Use Of Information Technology Tools Research Articles

Applying Customer Discovery Method to a Chronic Disease Self-Management Mobile App: Qualitative Study.

A significant health challenge is evident in the United States, with 6 in 10 adults having a chronic disease and 4 in 10 adults having 2 or more. Chronic disease self-management aims to prevent or delay disease progression and disability and reduce mortality risk. The evidence to support the use of information technology tools, including mobile apps, web-based portals, and web-based educational interventions, that support disease self-management and improve clinical outcomes is growing. Customer discovery and value proposition design methodology is a form of stakeholder engagement and is based on marketing and lean start-up business methods. As applied in health care, customer discovery and value proposition methodology can be used to understand the clinical problem and articulate the product's hypothesized unique value proposition relative to alternative options that are available to end users. This study aims to describe the experience and findings of academic researchers applying the customer discovery and value proposition methodology to identify stakeholders, needs, adaptability, and sustainability of a chronic disease self-management mobile app (CDapp). The motivation of the work is to make mobile health app interventions accessible and acceptable for all segments of patients' chronic diseases. Data were obtained through key informant interviews and analyzed using rapid qualitative analysis techniques. The value proposition framework was used to build the interview guide. The aim was to identify the needs, challenges (pains), and potential benefits (gains) of the CDapp for our stakeholders. Our results showed that the primary consumers (end users) of a CDapp were the patients. The app adopters (decision makers) can be medical center leaders including population health department managers or insurance providers, while the consumer adoption influencers (influencers or saboteurs) are clinicians and patient caregivers. We developed an ecosystem map to visualize the clinical practice workflow and how an app for chronic disease management might integrate within an academic health care center or system. A value proposition for the identified customer segments was generated. Each stakeholder segment was working within a different framework to improve patient self-management. Patients needed help to adhere to self-care activities and they needed tailored health education. Health care leaders aim to improve the quality of care while reducing costs and workload. Clinicians wanted to improve patient education and care while reducing the time burden. Our results also showed that within academic medical centers, there were variations regarding patients' self-reported abilities to manage their diseases. Customer discovery is a useful form of stakeholder engagement when designing studies that seek to implement, adapt, and sustain an intervention. The customer discovery and value proposition methodology can be used as an alternative or complementary approach to formative research to generate valuable information in a brief period.

The Use of Multimedia in English Classes as a Means of Increasing Student Motivation

The relevance of the study is conditioned upon the fact that in modern society the use of information technology tools is an important aspect that predetermines the work of many areas of human activity. Currently, multimedia has many advantages in teaching English as it offers more information, saves time, and stimulates imagination and creativity. It enriches the education process and can make it more effective by increasing students’ interest. In this regard, this paper is aimed at considering the process of using multimedia means to learn a foreign language. The leading methods used to investigate this problem were analysis, classification, deduction, synthesis, generalisation, and natural experiment, which helped research the influence of information and technological data on students’ achievements. The study covered the general concept of multimedia and its need for teaching English; showed the use of websites, programs, electronic dictionaries, and videos for learning English on the Internet; demonstrated the influence of multimedia technologies on modern language teaching methods; described the features of using the multimedia for language learning; analysed the relevant literature and covered the main principles for the effective introduction of media resources to learn English; identified the advantages and problems of using multimedia in education; diagnosed the data on the success of university students and their level of motivation when working with information technology and multimedia; considered strategies for using multimedia technologies and data in education. The materials of the present paper are of practical and theoretical value for educators, teachers, professors at universities, media psychologists, sociologists, translators, psychologists, and employees of educational organisations who will be able to develop methods and ways to improve students’ motivation based on the use of media technologies and information data.

Supporting Evidence-Based Care Through Informatics Innovation to Address the Overdose Epidemic.

Supporting Evidence-Based Care Through Informatics Innovation to Address the Overdose Epidemic.

