Opportunities and Barriers for Ontario Teachers in their Delivery of Environmental Education using Information and Communication Technologies

Online Survey ◽

Human Environment ◽

Engaged Teachers

<div>Teaching and learning about the environment in the present day is filled with possibility, challenge, and urgency. Government-mandated environmental curriculum, where it exists, can provide important pedagogical and content guidance. However, bottom-up and teacher-initiated approaches to the timely delivery of relevant and contemporary environmental education are required. This research identifies and describes barriers and opportunities to the delivery of environmental education in Ontario, Canada. It also explores the receptivity of teachers to the use of information and communication technologies (ICTs) as tools to complement existing instructional methods, and proposes refocusing on local geographies to exemplify human-environment interactions. Two methods of data collection were used: an online survey (n=54), a semi-structured focus group (n=18). Both approaches engaged teachers within the Toronto District School Board (TDSB), Canada’s largest school board. Three-quarters of study participants (76%) identified that teaching about the environment with hands-on assignments (e.g., data collection, field observations, experiments) was beneficial to student learning. A similar majority of teachers (74%) agreed that environmental education was an afterthought in the Ontario curriculum. A strong positive response from teachers was solicited when they were asked if ICTs were useful teaching tools. Using a Mantel-Haenszel test of trend, teachers’ perception of student enjoyment in, and engagement with, subject matter was shown to be significantly positively associated with the frequency of environmental content included in their lessons (p<0.000). NVivo software was used with content arising from the focus group discussion, and a content analysis was run to identify the frequency with which educators described current environment-related teaching, providing both new details and offering greater context to the online survey responses. While highlighting systemic weaknesses in the delivery of environmental education in Ontario, this study identified tangible avenues that teachers and schools can pursue in order to bridge the gap between environmental rhetoric and action-oriented practice.</div><div><br></div><div>Keywords: environmental education, place-based learning, Ontario, information and communication technology (ICTs), policy, mixed methods </div>

Opportunities and Barriers for Ontario Teachers in their Delivery of Environmental Education using Information and Communication Technologies

10.32920/17123768 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Courtney Carrier

Keyword(s):

Focus Group ◽

Data Collection ◽

Environmental Education ◽

School Board ◽

Online Survey ◽

Human Environment ◽

Engaged Teachers

SOCIETY INTEGRATION EDUCATION Proceedings of the International Scientific Conference ◽

BANKS AND FINTECH: IMPACT OF TECHNOLOGICAL INNOVATION ON COMPETENCES MANAGEMENT IN LATVIA

10.17770/sie2021vol6.6488 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 6 ◽

pp. 423-438

Author(s):

Andris Nātriņš ◽

Andris Sarnovics ◽

Elīna Miķelsone

Keyword(s):

Focus Group ◽

Empirical Research ◽

Focus Group Discussion ◽

Technological Innovation ◽

Current Literature ◽

Group Discussion ◽

Financial Sector ◽

Information And Communication

Purpose: To explore information and communication technologies (ICT) impact on competences management in the financial sector in Latvia.Methodology: Focus group discussion with leading financial sector experts in the Latvia.Findings: There is a mismatch between academically provided competences and what is expected by the financial sector representatives within Latvia.Originality/value: Empirical research on what kind of competences are important in the financial sector at present and in the future. Contribute to the current literature by researching on how resulting competencies from the focus group compare to the academically provided competences for potential financial sector employees. By exploring received responses to the questions from this research, it can help policymakers, financial sector and academical representatives to stay agile to the arising changes of supplied and demanded competencies in the financial sector.

Using Zoom Videoconferencing for Qualitative Data Collection: Perceptions and Experiences of Researchers and Participants

International Journal of Qualitative Methods ◽

10.1177/1609406919874596 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 18 ◽

pp. 160940691987459 ◽

Cited By ~ 25

Author(s):

Mandy M. Archibald ◽

Rachel C. Ambagtsheer ◽

Mavourneen G. Casey ◽

Michael Lawless

Keyword(s):

Mixed Methods ◽

Data Collection ◽

Qualitative Data ◽

Qualitative Interviews ◽

Ease Of Use ◽

Practice Nurses ◽

Conducting Research

Advances in communication technologies offer new opportunities for the conduct of qualitative research. Among these, Zoom—an innovative videoconferencing platform—has a number of unique features that enhance its potential appeal to qualitative and mixed-methods researchers. Although studies have explored the use of information and communication technologies for conducting research, few have explored both researcher and participant perspectives on the use of web and videoconferencing platforms. Further, data are lacking on the benefits and challenges of using Zoom as a data collection method. In this study, we explore the feasibility and acceptability of using Zoom to collect qualitative interview data within a health research context in order to better understand its suitability for qualitative and mixed-methods researchers. We asked 16 practice nurses who participated in online qualitative interviews about their experiences of using Zoom and concurrently recorded researcher observations. Although several participants experienced technical difficulties, most described their interview experience as highly satisfactory and generally rated Zoom above alternative interviewing mediums such as face-to-face, telephone, and other videoconferencing services, platforms, and products. Findings suggest the viability of Zoom as a tool for collection of qualitative data because of its relative ease of use, cost-effectiveness, data management features, and security options. Further research exploring the utility of Zoom is recommended in order to critically assess and advance innovations in online methods.

