Qualitative study assessing the usage of mobile technology and its impact on self efficacy, motivation and willingness of high school students

The usage of mobile technology had been a burning issue in the nation with the prevalence of COVID-19 in society. The research problem was centered on the perception and acceptance of mobile technology in the education industry as it relates to students and teachers. It also ascertained the student achievement, motivation, and willingness to use mobile devices in a high school setting of students in grades ninth through twelfth. The development of mobile technology will massively impact the education industry making accessibility, and knowledge management simple. The purpose of the study was to add to the body of knowledge using a qualitative process of adoption of mobile technology by High School Students, assessing their self-efficacy, motivation, and willingness to utilize technology. The conceptual framework involved the Frame Model, in which teachers' and students' engagement and management of change, along with potential resistance to change may exist. The model considers a device's usability and the social and learner aspects of the learning. The research method for this study was qualitative in nature from a phenomenological perspective and involved 11 participants as determined by previous research as a viable population for consideration. The key results and findings clearly revealed that more than 90% showed that the education system should encourage transitioning to technology usage. Student engagement, willingness, motivation, and confidence were boosted with the use of technology. The implication is that the potential impact for positive social change at the personal, family, and organizational levels will yield satisfaction and active participation or engagement of students in the class, home, and society at large. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved)

A typology for digital leadership in higher education: the case of a large-scale mobile technology initiative (using tablets).

This study investigated a digital reform initiative, rated excellent by the government, of one higher education institution (HEI) in an Arab State in the Gulf. The focus of the study was to develop a digital typology, while exploring the leadership attributes that characterized the core leadership team, as they accomplished the migration towards a digital culture in one year, within a context where faculty members showed resistance against digitalization. The study was conducted immediately after the implementation of the initiative that took place over the course of one year, just before the Covid-19 pandemic. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with all the six key individuals in the leadership team who led this initiative. Data was analyzed using content-based analysis. Findings of the study were used to synthesize a 5D typology for digital leadership attributes: (1) Digital competence; (2) Digital culture; (3) Digital Differentiation; (4) Digital governance; and (5) Digital advocacy. The paper provides in depth discussion how these attributes supported the adaptive ability of a Higher Education Institution towards accepting digitalization.

Using Rational Choice Theory to Explore Factors Impacting Contact Tracing Application Adoption

Effective contact tracing is an important tool in trying to control the spread of highly infectious diseases. Utilizing the theory of reasoned action and rational choice theory, this study explores factors impacting the adoption of mobile contact tracing application. Findings indicate that perceived benefits of usage and perceived costs of non-usage positively impact an individual's attitude toward usage intention, while information security concern as perceived cost of usage has a negative effect.

Impact of Mobile Technology and Use of Big Data in Physics Education During Coronavirus Lockdown

The speed of spread of Coronavirus Disease 2019 led to global lockdowns and disruptions in the academic sector. The study examined the impact of mobile technology on physics education during lockdowns. Data were collected through an online survey and later evaluated using regression tools, frequency, and an analysis of variance (ANOVA). The findings revealed that the usage of mobile technology had statistically significant effects on physics instructors' and students' academics during the coronavirus lockdown. Most of the participants admitted that the use of mobile technologies such as smartphones, laptops, PDAs, Zoom, mobile apps, etc. were very useful and helpful for continued education amid the pandemic restrictions. Online teaching is very effective during lock-down with smartphones and laptops on different platforms. The paper brings the limelight to the growing power of mobile technology solutions in physics education. © 2018 Tsinghua University Press.

Academic Writing and Information Literacy Instruction in Digital Environments: A Complementary Approach

This book offers an interdisciplinary approach to the teaching of academic writing and information literacy in a new digital dimension, drawing on recent trends towards project-based writing, digital writing and multimodal writing in Education, and synthesising theory with practice to provide a handy toolkit for teachers and researchers. The author combines a practical orientation to teaching academic writing and information literacy with a grounding in current theories of writing instruction in the digitalized era, and argue that as digital environments become more universal in modern society - particularly in the aftermath of the coronavirus pandemic - the lines between traditional academic writing and multi-modal digital writing must necessary become blurred. This book will be of use to teachers and instructors of academic writing and information literacy, particularly within the context of English for Academic Purposes (EAP), as well as students and researchers in Applied Linguistics, Pedagogy and Digital Writing. © The Editor(s) (if applicable) and The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2022.

COVID-19 and hospitality 5.0: Redefining hospitality operations.

The sudden outbreak of COVID-19 has severely affected the global hospitality industry. The hygiene and cleanliness of hotels has become the focal point in the recovery plan during COVID-19. This study investigates the effects of past disasters on the global hospitality industry, and how the industry responded to them. Since past pandemics and epidemics identified hygiene and cleanliness as an important factor, this study further explores the role of technology in ensuring hygiene and cleanliness. Hence, this study further examines the scalability of Industry 5.0 design principles into the hospitality context, leading to Hospitality 5.0 to improve operational efficiency. The study further delineates how Hospitality 5.0 technologies can ensure hygiene and cleanliness in various touchpoints in customer's journey. This study serves as a foundation to understand how synergy between humans and machines can be achieved through Hospitality 5.0. The theoretical and practical implications are discussed.