Distance learning in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic and war in Ukraine according to medical university students

Objective — to investigate the personal attitude of 5th and 6th year students of the medical faculties of Danylo Halytskyi Lviv National Medical University to mixed forms of education, including distance learning, in the context of quarantine of the COVID-19 pandemic and martial law.
 Materials and methods. A questionnaire was conducted to study the personal attitude of the 5th and 6th year students of the medical faculties of Danylo Halytskyi Lviv National Medical University to the study of curricula in a mixed form of education during the autumn semester of the 2022—2023 academic year.
 Results and discussion. Among the survey participants, a third (33.7 %) noted that they felt more responsible for their studies, realised the opportunity to be in the learning process, i. e. noted a change for the better, in general. However, 18.5 % of the respondents indicated a negative change, feeling indifferent. One third of students (39.1 %) rated their level of anxiety as high, and one third (33.7 %) as very high. It has been found that 30.4 % of students are engaged in volunteer activities alongside their studies, and more than half (53.2 %) are employed, including 30.4 % of all survey participants working in the medical field. Among the 6th year students, participation in volunteer activities increased compared to the 5th year students, and 39.7 % were engaged in it, and more 6th year students were also employed — 56.4 %. Among the negative factors for 80.4 % of the surveyed 5th year medical students, the priority was the lack of acquisition and improvement of practical skills, which is obvious. «Technical difficulties» came second. Distance learning had no impact on the desire to acquire knowledge in 72.3 % of students, and 27.7 % said they felt a lack of motivation to study after switching to distance learning.
 Conclusions. The war and martial law in Ukraine have become a source of stress for all participants in the educational process, so understanding students’ personal attitudes to learning is relevant and necessary in modern conditions. The use of information technology tools increases opportunities for both education and science. During the quarantine caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and martial law in Ukraine, the educational process did not stop, and the distance learning format, according to the vast majority of students surveyed, made it possible to continue studying medicine in relatively safe places.

Algorithms for Сonstructing Matrixes of Routes of Pipeline Networks by Using the Method of Graph Theory

Использование средств информационных технологий и уровня автоматизации процессов управления значительно повышают роль технического прогресса и решают поставленные задачи Республикой Узбекистан по обеспечению целевым продуктом населению. Вместе с тем возможности современных компьютерных систем и развитие математических методов моделирования используются далеко не полностью из-за неформализации многих задач, а также несовершенства или отсутствия ряда алгоритмов, обеспечивающих возможность произвести анализ функционирования объекта, обработать поступающую информацию и принять соответствующие решения по оптимальному управлению многосвязных систем. В связи с этим разработка и исследование компьютерных моделей, вычислительных алгоритмов и на их основе создание объектно-ориентированных программных средств в этом направлении представляется актуальной проблемой дальнейшего развития автоматизации научных исследований для различных предметных областей, в частности трубопроводных систем. Всякая реальная энергетическая сеть, в том числе и газовая, по своей топологической структуре эквивалентна некоторому графу. Провести расчет и анализ несогласованности исходной информации сетей с более одним кольцом затруднительно. В этих случаях необходимо обратиться к законам Кирхгофа и соответствующим замыкающим соотношениям. Тем не менее, топология сети отличается разнообразием, чему свидетельствуют, в частности, схемы городских сетей теплоснабжения. В таких условиях основная тяжесть гидравлического или экономического расчета должна концентрироваться на стадии формирования топологии сети, для чего используются теории графов. В данной статье рассматриваются алгоритмы построения и оптимизации функционирования газопроводных многоконтурных сетей методом теории графов и программное обеспечение для оптимального управления, анализа и синтеза трубопроводных систем. Таким образом, разработанные вычислительные алгоритмы и компьютерная программа расчета можно применять для оптимизации функционирования газопроводных сетей, когда сеть имеет сложную лучистую и многокольцевую структуру. The use of information technology tools and the level of automation of management processes significantly increase the role of technical progress and solve the tasks set by the Republic of Uzbekistan to provide the population with the target product. At the same time, the capabilities of modern computer systems and the development of mathematical modeling methods are far from being fully used due to the informalization of many tasks, as well as the imperfection or absence of a number of algorithms that make it possible to analyze the functioning of an object, process incoming information and make appropriate decisions on the optimal control of multiply connected systems. . In this regard, the development and research of computer models, computational algorithms and, on their basis, the creation of object-oriented software in this direction seems to be an urgent problem for the further development of automation of scientific research for various subject areas, in particular pipeline systems. Any real energy network, including a gas network, is equivalent in its topological structure to a certain graph. It is difficult to calculate and analyze the inconsistency of the initial information of networks with more than one ring. In these cases, it is necessary to turn to Kirchhoff’s laws and the corresponding closing relations. However, the network topology is diverse, as evidenced, in particular, by the schemes of urban heating networks. In such conditions, the main burden of hydraulic or economic calculation should be concentrated on the stage of network topology formation, for which graph theories are used. This article discusses algorithms for constructing and optimizing the functioning of gas pipeline multiloop networks using the graph theory method and software for optimal control, analysis and synthesis of pipeline systems. Thus, the developed computational algorithms and a computer calculation program can be used to optimize the operation of gas pipeline networks when the network has a complex radiant and multi-ring structure.

