Use Of Information And Communication Technologies Research Articles

Factors influencing the use of information and communication technologies by students for educational purposes

Implementation of information and communication technologies (ICTs) in education is defined as the incorporation of ICTs into teaching and learning activities, both inside and outside the classroom. Despite widely studied, there is still no consensus on how it affects student performance. However, before evaluating this, it is crucial to identify which factors impact students' use of ICT for educational purposes. This understanding can help educational institutions to effectively implement ICT, potentially improving student results. Thus, adapting the conceptual framework proposed by Biagi and Loi (2013) and using the 2018 database of the Program for International Student Assessment (PISA) and a decision tree classification model developed based on CRISP-DM framework, we aim to determine which socio-demographic factors influence students' use of ICT for educational purposes. First, we categorized students according to their use of ICT for educational purposes in two situations: during lessons and outside lessons. Then, we developed a decision tree model to distinguish these categories and find patterns in each group. The model was able to accurately distinguish different levels of ICT adoption and demonstrate that ICT use for entertainment and ICT access at school and at home are among the most influential variables to predict ICT use for educational purposes. Moreover, the model showed that variables related to teaching best practices of Internet utilization at school are not significant predictors of such use. Some results were found to be country-specific, leading to the recommendation that each country adapts the measures to improve ICT use according to its context.

The role of information and communication technology in modernizing the courts: a case of Nepali judiciary

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate the practices of information and communication technology (ICT) in modernizing the courts. In this context, this paper focuses on the usage of ICT in the Nepali judiciary system involving both judicial and court administration to automate judicial activities.Design/methodology/approachA narrative case study was conducted to identify the current status of technology in the judiciary system concerning court automation and administration. The information was gathered from justice, case registration officer, bench officer and admin personnel.FindingsThis study shows that technological intervention is made in the Nepali judiciary to automate judicial activities. The judicial activities, such as case registration, case automation, case hearing, the decision of cases and cause list, are of high priority and are managed through case management software. Furthermore, it demands an innovative learning environment within the judiciary to strengthen the capacity of the employees of the judiciary in the field of ICT.Research limitations/implicationsThis study anticipates the participant’s perception and practical aspects of technology to modernize the courts to provide better and more effective service to its stakeholders. This study carried out the perceptions of the justice, bench officer, case registration officer and admin personnel. The voice of the other stakeholders was not carried out.Practical implicationsThis paper establishes the practical aspects of ICT in modernizing the courts to provide better services to its stakeholders. It also replicates the status of ICT in the Nepali judiciary.Originality/valueThis paper tries to establish the practical implications of ICT along with its importance in the judiciary of Nepal.

Utilization of Information and Communication Technology in Performance Management: For a Better Organization

Rapid developments in ICT have provided new opportunities for organizations to improve operational efficiency, communication and human resource management. However, the concrete impact of ICT implementation on performance management still requires more in-depth research. This study aims to investigate how the use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) can influence and improve performance management in an organizational context. This research will use a qualitative approach with descriptive methods. This study underscores the importance of performance management in achieving organizational goals. By linking strategic planning and tactical execution, ensuring administrative efficiency, managing human resources well, and encouraging individual development, performance management becomes an important foundation for company growth and success. The use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in this process strengthens effectiveness by simplifying performance reviews, providing more targeted feedback, and creating a fair and personalized environment. In today's dynamic era, the combination of strong performance management and ICT utilization provides the necessary tools for organizations to adapt, develop and achieve competitive advantage.

