COVID-19 Pandemic: Experiences of People with Visual Impairment

Objective. To understand changes in daily life emerging from the COVID-19 Pandemic in people with visual impairment from four cities of Colombia. Methods. Exploratory-type, descriptive qualitative study. The study conducted 26 semi-structured interviews via telephone. The analysis process used the methodological design from the approach proposed by Taylor and Bogdan: following the discovery process, coding and relativizing of data. Results. Three categories emerge: 1) Transformations in daily dynamics, 2) Barriers to mobility, and 3) Use of technology. Conclusion. People with visual impairment report barriers to mobility to take public transportation, which can affect maintenance of their autonomy and independence. Using technological tools is identified as facilitators for the continuity of educational and work activities; however, some did not have computer literacy or the basic inputs for connectivity. Difficulties were identified to continue work activities and maintain income.

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Effect of Technology on Elementary Students’ Reasoning & Communication Skills in Science at Lebanese Private Schools: An Exploratory Study

European Scientific Journal ESJ ◽

10.19044/esj.2018.v14n25p107 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 14 (25) ◽

pp. 107

Author(s):

Layal Omar Temsah ◽

Dalal Michel Moukarzel

Keyword(s):

Elementary Schools ◽

School Leadership ◽

Communication Skills ◽

Private Schools ◽

Arab World ◽

Structured Interviews ◽

Use Of Technology ◽

Integration Of Technology ◽

Technological Tools ◽

Teachers And Students

With the emergence of multiple technological tools for teaching science such as active boards, mobile devices and tabs, the effectiveness and appropriateness of these tools are yet questionable. Students’ performance in science, especially in the Arab world, is still unsatisfactory as shown by the TIMMS results of 2007 and 2011. In Lebanon, it was interesting to understand what was being done, specifically in elementary schools, to improve students’ outcomes prior to sitting for international exams. The purpose of this study was to explore the perceptions of Heads of private elementary schools, science coordinators, teachers, and students regarding the use of technology, and the extent to which these technologies were enhancing students’ skills. Participants in this study were 164 grade- six students from three private schools in different regions of Beirut, the Lebanese capital. Participants also included three administrators and four teachers of whom three were also coordinators in the corresponding schools. Semi-structured interviews, class observations and questionnaires were used to triangulate the results. Findings revealed that the vision and mission of the school leadership, the teachers’ practices associated with the appropriate integration of technology were key determinants for enhancing students’ perceptions of improvement in reasoning and communication skills in science.

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Perceptions on Job Requirements of LIS Graduates in Public Libraries: A Reflection on Public Libraries in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

Mousaion ◽

10.25159/2663-659x/6153 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 36 (4) ◽

Author(s):

Mpilo Siphamandla Mthembu ◽

Dennis Ngong Ocholla

Keyword(s):

Work Experience ◽

Computer Literacy ◽

Industrial Revolution ◽

Information Science ◽

Public Libraries ◽

Knowledge Society ◽

Professional Services ◽

Theory And Practice ◽

Library And Information Science ◽

Structured Interviews

Public libraries play a crucial role in the information and knowledge society. Their access and services in the fourth industrial revolution require review as well as the knowledge of the competency requirements for Library and Information Science (LIS) graduates to offer professional services. This paper presents the competencies LIS graduates require for work. It also seeks to examine the challenges they encounter in public libraries. The study is driven by the notion that a skills gap and a lack of training for LIS professionals are still daunting challenges in most public libraries. The post-positivism paradigm was employed through the triangulation of both qualitative and quantitative methodologies in data collection and analysis. Content analysis and a survey were employed as research methods. The study scanned job advertisements in four newspapers spanning a three-year period (from January 2015 to December 2017). Semi-structured interviews were conducted with assistant directors and structured questionnaires were administered to LIS graduates. Grade 12, one to three years of work experience, computer literacy and communication skills are the most required competencies to work at public libraries. There seems to be no balance between theory and practice offered in most LIS schools, which suggests the need for curricula revision. Employed LIS graduates are facing several challenges, which include lack of practical exposure or knowledge, lack of qualification recognition and individual promotions, and lack of ICT skills and knowledge.