APPLICATION OF INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGIES IN THE ACTIVITIES OF EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTION

The use of information technologies makes the implementation of management information support more effective. The simplest example can be the computerization of a number of functions of administrative work, which positively affects the activity of the institution as a whole. The selection, processing, creation and transfer of information occurs thanks to the use of information technology tools - interdependent software products for a certain type of computer, the technology of which allows to achieve the goal set by the user. Means of information and communication technologies, which are necessary for the system of higher education institutions: technical means (computers, computer complexes, multimedia projectors, touch boards, etc.); software (system, general purpose, application software); means for connecting to the Internet and ensuring the possibility of full-fledged work in it (servers, communication lines, modems, programs for searching various data on the Internet, etc.); information content (content) on the Internet specially created for the education system; methodological support for the use of information and communication technologies in education. Tasks related to the management of an educational institution that can be automated: management of the educational process (formation of educational plans, schedule, monitoring of educational results); financial planning and accounting; accounting of the material and technical base; HR; automation of library activities; document flow; preparation of operational and external reporting; organization of students' intellectual leisure; development of educational web resources (distance learning, massive online courses). However, computer programs do not solve the problems of routine information processing at an adequate level. In the management of the institution of higher education, the latest technologies are used, in particular, cloud technologies. Information support of a higher education institution significantly affects the quality of the educational process, effective management of the organization's resources, establishing relations with other institutions, etc.

ВПРОВАДЖЕННЯ ІНФОРМАЦІЙНИХ ТЕХНОЛОГІЙ НА ВІТЧИЗНЯНИХ ПІДПРИЄМСТВАХ

The article analyzes modern interpretations of scientists regarding the essence of «information technologies»; the author’s definition of this definition is given. Positive and restraining points regarding the use of information technologies by modern enterprises highlighted, because information and communication technologies have become an integral part of both the modern world and the priority direction of our state. It noted that informatization is a process that has entered all spheres of human activity for the drastic improvement of working conditions and the quality of life of the population, significantly increasing the efficiency of all types of production. It emphasized that the use of information technology tools determined by the need for prompt management decision-making in the conditions of a permanent increase in the flow of information and a competitive environment. It is important that the task of information technology is not only to automate repetitive data processing operations, but also to generate new information for management decisions. It is safe to say that precisely with the advent of information technology, work at enterprises not only became easier, but also accelerated. It emphasized that technologies make it possible to simplify the solution of such basic tasks as management, activity planning, marketing, quality of products (goods and services), accounting, management of costs, finances, personnel, projects. In enterprise management systems, process procedures closely related to management functions. It noted that information technologies are universal and have an important feature – the one-time cost of their implementation at the enterprise, while current costs determined only by the wages of specialists who use these software products and the cost of program updates. It emphasized that the given list of programs used at the enterprise is not only not exhaustive, but has a constant tendency to expand. Increasing the number of offers and expanding the capabilities of the offered software products, simplifying their adaptation to the specific features and requirements of the enterprise will also be an important factor in expanding the range of enterprises that implement new information technologies. It emphasized that various programs provide an additional opportunity to measure or forecast the economic result in order to make one or another balanced and appropriate management decision based on them.