Factors related to information and communication technologies adoption in small businesses in Colombia

This study is an analysis of how a set of factors influenced the decision to adopt information and communication technologies (ICTs) in small businesses in Colombia; for this purpose, a logistic modeling is applied, wherein the explained variable represents the companies’ decision to adopt ICTs. The main explanatory elements include demographic aspects of the owner, the company characteristics, and the legal practice of the company and its social capital. Data from the Microbusiness Survey 2019 conducted by the National Administrative Department of Statistics of Colombia were employed. The results show that traits such as owner age and gender affect adoption. Furthermore, variables such as the age and size of the company, the amount of computer equipment, business formalization practices, and social capital influence the use of these technologies. Therefore, it follows that the individual features of business owners are also determinants of technology adoption, and their inclusion becomes essential to supplement the analysis of these issues. In addition, the study supports the evidence that the acceptance of these technologies is positively related to the business size and infrastructure. By exploring, for example, the business formalization factor, a positive effect is obtained; consequently, the implementation of legal practices is linked to the ICT use. Thus, some of the areas for policy implementation would be, on one hand, the endowment of computer equipment, since it is a critical aspect in these small businesses, for which a subsidy policy for the acquisition of devices would be useful. In addition, the promotion of business formalization practices could lead to an improvement in the firm’s culture of technology use.

Analysis of Determining Factors of Agricultural Income among Farm Households Participating in Farming Cooperative Using a Sample Selection Model

Employing the Heckman model and drawing on the national database, this study scrutinized the determinants influencing the selection of participation in farming cooperatives, as well as the impact of such participation on the agricultural income of farm households. Participation probabilities were observed to rise notably among males in their 50s and 60s with larger business scales, while protracted periods of farming experience and education correlated positively with the likelihood of engagement in farming cooperatives. Farm households actively participating in farming cooperatives demonstrated a notable elevation in their income levels compared to those who abstained from participation. Among the subset of farm households engaged in agricultural cooperatives, the utilization of ICT was linked to a more agricultural income. Given the discernible positive impact of farming cooperatives on the amplification of agricultural income, there arises a compelling need for the government to fortify policies aimed at nurturing the growth and development of these cooperatives.

Academic libraries, ICT use and sustainable higher education development

PurposeEducation is a strong pillar to national development. It is vital to ensure sustainable higher education development (SHED) in a bid to facilitate global development. This study aims to investigate academic libraries, information and communication technology (ICT) use and SHED.Design/methodology/approachDescriptive survey research design was used for this study. The population of the study was 607 librarians in the 41 public university libraries in Southern Nigeria. Total enumeration and purposive sampling techniques were used for this study. The instrument of data collection was questionnaire. Descriptive statistics was used for the data analysis.FindingsIt was found that qualified teachers and promotion of scholarship constitute SHED. The extent of contribution of academic libraries to SHED is high. Academic libraries face a number of challenges in their effort to provide information services for the actualisation of the SHED. The extent of use of ICT in SHED is high. It was therefore recommended that academic libraries and ICT should be adequately used to accomplish SHED in Nigeria.Research limitations/implicationsThis study will contribute to the body of literature on how academic libraries and the use of ICT can contribute to SHED.Practical implicationsWhile SHED is central to global development, the role of academic libraries and the use of ICT should be unanimously embraced by all the stakeholders in education industry.Originality/valueSHED is inevitable in the contemporary era. This study reveals that academic libraries and ICT use are vital in achieving SHED.

Impact of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) on the Growth of Microfinance Institutions (MFIs) in Zimbabwe

The aim of the study was to evaluate the impact of Information and Communication Technology on the growth of Microfinance Institutions in Zimbabwe. The study used a sample of thirty (30) MFIs registered with the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe, with operations in Harare Central Business District. A sequential explanatory research design was adopted with the view of adopting a mixed research approach. Purposive sampling technique was adopted. Data was gathered through interviews which were administered to branch managers of MFIs and questionnaires which were administered to MFI employees. The study revealed that most of the MFIs have partially adopted ICT. The study found out that customers’ lack of knowledge in the use of ICT, higher costs of setting up ICT, customers’ lack of ICT resources, poor network connectivity and ICT related complaints raised by MFI clients are the challenges faced by MFIs in adopting and using technology. The study revealed that adoption and usage of ICT has positively affected the operational growth of MFIs through improving revenue base, customers’ touch points, market share, and outreach to previously inaccessible customers, debt recovery and customers’ contact points. The study revealed that adoption and usage of ICT has positively affected the business efficiencies of MFIs through improvement in speed of execution of transactions, loan processing, communication with clients and business acumen of MFI employees. The study recommends that MFIs should advocate the institutions of higher learning in Zimbabwe to introduce banking and finance programmes linked with technology. The study also recommended that there should be collaboration between MFIs, technology companies and higher learning institutions to come up with technology driven products that are accessible and affordable to MFI clients.