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Loneliness Among the Elderly in Rural Contexts: A Mixed-Method Study Protocol

International Journal of Qualitative Methods ◽

10.1177/1609406921996861 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 20 ◽

pp. 160940692199686

Author(s):

Borja Rivero Jiménez ◽

David Conde-Caballero ◽

Lorenzo Mariano Juárez

Keyword(s):

Data Collection ◽

Mixed Method ◽

Rural Areas ◽

Population Group ◽

The Elderly ◽

Interaction Patterns ◽

Structured Interviews ◽

Strict Adherence ◽

Data Collection And Analysis ◽

Technological Tools

Loneliness among the elderly has become a pressing issue in Western societies. In the Spanish context, the problem of the so-called “empty” Spain disproportionately affects this population group—elderly individuals living in rural areas with low population density, and therefore at higher risk of social exclusion and isolation. We introduce here a mixed-method, quantitative-qualitative research protocol, triangulated with technological tools, designed to improve both data acquisition and subsequent data analysis and interpretation. This study will take place in a rural locality in the Extremadura region (Spain), chosen according to a particular socio-demographic profile. The De Jong Gierveld Loneliness Scale will be used on a cohort of 80 people over 65 years old. Within this cohort, a smaller sample of 20–30 individuals will be selected for semi-structured interviews about their beliefs and experiences of loneliness. Finally, data gathered from technological tools (smartbands, Bluetooth sensors) will allow us to monitor social interactions and to map daily loneliness/interaction patterns. Data will be triangulated by analyzing and comparing the empirical material gathered through these different methods and tools. Strict adherence to ethical standards for data protection and handling will be essential through data collection and analysis. As well as providing insights into the phenomenon of loneliness in old age, the use of different methods and tools for data collection will provide the basis for an epistemological reflection on the scope and limits of each one of these methods.

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Older Adults’ Adaptations to the Call for Social Distancing and Use of Technology: Insights From Socioemotional Selectivity Theory and Lived Experiences

Journal of Applied Gerontology ◽

10.1177/0733464821996864 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 073346482199686

Author(s):

Shoshana H. Bardach ◽

Elizabeth K. Rhodus ◽

Kelly Parsons ◽

Allison K. Gibson

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Technology Use ◽

Technology Training ◽

Well Being ◽

Socioemotional Selectivity Theory ◽

Structured Interviews ◽

Socioemotional Selectivity ◽

Social Distancing ◽

Use Of Technology ◽

Comparison Approach

Social distancing guidelines during COVID can be isolating, especially for older adults, with potential for poor health outcomes. Technology offers opportunities for remote connection, yet, older adults’ use of and perspectives on technology during this time remain largely unknown. The purpose of this study was to gain insight into older adults’ technology use and preferences to inform the development of a technology training intervention to support older adult well-being. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 30 older adults. Interviews were analyzed using an iterative, constant comparison approach. Findings were consistent with Socioemotional Selectivity Theory; respondents were primarily interested in technology to support emotionally meaningful goals. Participants indicated limited interest in technology training, referencing diminished future time perspectives to explain disinterest. Findings suggest that efforts to encourage older adults’ expanded technology adoption should highlight how use supports emotionally meaningful goals and provide low-effort, timely training, tied to specific and clear applications.

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How are patients with rare diseases and their carers in the UK impacted by the way care is coordinated? An exploratory qualitative interview study

Orphanet Journal of Rare Diseases ◽

10.1186/s13023-020-01664-6 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 16 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Amy Simpson ◽

Lara Bloom ◽

Naomi J. Fulop ◽

Emma Hudson ◽

Kerry Leeson-Beevers ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Care Coordination ◽

Structured Interviews ◽

School Work ◽

Travel Costs ◽

Care Plans ◽

Use Of Technology ◽

Number Of Factors ◽

Qualitative Interview Study ◽

The Uk ◽

The Impact

Abstract Background Care coordination is considered important for patients with rare conditions, yet research addressing the impact of care coordination is limited. This study aimed to explore how care coordination (or lack of) impacts on patients and carers. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 15 patients and carers/parents in the UK, representing a range of rare conditions (including undiagnosed conditions). Transcripts were analysed thematically in an iterative process. Results Participants described a range of experiences and views in relation to care coordination. Reports of uncoordinated care emerged: appointments were uncoordinated, communication between key stakeholders was ineffective, patients and carers were required to coordinate their own care, and care was not coordinated to meet the changing needs of patients in different scenarios. As a result, participants experienced an additional burden and barriers/delays to accessing care. The impacts described by patients and carers, either attributed to or exacerbated by uncoordinated care, included: impact on physical health (including fatigue), financial impact (including loss of earnings and travel costs), and psychosocial impact (including disruption to school, work and emotional burden). Overall data highlight the importance of flexible care, which meets individual needs throughout patients’/carers’ journeys. Specifically, study participants suggested that the impacts may be addressed by: having support from a professional to coordinate care, changing the approach of clinics and appointments (where they take place, which professionals/services are available and how they are scheduled), and improving communication through the use of technology, care plans, accessible points of contact and multi-disciplinary team working. Conclusion This study provides further evidence of impacts of uncoordinated care; these may be complex and influenced by a number of factors. Approaches to coordination which improve access to care and lessen the time and burden placed on patients and carers may be particularly beneficial. Findings should influence future service developments (and the evaluation of such developments). This will be achieved, in the first instance, by informing the CONCORD Study in the UK.