Syndromic surveillance during religious mass gatherings, southern India 2015–2018

BackgroundMass gathering events carry a risk of public health emergencies such as outbreaks of infectious diseases, stampedes, and injuries and pose an increased risk for individuals with non-communicable diseases. India celebrates many festivals mass gatherings. However, operational research on syndromic surveillance during such events is limited. In this context, we documented the use of information technology tools for syndromic surveillance during selected mass gatherings in South India during 2015-2018. MethodWe collaborated with health systems for syndromic surveillance during selected religious mass gatherings. We finalized priority syndromes and their surveillance definitions through stakeholder meetings. We used open-source software for surveillance data collection and trained the health care professionals and volunteers for data capture and collation. We consolidated, analyzed, generated near-real-time daily reports and shared them with health authorities for action. ResultsThe number of participants in these mass gatherings ranged from 100 thousand to 3 million, and recorded out-patients seeking care for syndromic illness ranged from 4,000 to 25,000 per event. We used more than five platforms and captured information on 17 syndromes. We captured a total of 61,523 patient details during syndromic surveillance. The most frequently reported syndromes were injuries, fever, and diarrhea of the reported illness. ConclusionsThese cost-effective open-source technologies are intuitive, adaptable, and inexpensive to maintain and operate in real-time. Therefore, enhanced syndromic surveillance could detect diseases early in mass gatherings.

EXPLORATORY RESEARCH ON CULTURAL COMPUTING FOR HUMAN-COMPUTER INTERACTION. THE CASE OF SUSTAINABILITY.

AbstractThe digital transition refers to the fact that information technology (IT) tools are used in all our activities on a daily basis. In this article, we will study the use of IT tools in engineering activities. It is possible to say that today IT tools accompany engineers in their professional practices. This presence of computing has also enabled the development and considerable changes in human-technologies interactions. Moreover, the socio-economic context has evolved considerably, and environmental issues have taken on an important role in engineering. We ask whether and to what extent these two contexts (digital and ecological) have changed the expectations of design professionals with regard to IT tools. Should the way of addressing the type of human-machine interaction in engineering tools be modified in depth? The objective of this paper is to understand what types of human-computer interaction would allow a more satisfying user experience for those future engineers who are using new technologies and marked by the ecological urgency. To do so, we will focus on a particular engineering context (design for sustainability) and a particular engineering practice (LCA practice).

University Academics’ Perceptions Regarding the Use of Information Technology Tools for Effective Formative Assessment: Implications for Quality Assessment through Professional Development

The study sought the perceptions of university academics on the use of IT tools for the formative assessment (FA) of students’ learning outcomes. This study adopted a quantitative research approach and descriptive survey research design using a sample of 180 university academics. Academics’ perception questionnaire was used for data collection. The instrument with two clusters was properly validated, and its internal consistency reliability indies found to be 0.79 and 0.85 for clusters A and B using the Cronbach alpha method. The obtained data were analysed using mean and t-test of independent samples. The results revealed that university academics perceived the use of information technology tools as veritable tools for effective implementation of FA. Further analysis revealed that the perceptions of the academics differed significantly by gender and qualification. IT tools are indispensable in the effective implementation of formative assessment practices in institutions of higher learning. This finding implies that quality assessment can be achieved using IT tools, but there is a need for professional development of the lecturers. It was therefore recommended that efforts should be made by the Nigerian Education stakeholders in making adequate provisions for the effective implementation of quality assessment using IT tools.