Factors Influencing Technology Use in Aural Skills Lessons

Revue musicale OICRM ◽

10.7202/1040297ar ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 4 (1) ◽

pp. 1-16 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Justine Pomerleau Turcotte ◽

Maria Teresa Moreno Sala ◽

Francis Dubé

Keyword(s):

Technology Use ◽

Instrumental Music ◽

Online Survey ◽

Music Teachers ◽

Aural Skills ◽

Frequency Of Use ◽

Musical Dictation

In North America, aural skills (as) are usually taught to children during the instrumental music lessons. While learning musical dictation and sight-singing can be difficult for some learners, the use of appropriate technological tools could facilitate the process. However, the use of information and communication technologies (ict) by music teachers in aural skills instruction to children have not been documented. An online survey was conducted in the Province of Quebec (Canada) in order to answer the following questions: 1) To what extent do instrumental music teachers use ict when teaching as to children between 6 and 12 years old?; 2) Are the teachers’ socio-demographic characteristics, as training and perception of as teaching linked to the use and the frequency of use of ict? The results show that the use of ict to teach as is still relatively uncommon. Furthermore, it would be negatively correlated with age, competence felt during training and perceived competence to teach as. Finally, it appears that a smaller proportion of piano teachers and women use ict, or use them less often. A better understanding of the teachers’ perception of technology could help develop more adapted resources.

Information and communication technology, mobile devices, and medical education

10.1101/420281 ◽

2018 ◽

Author(s):

Andrea Rodríguez-Ríos ◽

Gerardo Espinoza-Téllez ◽

José Darío Martínez-Ezquerro ◽

Mario Enrique Rendón-Macías

Keyword(s):

Medical Education ◽

Medical Students ◽

Mobile Devices ◽

Online Survey ◽

Private University ◽

School Year ◽

Medical Articles

AbstractIntroductionInformation and communication technologies (ICT) are practical and highly available tools. In medical education, ICTs allow physicians to update their knowledge and remember the necessary information within reach of current mobile devices. ICTs as preparation tools for medical education have not been reported for medical students in Mexico.MethodologyTo assess the use of mobile devices as ICTs with medical education purposes, we distributed a questionnaire through an online survey management system to all the medical students (n=180) from a private university in Mexico City, 100% agreed to participate. We developed a questionnaire based on previous surveys and adapted it to our university.ResultsAll participants reported possession of an electronic mobile device, and 95% used it regularly for learning purposes. Regardless of the school year, the most frequent usage given to these devices was the search and reading of medical articles, the use of medical calculators, and taking notes. As the levels in career advances, there was a reduction in the use of electronic devices. According to the students, the main barriers towards using mobile devices for learning purposes were both the lack of access to the Internet and permission from the professor to use them.ConclusionMost medical students use mobile devices for learning purposes, but usage changes during their education. It is convenient to encourage the use of mobile devices and the development of ICT skills as tools for educational purposes rather than banning their use in schools and hospitals.

Benefits, Satisfaction and Limitations Derived from the Performance of Intergenerational Virtual Activities: Data from a General Population Spanish Survey

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph19010401 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 19 (1) ◽

pp. 401

Author(s):

Alejandro Canedo-García ◽

Jesús-Nicasio García-Sánchez ◽

Deilis-Ivonne Pacheco-Sanz

Keyword(s):

Older People ◽

Social Inclusion ◽

Online Survey ◽

Well Being ◽

Academic Education ◽

Virtual Tools ◽

Intergenerational Interactions

The growing social gap between people of different generations has led to a greater interest in the study of intergenerational interactions. Digital technologies have become necessary for people of all ages to perform daily activities, increasingly including older people. The use of information and communication technologies (ICTs) and virtual tools can provide older people with excellent opportunities to connect with other generations, improving their quality of life and well-being. The aim of this study was to examine the benefits, satisfaction, and limitations of intergenerational interactions generated by the use of virtual tools. The participants are subjects of any age and different social groups residing in Spain and have completed an online survey. The analysis of sociodemographic data of the respondents showed that there is a significant correlation between the use of social networks and all the variables analyzed, except for their level of autonomy. Most participants who participated in intergenerational virtual activities reported the benefits of their social participation, relationships, mood, mental health, and academic education. Moreover, most participants were quite or very satisfied with the person with whom they used the virtual tools, especially if the person was a friend, their partner, sibling, another relative, or colleague. Except for grandparents, people who participated in intergenerational virtual activities and who had no limitations or disabilities were more frequently reported by the participants. In conclusion, intergenerational interactions through the use of virtual tools can contribute to improving the social inclusion and relationships of all people involved.