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Abstract NS3: The Influence of Chinese Culture on Caregiving Role Perceptions Among Stroke Caregivers

Stroke ◽

10.1161/str.47.suppl_1.ns3 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 47 (suppl_1) ◽

Author(s):

Xichenhui Qiu ◽

Janet W SIT ◽

Haixia Feng

Keyword(s):

Filial Piety ◽

Chinese Culture ◽

Qualitative Content Analysis ◽

Descriptive Study ◽

Structured Interviews ◽

Day Range ◽

Analysis Process ◽

The Family ◽

Qualitative Descriptive ◽

Spouse Caregivers

Introduction: Among the estimated 22.5 million stroke survivors in China, 78% of them require home care. Previous research has indicated that culture can have a significant impact on caregivers’ perceptions of the caregiving role. There is a dearth of research on stroke caregivers’ perceptions within the Chinese culture. Objective: To explore how Chinese culture influences the perceptions of the caregiving role among stroke caregivers. Methods: In this qualitative descriptive study, 14 stroke caregivers were recruited from a 1800-bed regional hospital in China. Caregivers were on average 58 years old (range 46-74), 78% female, 50% spouse-caregivers and 50% children-caregivers. Caregivers spent on average 14 hours per day (range 5-24) providing care. All were 1st time caregivers who had provided stroke caregiving < 12 months. Individual, semi-structured interviews were conducted. Qualitative content analysis was performed. Strategies to achieve trustworthiness include triangulation of the data in the analysis process, member checking and peer debriefing. Results: Three themes emerged from the interviews. (1) Caregiving is a natural expected part of life. All caregivers accepted caregiving for the sick family member as an expected part of life. This perception is deeply rooted in Chinese culture. (2) Caregiving is a culturally prescribed obligation. Spouse caregivers believe that it is their moral obligation to take care of their sick life partner. Female caregivers emphasized their position and role in the family to take up caregiving for sick relative. (3) Caregiving is an expression of reciprocal love within the immediate family. Tangible caregiving and support during adversity are viewed as expression of reciprocal love among family members. Particularly, the children-caregivers believed in the virtue of filial piety and perceived stroke caregiving as a means of repaying their parents. Conclusions: Our findings highlight an underlying acceptance and devotion of undertaking stroke caregiving within the Chinese culture. Researchers and clinicians that plan to develop an intervention to support Chinese stroke caregivers need to consider integrating these findings.

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Which Technologies Do Pre-Service Teachers Prefer to Use While Presenting Their Teaching Skills and for What Purposes Do They Use These Technologies?

Higher Education Studies ◽

10.5539/hes.v7n3p103 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 7 (3) ◽

pp. 103

Author(s):

Fatma Sasmaz Oren

Keyword(s):

Science Teachers ◽

Research Data ◽

Service Science ◽

Teaching Skills ◽

Structured Interviews ◽

Science Courses ◽

Use Of Technology ◽

The Subject

This research aims to determine the technologies that pre-service science teachers prefer to use in micro teaching presentations performed for improving their teaching skills and to determine the purposes of using these technologies. For this purpose, the case study model was used in the research. The research was made with some 48 pre-service science teachers. In the research, data was collected from the presentation files the pre-service science teachers had prepared with respect to the microteaching applications, from the instructor’s observation notes on their presentations, from the view form and from the semi-structured interviews. According to the findings obtained from the research, the pre-service science teachers used computers, projection apparatuses, overhead projectors, videos, animations, simulations and microscopes the most in the microteaching applications. The pre-service science teacher’s expressed that they used technology primarily for reasons such as enhancing the comprehensibility of the subject, concretizing abstract subjects, ensuring visuality and saving time. Considering these results, some recommendations were made regarding the use of technology in science courses.

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Adolescence et technologie : besoins de savoir, de supervision et de reconnaissance | Adolescence and Technology: Need for Knowledge, Supervision and Acknowledgement

Canadian Journal of Learning and Technology / La revue canadienne de l’apprentissage et de la technologie ◽

10.21432/t2861x ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 43 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Marie-Hélène Poulin ◽

Camille Lefebvre

Keyword(s):