The use of ICT in the education of students with dyslexia

In this article, a systematic study of the research literature is carried out regarding the use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and its applications as means of supporting and assisting reading for students with dyslexia. The main objective was to examine the use and effectiveness of this type of intervention in serving the learning needs of students with dyslexia. For this purpose, a bibliographic review of relevant research was conducted. The results of the research showed that the different forms of ICT, such as computers, educational platforms, specific software programs, electronic games and various multimedia applications, are able to be used both as a means of early prevention of the risk of dyslexia in children and in enhancing the reading skills of dyslexic children. Probably the positive effect of ICT on students with dyslexia is related to children's familiarity with it, recommending a particularly pleasant learning environment for children. In the future, further research is needed regarding the use of ICT in the diagnosis and management of dyslexia.

ICT initiatives for vulnerable groups in Brazil: intended and unintended consequences during the COVID-19 pandemic

ABSTRACT Despite the multitude of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT), their successful implementation has been slow and faced more difficulties than anticipated. Although the deployment and use of ICT has become inevitable, many emerging countries have faced challenges in adopting ICT for the benefit of their entire population. During the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic, ICT initiatives became a major issue, especially for vulnerable groups. The purpose of this study is to understand the intended and unintended consequences of ICT initiatives during the pandemic, through two case studies in Brazil covering relevant societal areas, namely social protection and public education. The results bring two main contributions. The first is an understanding of how social groups, negotiation mechanisms and technologies-in-practice are enacted to inform public policies and actions. The second concerns the production of knowledge for the Information Systems area, by revealing the challenges and opportunities brought by ICT to emerging markets in a post-Covid-19 reality.

Factors Affecting the Use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) for Agricultural Information among Smallholder Farmers in Chitwan and Lamjung Districts of Nepal

ICT have power to enrich smallholder farmers to the agriculture information and to promote sustainable agricultural development, particularly in the developing countries. An investigation was done during 2019 to know the about the factors affecting the use of ICT with respect to agriculture information by smallholder farmers in Chitwan and Lamjung districts of Nepal. The study areas were selected purposely whereas a total of 120 smallholder farmers (60 farmers from each district) were selected randomly. Pre-tested semi structured interview schedule was used for household survey, whereas respective checklists were used for Focus Group Discussion (FGD) and Key Informant Interview (KII) to gather primary data. Findings from the logit model revealed that use of ICT increases with farming experience, and contact with extension worker, and decreases with age, education and net worth. Hence, it was well revealed that ICT based agriculture information delivery is effective to the young smallholder farmers having regular contact with extension worker and having longer farming experience at the present scenario.

Financial inclusion and poverty reduction in Nigeria: the role of information and communication technology (ICT)

PurposeThe study analyzed the moderating role of information and communication technology (ICT) in the financial inclusion–poverty nexus in Nigeria.Design/methodology/approachThe study adopts a battery of econometric techniques such as the generalized method of moments and the fully modified OLS to control for heterogeneity and endogeneity issues in the poverty literature.FindingsThe results show that ICT (regardless of the measure of ICT adopted) moderates the impact of financial inclusion on poverty in Nigeria. Specifically, the result shows that ICT strengthens the effectiveness of financial inclusion to reduce poverty. In particular, the results show that in the presence of unanticipated macroeconomic shock, ICT can help to deepen financial inclusion, reduce the negative effects of an unanticipated shock and ameliorate poverty in Nigeria. That is, the vulnerability of the poor in Nigeria to unanticipated economic shocks can be reduced by expanding the use of ICT in the financial sector. The research and policy implications are discussed.Originality/valueThe study accounts for the impact of COVID-19.