WORK FROM HOME IMPROVES OR IMPAIRS THE WORK-LIFE BALANCE- A STUDY CONDUCTED AMONG TEACHERS

In recent years, there has been increasing focus about how to adjust work and life responsibilities in both scholastic and political discussions. Work from home is one activity that has been advanced as a method of improving the work–life balance [1]. Considering this evidence this paper examines the work-life balance experiences of teachers who are working from home during the outbreak of Covid-19. Using the data from 72 teachers selected randomly from different educational institutions of Kerala, it explores the question of whether working (or not) from home improves or impairs teacher’s capacity to balance their work and life commitments. A Snowball sampling method is adopted for identifying respondents and Chi-square test is used for finding out the variable relationships. The outcomes of the study specify that working from home has a constructive impact on teacher’s work life Balance. In addition, the result also confirms that working from home certainly increases enthusiasm and satisfaction as teachers are getting more time to spend with their family. It is also found that the use of Information Technology tools in managing the life chores has a significant relationship with Work Life Balance

Workshop Perakitan Komputer Untuk Guru MI Mathla’ul Huda Cijantra

The development of science at this time can hardly be separated from technology, especially information technology, therefore human resources who are involved in any field are required to be able to adapt to existing technological advances. In the world of education, the government has carried out many activities to improve the competence of teachers, one of which is by providing trainings on the use of information technology tools in education and teaching, which will later be applied in schools and other educational institutions. However, based on the reality around PPI Curug, there are still many schools with inadequate technological facilities and infrastructure, one of which is MI Mathla'ul Huda which is on Cijantra Jl. Gunung Batu Cijantra Village, Pagedangan Subdistrict, where some of the students are orphans and underprivileged. The problem arises when there is problem with the computer equipment used while the teachers' knowledge is still minimal. To overcome this problem MI was forced to pay extra for repairs and restoration, which of course became a burden for the school. Therefore, through community service activities this time it is aimed at providing education and training to teachers on how to assemble and install computer equipment. After attending education and training through workshops held by the Indonesian Aviation Polytechnic of Curug, the teachers already have the knowledge and skills to install and assemble computers so that when a problem occurs on a computer devices, it can be resolved by themselves, and teachers who are mostly honorary staff can get additional income with the knowledge they get during the workshop.

Emergency preparation and mitigation for COVID-19 response in an integrated pharmacy practice model.

PurposeThe purpose of this descriptive report is to share experiences in crisis response planning and risk mitigation at a university health system department of pharmacy with an integrated clinical practice model in the early months of the coronarvirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.SummaryThe department of pharmacy’s COVID-19 pandemic response included successful planning and implementation of measures to maintain pharmacy operations and minimize COVID-19 exposure of patients and staff. These measures included ensuring adequate personnel staffing using flexible staffing solutions, ongoing assessment of supply chain integrity, and continuation of integrated clinical pharmacy services 24/7 throughout the initial phase of the COVID-19 pandemic. Information technology (IT) and educational program modifications are also discussed.ConclusionThis report describes successful crisis planning and risk mitigation in the setting of COVID-19, which was facilitated by the department of pharmacy’s integrated clinical practice model. This model enabled uninterrupted personnel scheduling, supply chain integrity, continued provision of 24/7 integrated clinical services, adaptive use of IT tools, and continuation of educational programs. The experiences described may be instructive to other pharmacy departments in evaluating their response to the COVID-19 pandemic and in planning for similar pandemic or other emergency scenarios.

Assessment and mapping of available soil nutrients using gis for nutrient management in hot arid regions of North-Western India

Soil fertility assessment and mapping for hot arid regions of Thar Desert in the Indian state of Rajasthan was carried out and on the basis of fertility ratings the soils were classified as low, medium and high. In the present assessment a systematic set of 5655 soil samples across the land use systems viz., rainfed croplands, irrigated croplands and rangelands covering 12 districts of hot arid Rajasthan were collected using global positioning system (GPS). The soil samples were analyzed for pH, electrical conductivity (EC), organic carbon (OC), available phosphorus (P), potassium (K), iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu) and manganese (Mn). Results of the soil analysis revealed that OC is low throughout the region, while available P was low to medium, but generally medium to high in available K. Among the micronutrients, Cu and Mn were adequately supplied in most areas, but Zn and Fe were inadequate in large parts. The spatial variability of OC and available plant nutrients viz., P, K, Fe, Zn, Cu and Mn in hot arid regions of Rajasthan across the land uses in region, has been mapped in a geographic information system (GIS), and their adequacy determined as per the criteria followed in the soil testing laboratories. Spatial distribution maps indicated that about 99.4, 48.7, 11.0, 56.1 and 41.0% of the area are under low availability class for OC, P, K, Zn and Fe, respectively. Present study also showed that the hot arid regions of India not only deficient in individual nutrients but they also suffer from multi-nutrients deficiencies which warrants attention for soil test based integrated plant nutrition system. The wide spread deficiencies of P, Fe and Zn were most revealing; their deficiencies varies with topography, soil type and land management practices. Irrigated croplands were better endowed than other land uses in respect of OC, P, Zn and Cu; rangelands in respect of K and Fe, and rainfed croplands in respect of Mn. With use of information technology tools like GIS and GPS helps in generation of spatial data/maps on distribution of available plant nutrients with which we can precisely use the required input at right place (location specific application of inputs). Information on spatial distribution of available micronutrients enables grouping of the soils into homogenous units for better nutrient management.