Video Games ◽

Prevention And Intervention ◽

Use Of Technology ◽

Technological Tools ◽

Multiple Uses ◽

Intervention Services

Selon Wisniewski, Rossom, Jia, Xu et Carroll (2015), 95% des adolescents utilisent un ou plusieurs outils technologiques pour de multiples usages. Des données ont été obtenues auprès de 245 adolescents âgés de 14 à 18 ans sur leur utilisation des technologies, le contexte et les impacts. Ces jeunes passent en moyenne 25,4 heures par semaine à naviguer sur le Web et 13,1 heures à se divertir avec des jeux vidéo. Les principaux besoins des adolescents concernant l’utilisation des outils technologiques sont mis en lumière dans l’optique d’offrir des services pour la prévention et l’intervention.According to Wisniewski, Rossom, Jia, Xu, and Carroll (2015), 95% of adolescents use one or more technological tools for multiple uses. Data was obtained from 245 teenagers aged 14 to 18 on their use of technology, its context and impact. These youths spend on average 25.4 hours per week browsing online and 13.1 hours playing video games. The key needs of adolescents regarding the use of technological tools are highlighted with the goal of offering prevention and intervention services.

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Creating communities: the use of technology in craft and DIY communities of practice

Journal of Systems and Information Technology ◽

10.1108/jsit-05-2013-0018 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 16 (4) ◽

pp. 277-295 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Kate Holmes ◽

Anita Greenhill ◽

Rachel McLean

Keyword(s):

Communities Of Practice ◽

Information And Communication Technologies ◽

Deep Understanding ◽

Ethnographic Study ◽

Original Research ◽

Structured Interviews ◽

Content Type ◽

Use Of Technology ◽

Theoretical Perspectives ◽

Insight Into

Purpose – The purpose of this study is to gain insight into craft and do-it-yourself (DIY) communities of practice (COPs) and how the use of technology provides ways for participants to connect, share and create. Gaining deeper insights into the practices of these communities may provide new opportunities to utilise within this flourishing domain. Design/methodology/approach – Qualitative methods were adopted to collect data and analysed through an interpretivist lens. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with members of craft and DIY COPs to gain a deep understanding of the broader ethnographic study. Existing theoretical perspectives surrounding COPs have been applied to further current perspectives. Findings – Findings from this study suggest that being part of a COP allows participants to connect to others, build creative enterprise and learn or enhance skills. Insights gained from this study indicate some of the detailed ways in which the application of technology redefines craft and DIY COPs. Research limitations/implications – This study provides a succinct exploration of a vast and fluid domain; if presented with more time and wider resources, the research would include further exploration of virtual COPs. Originality/value – The investigation provides a rich insight into the use of information and communication technologies (ICTs) within craft and DIY COPs. The application of theoretical perspectives from the area of Information Systems (IS) and Technology Management to this domain is regarded as an original research and furthers knowledge in these areas. Originality/value – The investigation provides a rich insight into the use of ICTs within craft and DIY COPs. The application of theoretical perspectives from the area of IS to the domain of craft and DIY culture is original research and extends existing concepts to include skills sharing as a previously unexplored domain.

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Home-Based Cardiac Rehabilitation During COVID-19: A Qualitative Study

10.21203/rs.3.rs-500145/v1 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Smitha Ganeshan ◽

Crystal Tse ◽

Alexis Beatty

Keyword(s):

Cardiac Rehabilitation ◽

Organizational Factors ◽

Structured Interviews ◽

Ongoing Research ◽

Staff Members ◽

Use Of Technology ◽

Home Based ◽

Mobile Phone Applications ◽

Delivery Models

Abstract Background: Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) has been shown to reduce mortality, morbidity, and hospitalizations. Increasingly, digital tools have augmented the ease of delivering programs outside of the traditional rehabilitation center setting. Because of the need for distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic, many cardiac rehabilitation (CR) centers suspended in-person services and pivoted to home-based CR (HBCR). In this study, we qualitatively evaluated implementation of HBCR, which included weekly phone or video visits for individualized exercise plans, nutrition and health education counseling, wellness sessions, and optional mobile phone applications.Methods: Patient participants and staff members (physician, nurses, exercise physiologists, dietician, administrative staff) participated in semi-structured interviews. Two independent reviewers coded interview transcripts for emergent themes and pre-specified themes from the Theory of Planned Behavior, Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology, and the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research.Results: A total of 12 patients and 7 staff were interviewed. Narrative descriptions highlighted the isolation, fear, and disruption of life activities during COVID-19. Key facilitators of the HBCR patient experience included strong relationships with staff who served as coaches and sources of accountability and the ability of HBCR to deliver an individually tailored experience within a patient’s home. Important organizational factors for implementation included leadership buy-in, culture of change, and support for staff. Though technology tools facilitated communication and accountability, not all participants embraced technology and some reported challenges with use.Conclusions: Individually tailored HBCR can facilitate access for patients to participate outside of a CR center. Ongoing research is needed to understand the long-term outcomes of flexible delivery models that may include both in-person and remote visits, and the role of technology in these models.

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