The role of micro and macro-level factors in shaping innovation management in online education and ICT usage in China

The context of education has changed dramatically as a result of the information and communication technology (ICT) revolution, particularly as it relates to online learning. In order to better understand how innovation management is impacted by ICT usage and online education in China's higher education institutions, this study will look at how both micro and macro-level elements play a significant influence. The study uses a quantitative, cross-sectional methodology to collect information from 390 individuals from both public and private universities. The study aims to comprehend how faculty members, students, and educational administrators view the use and integration of ICT tools and online learning platforms through a standardized survey questionnaire. The collected data were subjected to statistical analysis using SPSS (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences) software. The findings reveal significant insights into the interplay of various factors affecting innovation management in the rapidly evolving landscape of online education and ICT adoption in China's higher education institutions. The purpose of the study is to gain an important understanding of the intricate relationships between micro and macro-level variables and how these interactions affect innovation management in online learning and ICT usage in China. The study's conclusions are anticipated to provide policymakers, university leaders, and educators with useful counsel for fostering an atmosphere that is supportive of technological integration and cutting-edge practices in higher education. A wide range of participants from both public and private universities are included in the study's scope, guaranteeing a complete representation of the higher education environment in China.

Breaking Textbook Barriers: PowToon Videos in Engaging ICT Learning for Young EFL Learners

The significant interest in the development and integration of information and communication technologies (ICT) in the field of education is still marked with an unequal level of performance in many areas. This research explores the researcher-teacher collaboration of creating and using PowToon video in teaching English to achieve the mission of elevating the ICT competence of teachers and students in schools, especially in areas that are underdeveloped or far from the central government. The participants of the study include the sole English teacher of SD Kartika VI-7 Malang and twenty students in the fifth grade. Through four steps (analysing, designing, implementing, evaluating), this descriptive qualitative study collected data from classroom observation, teacher interview, expert analysis of the developed media, and short evaluation questionnaire. Results from the analysis stage confirmed the preliminary results of the English class’s minimal ICT usage. The design stage is where the researchers and the teacher worked together to adapt the textbook materials into interesting PowToon video for the students. The implementation stage is where the teacher used the video validated by three experts of material, media, and language. Finally, the media’s effectiveness is evaluated based on the questionnaire responses given by the students. The research concludes that the validation process of the PowToon ascertained its quality for effective English instruction to motivate student engagement. Although neither PowToon video nor its implementation is particularly new, they are novel, effective, and—arguably most importantly—friendly teaching media for classrooms that have yet to adapt with the rapid technological world.

Analysing Italian Inclusive Education Practices in Relation to Universal Design for Learning Principles.

This study aims to investigate how teaching practices in the Italian inclusive education system align with the principles of Universal Design for Learning (UDL), which is aimed at providing access to education for all students, including those with disabilities. In line with Article 2 of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), which requires states to promote Universal Design (UD) in all aspects of life, including education, this research examines the extent to which the Italian education system meets this requirement. The study involved teachers who participated in a course on inclusive education. The research was conducted in three phases, including the introduction of UDL, identification of teachers' perceptions and initial reactions to UDL, compilation of a questionnaire related to UDL checkpoints, and a focus group discussion on teachers' attitudes towards UDL and the use of information and communication technologies (ICTs) in the classroom. The analysis focused on the first UDL principle, "Provide Multiple Means of Representation," which emphasizes the need to present information in an accessible way to learners with disabilities. The findings revealed that despite not having previous training on UDL, teachers in the Italian inclusive education system use ICTs in their daily teaching practices to make knowledge accessible, which is in line with the UDL principles. However, the study also highlighted a lack of awareness and reflection on the use of ICTs in teaching, suggesting the need for specific training to enhance inclusive practices. This study contributes to the ongoing dialogue on inclusive education in Italy and highlights the importance of promoting UD principles in education to ensure that all learners, regardless of their abilities, have equal access to education. Furthermore, it underscores the significance of providing adequate training and support to teachers to facilitate inclusive practices and improve learning outcomes for all students.