Online social engagement, depression, and anxiety among older adults

New Media & Society ◽

10.1177/14614448211054377 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 146144482110543

Author(s):

Matthias Hofer ◽

Eszter Hargittai

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Older Adults ◽

Social Interactions ◽

Social Engagement ◽

Online Survey ◽

Depression And Anxiety ◽

Using Data

As opportunities for social interactions proliferate online, questions arise as to how engagement in such activities may relate to mental health. Given older adults’ shrinking networks and increasing use of information and communication technologies (ICTs), online interactions could offer alternatives for connections that could ultimately benefit older users’ mental health. This article examines associations between older adults’ online social engagement and their mental health. Using data from an online survey of older adults ages 60+, we find positive and negative associations between different forms of online social engagement and anxiety. In terms of depression, two forms of online social engagement showed positive associations with this mental health indicator. Our results can help explain inconclusive findings of previous research on ICT use and mental health by looking at how specific online social activities relate to mental health.

Application of digital platforms in the urban infrastructure development

SHS Web of Conferences ◽

10.1051/shsconf/202110601028 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 106 ◽

pp. 01028

Author(s):

Timur Ablyazov

Keyword(s):

Human Life ◽

Urban Infrastructure ◽

Infrastructure Development ◽

Human Environment ◽

Digital Platforms ◽

Important Trend ◽

The Internet Of Things

In the context of the digital economy, one of the main directions for the development of the human environment is the digital transformation of cities. Digital platforms in the field of urban infrastructure are a key instrument for digitalizing territories. The paper substantiates that the transformation of urban infrastructure is an important trend in the development of territories, and also describes the benefits that can be obtained through the introduction of digital technologies into the human environment. As a result of the study, the issues of integration of physical and digital infrastructure of cities were assessed and it was concluded that the functioning of digital platforms is based on the establishment of interconnections between infrastructure objects and data storages through information and communication technologies. The prospects of introducing the Internet of Things into the urban infrastructure as a way to improve the process of interaction of all elements of the human life environment during the implementation of digital platforms are also considered.

The Use of New Digital Information and Communication Technologies in Psychological Counseling during the COVID-19 Pandemic

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph17207663 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 17 (20) ◽

pp. 7663

Author(s):

Artemisa R. Dores ◽

Andreia Geraldo ◽

Irene P. Carvalho ◽

Fernando Barbosa

Keyword(s):

Online Survey ◽

Professional Experience ◽

Digital Information ◽

Web Based ◽

Face To Face ◽

The Impact ◽

Positive Results

The use of digital information and communication technologies (ICTs) has enabled many professionals to continue to provide their services during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, little is known about the adoption of ICTs by psychologists and the impact of such technologies on their practice. This study aimed to explore psychologists’ practices related with the use of ICTs before and during the COVID-19 lockdown, to identify the main changes that the pandemic has brought and the impact that such changes have had on their practice with clients, and also identify the factors that potentially have affected such changes. The Portuguese Psychologists Association announced the study, and 108 psychologists responded to an online survey during the mandatory lockdown. The results showed that these professionals continued to provide their services due to having adopted ICTs. Comparing with face-to-face interventions, psychologists recognized that additional precautions/knowledge were needed to use such technologies. Despite the challenges identified, they described the experience with the use of ICTs as positive, meeting clients’ adherence, and yielding positive results. Psychologists with the most years of professional experience maintained their services the most, but those with average experience showed the most favorable attitudes toward the use of technologies and web-based interventions.

An Empirical Analysis of the Utilization of University Digital Library Resources

Handbook of Research on Digital Libraries ◽

10.4018/978-1-59904-879-6.ch035 ◽

2009 ◽

pp. 344-351

Author(s):

Hepu Deng

Keyword(s):

Online Survey ◽

Rapid Development ◽

Digital Resources ◽

University Environment ◽

Library Resources ◽

Effective Use

Digital resources are readily available and easily accessible with the rapid development of information and communication technologies nowadays. These digital resources, however, have not been fully utilized as demonstrated in the literature. This chapter presents a study based on an online survey in a university environment aiming to investigate the extent to which digital resources are utilized, and to identify the critical factors for the effective use of digital resources. The study reveals that the usage of digital resources is significant in higher education, and the utilization of digital resources is very much dependent on the users and purposes. The awareness and the quality of information are critical for the use of digital resources. The findings of this study shed light on the use of digital resources and help libraries better understand users’ perceptions and experiences of using digital resources services in university libraries.