Just-in-Sequence Technologies to Boost Automotive Supply Chain Effectiveness

This research work deals with the management of the supply chain in the automotive industry. There are also some real trends in the automotive and supply sector based on principles of flexibility. It presents the scope of the automotive supply chain characteristics, provides an overview of the structure of component suppliers and focuses on the just-in-Sequence mode. The next part deals with the application of custom supply management and the example is presented in automotive conditions with direct customer market impulses. The last part of the paper presents a reason for the need to use information technology support tools to control the production and logistics processes of suppliers in a flexible car assembly line for a continuous flow of materials. The contribution focuses on the logistics standards in the automotive industry in terms of materials and information flows in the supply system, where their flexibility is a key factor for the effective management of their flexibility. The introductory part of the article is characterized by the traditional hierarchical structure of the supply chain and the concept of supplying the car assembly unit with pre-assembled modules from suppliers in simple sequence mode and according to the requirements of direct customer orders (custom construction). The conclusion addresses the issue of the use of information technology tools to support material flow management by suppliers directly to the automaker’s assembly line.

Benefit Optimization of Short Food Supply Chains for Organic Products: A Simulation-Based Approach

Creating alternative supply chains can help increase economic and social benefits for all beneficiaries of the supply chain. Alternative short supply chains for organic products are considered when seeking optimal scenarios to obtain the highest profit for producers, with maximizing profit being one of the main reasons for taking up business within this type of supply chain strategy. The aim of this study was to clarify the ideas of short food supply chains (SFSCs) and the organic production of food products and to indicate how economic benefits can be achieved in individual markets. The identified research gaps include the lack of a strong theoretical basis, as well as the lack of empirical studies concerning the multi-objective optimization of the economic effects of producers using computer simulation methods. However, the aim of this research was to identify the activities within such structures that can produce economic effects and influence the competences and soft relationships between the organizations participating in the chains. The adopted research methods included a critical analysis of the literature and the use of information technology tools and computer simulation. We found that computer simulation methods can lead to better decisions (to increase manufacturer benefits) regarding how to service selected markets within the SFSC. The most important limitations are the small territorial scope of the research and the consideration of only three of the most frequently purchased and manufactured products in Poland. This study was a pilot study, which will be developed further by the authors, from both a territorial and product point of view.

Computer Anxiety as Correlate of Use of Information Technology Tools among Undergraduates of Library and Information Science in Tai Solarin University of Education, Ijagun, Ogun State

The study was designed to investigate computer anxiety as a correlate of use of Information Technology tool by undergraduates of Library and Information Science in Tai Solarin University of Education (TASUED), Ijagun, Ogun State. Descriptive survey design was adopted while Stratified Random Sampling Technique was used to select 169 undergraduates of LIS. A questionnaire designed by the researchers was used for collecting data. Out of the 169 copies of the questionnaire administered 120 copies were returned and used for the analysis. Data was analyzed by Simple percentages, frequency, Mean and Standard Deviation and Pearson product moment correlation. Findings show that the level of computer anxiety among LIS undergraduates is high. The available IT tools among LIS undergraduates are mobile technology, laptops, CD-ROM, printers and internet search engines. The most frequency utilized IT tools among LIS undergraduate are mobile technology and laptops. The impact of computer anxiety on students’ utilization of IT tools is high. The major constraints of computer anxiety towards the utilization of IT tools among LIS undergraduates are level of computer anxiety and lack of conducive environment. A null hypothesis was tested which revealed that there is a significant relationship between computer anxiety and students’ utilization of IT tools among the LIS undergraduates surveyed. The study therefore recommends that the management of TASUED should provide more conducive learning environment, adequate IT infrastructural facilities, computer literacy should be encouraged to help lower anxiety and reduce stress in an IT environment.Keywords: computer anxiety, computer literacy, Tai Solarin University, undergraduates