Social informatics and CDIO: revolutionizing technological education

Social informatics is an interdisciplinary area that examines how information and communication technologies (ICT) and the complex web of social and cultural contexts interact and change over time. This study not only helps with the design and use of ICT but also shows how these technologies significantly affect society and culture. It encourages new ideas, collaborations between different fields, and policymaking insights, which drives technological innovation and a better knowledge of how ICT affects society. The Conceive, Design, Implement, operate (CDIO) educational system stands out as a new and innovative teaching method. It emphasizes active learning and gives engineering students both technical and social skills. Its use in social informatics ushers in a new era of education that combines innovation and technology to help students become strong and independent. Future study on CDIO programs in social informatics education has the potential to augment the technical proficiency and social consciousness of graduates, thereby rendering them significant contributors to the field.

Role of ICT in Teaching and Learning with Reference to Indian Education System

The Learning system in India is in a period of transition, with significant changes and reforms taking place across the board. With the use of information and communication technologies, this is now achievable. In all spheres of life, information and communication technology (ICT) have become widespread. The usage of ICT has radically transformed the practices and procedures of practically all forms of business and governance over the last twenty-five years. Education is a very social activity, and great education has always been associated with strong teachers who have a lot of one-on-one time with students. ICT in education allows for more student-centered learning environments. However, with the world rapidly shifting toward digital media and information, the function of ICT in education is becoming increasingly important. ICT in education allows for more student-centered learning environments. However, as the world rapidly moves toward digital media and information, the role of ICT in education is growing in importance, and this importance will continue to increase and develop in the twenty-first century. This study provides a literature analysis on the use of ICTs in education, which will benefit us in understanding the ICT aids that can assist stakeholders in delivering high-quality education. This paper will assist us in comprehending the notion of information and communication technology (ICT) and how it can benefit the teaching and learning process

Development and validation of EDU-COV-NEE-NEAE questionnaire to measure educational response, ICT usage and impact of COVID-19 pandemic on students with special educational needs

The COVID-19 pandemic forced changes in the educational response, which involved the intensive use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) skills, among other interventions. The circumstances required both families and teachers to make an extra effort to adapt to a reality that was expected to last for a long time. These changes had a special impact on students with Specific Needs of Educational Support (SNES) and Special Educational Needs (SEN). This study aimed to design and validate a questionnaire to assess the impact of the online training model used during the pandemic on teachers of students with SNES and SEN. We used qualitative, exploratory, and confirmatory factor analyses. The final 16-item scale was composed of three factors. Factor1, was labeled as “Educational Response.“, factor2 was labeled “ICT Usage and Online Teaching,” and Factor 3 was labeled “Impact.” The questionnaire demonstrated good validity and reliability. This short questionnaire is recommended for assessing or monitoring the impact of changes in educational interventions involving ICT competencies due to COVID-19. However, they can also be easily adapted to similar circumstances or educational settings.

Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and Employee Performance: Relationship

This paper aimed to gain an insight about the relationship between Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and employee performance at Private Management Colleges in the Kathmandu District. Descriptive analysis was used to explore the dimensions of academic performance. To conduct this research, a quantitative methodology was employed. Questionnaires was the main instrument used for the data collection. The study restricts to the private management colleges and institutions only. A Total of 45 teaching faculties of Kathmandu district were selected for the study to explore the use of ICT in relation to the employee performance. Individual consent was taken for ethical consideration. Mean, Standard deviation and Correlation was adopted to measure the objectives. The findings showed that the role of ICT to uplift teaching and learning practice at Private Management College seems to be substantial in the current scenario. The performance of faculty members in private management colleges in the sense of efficiency of work (r=0.612**, p=0.00), planning the work(r=0.632**, p=0.00), creativity and innovation(r=0.547**, p=0.00) and making effort(r=0.454**, p=0.02) was significantly contributed by the use of ICT. ICT played a significant role to uplift the performance of faculty members of private management college of the Kathmandu district. All the results presented so far in the study have been found to be indicating strong and positive relationship between ICT and employee performance. Statistically, it can be concluded in one sentence that if one point changes in ICT, it can bring 4 to 6 times positive changes in employee performance. In the future, the researcher should also investigate the impact of workforce diversity on team performance.

