. Majorities identify with their generation, they find these identities salient in their everyday lives, and younger generations especially demonstrate high levels of generational linked fate. Generations have distinct political agendas, and many express a willingness to support candidates who prioritize the interests of their generation. These findings force us to reconsider the treatment of generations as only ascriptive groups and instead see them as composed of self-conscious members, capable of acting as collective actors on the political stage. If the patterns we show sharpen further, generations may become defining points of cultural and political cleavage.

The influence of Creative & Critical Thinking and Collaboration on Digital & Technology Fluency

The influence of Creative & Critical Thinking and Collaboration on Digital & Technology Fluency

The impact of lecture fluency and technology fluency on students’ online learning and evaluations of instructors.

The impact of lecture fluency and technology fluency on students’ online learning and evaluations of instructors.

Supplemental Material for The Impact of Lecture Fluency and Technology Fluency on Students’ Online Learning and Evaluations of Instructors

Supplemental Material for The Impact of Lecture Fluency and Technology Fluency on Students’ Online Learning and Evaluations of Instructors

Telehealth Policy and Access to Care

The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted limitations in access to healthcare. During the current public health emergency (PHE), Medicare, private insurers and state licensing boards have made policy changes liberalizing reimbursement for telehealth. Historically, Medicare and large private insurers (in the US) have presumed information technology (IT) fluency by patient populations. However, data demonstrate that there are numerous populations who demonstrate very limited utilization of IT for accessing healthcare, including older adults. These data demonstrate the importance of assessing IT utilization to make healthcare accessible to individual patients, and to better understand patterns of IT utilization among groups with historically low IT utilization. Under pressure from medical and consumer groups, Medicare and private insurers allowed reimbursement for telephone-only virtual visits during the PHE, but indicate that termination of the PHE will be coupled with termination of more liberal telehealth policies. In addition, Medicare and private insurers continue to seek loopholes allowing exclusion of various types of telehealth, which will make telehealth (and healthcare) inaccessible to the most vulnerable populations, including older adults. Recommendations are made for assessment of IT utilization as part of routine patient intake assessment, in order to make healthcare accessible, improve communication between patients and healthcare providers, and to improve treatment outcomes. Recommendations are also made for permanent telehealth policy changes that will make healthcare more accessible to at-risk populations.

The Divas Get Real: Training Singers for Success in the Canadian Cultural Domains

To the accepted three cornerstones for innovation of undergraduate music major curricula—creativity, diversity, and integration—must be added fourth, professionalization, that is, the establishment of viable professional identities. This article focuses on a subset of Canadian music undergraduate singers, reporting on research into the structure and reality of the eight cultural domains in Canada, and investigating three important themes that emerge from statistics for the training of singers in postsecondary training: the range of work available to music graduates, the portfolio nature of working musicians’ careers, and the increasing significant role of technological fluency in musicians’ careers today.

Practitioner use of and attitudes towards videoconferencing for the delivery of evidence-based telemental health interventions: A mixed methods study

The implementation of evidence-based psychosocial interventions using video-conference delivery (VCD) has the potential to increase accessibility to effective treatments, although its use remains limited and understudied. This study employed a mixed methods approach in surveying mental health practitioners about their attitudes regarding VCD of interventions that are considered evidence-based (i.e., have been shown to improve targeted outcomes in rigorous research). One hundred and eleven practitioners were sampled from several national and regional U.S. practice organizations and were administered quantitative surveys about their use of and attitudes towards VCD of evidence-based interventions (EBI). We examined the relationship between practitioner-level technology access, experience, and training with technology fluency and acceptability of using VCD. Quantitative results indicated the most frequently used adaptation for VCD was Tailoring and that practitioner education predicted attitudes towards EBIs. A subset (n = 20) of respondents were then purposively selected for qualitative interviews to further investigate accessibility, appropriateness, and feasibility of delivering EBIs via video conference. A conventional content analysis revealed that VCD was appropriate and acceptable for EBIs; however, many practitioners also described barriers related to feasibility of implementation. The results of this study have important implications for telemental health dissemination efforts which seek to extend services to populations not served well by traditional, in-person mental health services.

Assessement of a structured technological support intervention on uptake of video consultations

AimsThe coronavirus pandemic has led to an increased reliance on remote patient-clinician interactions, mainly the use of telephone and video consultations. Video consultations are key in psychiatric care, as telephone appointments do not sufficiently allow clinicians to accurately ascertain a patient's mental status and perform a risk assessment. The aim of our quality improvement project was to increase the uptake of video consultations within a community mental health team, focusing on substituting telephone consultations for video.MethodWe accessed Electronic Patient Records to retrospectively quantify the method of contact for 130 consultations delivered over a 4-week period. After collecting baseline data, we conducted focused interviews with 10 care providers, identifying the specific clinician and patient barriers to video uptake that informed our intervention design.Our intervention consisted of two 4-week Plan, Do, Study, Act (PDSA) cycles.PDSA 1 involved delivering a focused PowerPoint presentation to the care team, highlighting the benefits of video consultation technology and encouraging clinicians to use it as their primary method of remote communication with patients. Additionally, we conducted qualitative interviews with members of the team to highlight the successes and challenges thus far.PDSA 2 involved creating a video consultation instructional PDF which highlighted how to operate the technological aspects of both Microsoft Teams and WhatsApp Video Call. This included: how to set-up video calls, accept invitations, and overcome common troubleshooting issues.The proportion of remote consultations was quantified retrospectively to compare trends in video consultation uptake from baseline to the conclusion of PDSA 2.ResultOverall, we saw a 15% increase in video consultations with respect to baseline. The greatest change was attributable to PDSA cycle 1, which incurred an 8% increase in video consultation uptake, from 13.85% to 21.9%. PDSA cycle 2 further increased video consultation uptake by 6.97%, from 21.9% to 28.87%. Specifically focusing on remote consultations, the proportion conducted with video rather than telephone increased by 17.3%. Interviewed clinicians reported limited financial access, technological fluency, and issues with patient privacy as the most important barriers to the uptake of video consultations.ConclusionOur project successfully increased the proportion of consultations conducted by video. This was achieved by targeting interventions to address both patient and clinician barriers to video consultation uptake. Moreover, we understand that motivating and mobilising the care team was a key factor. Possible future work includes improving the sustainability of the interventions and assessing their efficacy in other care teams.