English

One of the major advancements in information technology (IT) is the use of IT tools to perform accounting functions and processes. In this paper, we provide discussions on how IT has affected the accountancy profession. We argued that the traditional duty of accountants is the preparation of financial statements, and consequently, several tasks are carried out throughout that function. In the pre-IT era, accountants were faced with delays in transaction processing and reporting, continuous errors and misstatements, and difficulty in storing large data on papers. However, following the emergence of sophisticated IT tools, accountants in the IT era are now able to prepare and present financial statements more timely and accurately. The availability of the internet has also increased access to financial reports by external users. This paper further argues that in light of the continuous advancements in IT, future accountants and accounting processes are likely to; be cloud-based, communicate with and through Artificial Intelligence machines; invest in Big Data and cyber-security, and explore the potentials of Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality in meeting users’ information needs. Hence, accountants and accountancy firms are advised to embrace new IT skills and tools, and keep up with technological trends.   Key words: Accountant, information technology, accountant, information technology, cloud computing, artificial intelligence and the big data.

Implementation and Assessment of a Blended Learning Environment in Postgraduate Education

The article is devoted to the description of information technology (IT) tools in teaching foreign languages to PhD students in a digital environment. The authors describe the methodological basis for designing an assessment system that is relevant to the specific character of digital education, clarify the main functions of new assessment tools and determine the peculiarities of this activity in connection with information technology. The article deals with explaining the use of IT tools with an emphasis on the study of the educational content of the student and the development of personal soft skills. The results include monitoring the performance achieved in the learning process, authors’ observations and research based on post graduates’ outcomes and aimed at monitoring the development of their own perspective. The findings were confirmed by prognostic simulation and experimental learning. According to the authors, the use of information technology tools, as well as technology-based assessment, is based on principles which tend to challenge traditional learning and teaching practices and, thus, affect education policies and systems. On the other hand, piloting this technology has outlined a promising range of problems that need to be addressed in further research related to higher education.
 Keywords: digital environment, technology-based assessment, blended learning, a postgraduate course, soft skills, professional development

Lithuanian case study on evaluating suitability, acceptance and use of IT tools by students – An example of applying Technology Enhanced Learning Research methods in Higher Education

The aim of the paper is to present application of the methodology (i.e. model and method) to evaluate suitability, acceptance and use of information technology (IT) tools for particular students as well as a case study of evaluating two IT tools widely used while studying human-computer interaction (HCI) design at Lithuanian Universities. These IT tools are “Axure” and “Balsamiq Mockups”. High-quality IT tools should be optimised to particular students according to their personal needs, e.g. learning styles. In the paper, optimised IT tools should have the highest probabilistic suitability indexes for particular students according to Felder-Silverman learning styles model. Personalised IT tools' evaluation methodology presented in the paper is based on (1) well-known principles of Multiple Criteria Decision Analysis for identifying quality evaluation criteria; (2) Educational Technology Acceptance & Satisfaction Model (ETAS-M) based on well-known Unified Theory on Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) model, and (3) probabilistic suitability indexes to identify technology's suitability to particular students' needs according to their learning styles. In the paper, there is also a case study of implementing the methodology in Lithuania. This methodology is applicable in real life situations where teachers have to help students to apply IT tools that are most suitable, acceptable and useable for their needs and thus to improve students' motivation, which in its turn creates the conditions for better and more efficient education. The case study aims at analysing the results of evaluating HCI tools using this novel methodology. The methodology is one of the examples of application of Technology Enhanced Learning Research in Higher Education.