“Technology is killing me!”: the moderating effect of organization home-work interface on the linkage between technostress and stress at work

PurposeThe fear of the pandemic, confinement at home and the need to work created a unique situation. The pandemic catalyzed work-from-anywhere practice by adopting information and communication technologies (ICT) across all industries. While ICT saved organizations, it increased technostress among the workforce. A better understanding of the adverse effects of ICT usage might enable organizations to manage the mental well-being of the workforce. While technostress is gaining increasing interest, scholarly work investigating the dimensions of technostress and its impact on creating stress across various employee demographics and industry types is missing. Contrary to the prevalent assumptions, the authors theorized and tested the adverse moderation effect of the home-work interface on the linkage between technostress dimensions and stress. This paper aims to discuss the aforementioned objective.Design/methodology/approachThe study captures dimensions of technostress and the resulting stress at work using a survey-based analysis of 881 working employees in India, representing multiple industries and functions.FindingsThe study indicates that techno-overload, techno-complexity and techno-invasion significantly impact employees during the pandemic. The authors further found that the home-work-interface is a powerful factor in understanding the complex linkage between dimensions of technostress and its outcomes.Research limitations/implicationsBased on the Conservation of Resources Theory and the Job-Demand-Resources model, this study highlights the adverse impact of this trend on employee well-being. However, the study suffers from a cross-sectional research design. The technostress research has focused primarily on static, at-premise environments and mostly on high ICT usage industries. Due to the pandemic, it has neglected the impact of various technostress dimensions across employee cohorts subjected to rapid technology-enabled working. Further, most studies focus on the voluntary choice of remote work. Employees struggle with the unexpected and involuntary shift to technology-enabled remote work. This study contributes to the literature by examining the consequences of technostress in the context of non-voluntary remote work. Contrary to prevailing assumptions, this study highlights the adverse effect of organizational home-work interface in influencing ICT-created stress.Practical implicationsThe increasing use of ICT enables telecommuting across the workforce while increasing organizational productivity. Due to the pandemic, these trends will likely change the future of work permanently. To minimize employee stress, practitioners need to reconsider the dimensions of technostress. Further, the study cautions against the prevalent interventions used by practitioners. While practitioners facilitate a home-work interface, it could have adverse consequences. Practitioners may consider the adverse consequences of home-work interface while designing organizational policies.Social implicationsThis study during the pandemic is crucial as research forecasts the likelihood of other cataclysmic events, such as future pandemics and political or climate change events, which may sustain technology-driven remote work practices and remain a feature of the future workplace. Hence understanding the implications of the dimensions of technostress would help organizations and policymakers to implement necessary interventions to minimize employee stress.Originality/valueThe present study examines the dimensions of technostress across multiple industries and job functions in an emerging market marked by a high economic growth rate and an Eastern cultural context. This study presents the dark side of excessive ICT adoption and indicates how organizations and HRM practices can help mitigate some of these effects.

Beyond Smart: How ICT Is Enabling Sustainable Cities of the Future

Cities around the world face pressing sustainability challenges such as climate change, resource scarcity, and unsustainable growth. Smart cities have emerged as a response to these challenges, leveraging information and communication technologies (ICTs) to create more efficient and liveable urban environments. However, the concept of smart cities is often defined in vague and ideologically driven terms that lack clear guidelines for promoting sustainability. In this study, we use qualitative methods to examine how the use of ICTs can support the goals of sustainability in smart city development, resulting in what we call a ‘smart sustainable city’. Drawing on a case study involving stakeholder analysis, semi-structured interviews, and document analysis, we investigate the key roles of local government, ICT firms, and citizens in shaping sustainable urban development through smart city initiatives. Our findings shed light on the potential of ICTs to promote sustainability in smart cities and provide insights for policymakers, practitioners, and scholars working towards creating more sustainable urban environments. The findings of this research showed that ICT’s role in supporting sustainability in smart cities relies on understanding the interests and priorities of civic, ICT firms, and citizens, promoting effective collaboration and avoiding self-serving outcomes.