Mobile Commerce - Analysis and Investigation of the Online Safety, Privacy, and Data Forensics of Amazon and Etsy Apps

The COVID19 pandemic has led to the proliferation of the use of online shopping applications among millions of customers worldwide. The enormous potential in technological advancements, particularly mobile technology, has directly impacted mobile commerce, where the shopping process has become so convenient. While the benefits of mobile commerce are multi-fold, the current privacy practices and the extent of user data residue in shopping apps have been less explored. In this paper, we conducted an in-depth, systematic analysis of two of the most popular mobile shopping apps - Amazon and Etsy. Our analysis led to the recovery of user data and shopping activity artifacts from Amazon and Etsy buyer and seller apps on Android/iOS devices. Based on the user data and artifacts found, we have also discussed the implications of default privacy settings, the importance of online safety policies prior to product listings, and implications for research and practice. © 2023 IEEE Computer Society. All rights reserved.

Online E-learning Mobile Application for Self-learning

This research work is focused on the accessible Mobile user application developments to facilitate student and faculty communication through native android applications. Covid'19 and this pandemic brings E-learning systems as majority education levels. Mobile technology has efficient learning systems in many countries like the United States where the students use google paths such as the classroom to extend learning effectively. Limitations in existing apps are that students are not appreciated and monitored for self learning, schedule sharing is only at the end of the course and also knowing the mapping concepts of teaching pedagogy is also less approachable. To overcome these problems mobile technology support is proposed in this work with these three modules such as i) Authentication self learning and performance (ASLP) - Authentication for right users along with improvement of monitoring self learning to analyze performance ii) Syllable Schedule (SS) - prior scheduling on syllable and organization of time table matching based on outcome iii) Authorized facilitator (AF) - Set permission based on designation such that facilitator communicates based on needs. To achieve the above highlighted terms Google API is applied by peer reviews and interactions enabled such that efficient mobile applications development is proved. Also the ion hierarchy is improved when setting the interaction module implies less complexity, less storage. Thus the scope of research work is to use classroom overall performance, interaction, development process to upgrade the results of students. Education level is also enhanced through online E-learning mobile technology (OELMT) that has native applications to develop students' knowledge in a better way. © 2022 IEEE.

Analyzing the Application of Artificial Intelligence for E-Commerce Customer Engagement

The new era of enterprise business disruption has been significantly influenced by the technological revolution driven by the expanding use of artificial intelligence. Consumers' growing desire for comfort and safety has led to drastic shifts in the consumption patterns for retail due to the widespread use of digital and mobile technologies, especially after the Covid-19 pandemic. Hence, the popularity of e-commerce is expected to considerably grow. Through this study, the authors attempt to identify the various factors of artificial intelligence that affect customer engagement in the Indian e-commerce sector. The authors also propose a CAPE model (Captivating Consumers by Using Chatbots for Interaction, Augmented AI Advertising, Personalized Content and Offerings, Engaging Consumers based on AI Data Insights) indicating the strategies that Indian e-commerce businesses and marketers may adopt for enhancing the levels of customer engagement in a post-pandemic scenario. © 2022 IEEE.

Design-based research for virtual learning: A holistic perspective on the pedagogical and contextual factors of interactive mobile technology on English learners

The purpose of this design-based research study was to provide a holistic perspective on the pedagogical and contextual factors of interactive mobile technology on English learners and investigate the theoretical potential of audio-video software interventions for second language acquisition. Specifically, the study explored current virtual technologies for 2nd through 5th grade English learners designed to model face to-face EL instruction due to the COVID-19 pandemic causing prolonged school closures. After evaluating three cycles of interventions founded on Stephen Krashen's and Lev Vygotsky's language learning theories and utilizing a teacher survey and researcher observations, the study identified an onslaught of key takeaways including the need for investment to establish necessary infrastructure, ed-tech policies and standards, and comprehensive pedagogical frameworks to effectively operationalize virtual learning curriculum and leverage best practices of interactive mobile technology. The study discusses the impact of the sudden shift to virtual contexts and provides suggestions for overcoming challenges in educational technology to move beyond surface levels of integration within the computer-assisted language learning contexts. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved)

Mobile technology acceptance among undergraduate nursing students instructed by blended learning at selected educational institutions in South India.

BACKGROUND: Mobile phones have become a widely accepted learning mode due to the impact of COVID-19. This study explores the mobile technology acceptance, among nursing students at selected educational institutions in South India. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Quantitative cross-sectional descriptive design. First-year 176 B.Sc. nursing students who underwent blended learning were selected by the purposive sampling method. The tool "Technology Acceptance Model" was used to collect responses. Bivariate analysis was used to determine the relationship between the demographic and study-related variables with the mobile technology acceptance using SPSS version 25.0. RESULTS: The majority 73.9% of the students belonged to the age group of 18-19 years, females 76.7% and, 98.9% were unmarried. Among the constructs of TAM, a mean (SD) value of 22.08 (2.26) was found for material (mobile device audio/video) characteristics the mean (SD) value was 22.08 (2.26), attitude about use 17.58 (1.95), behavioral intention 17.46 (1.78) and system characteristics 17.21 (2.27). The mobile technology acceptance revealed that 126 (71.6%) strongly agreed, 49 (27.8%) agreed, and 1 (0.6%) was neutral with a mean (SD) of 105.19 (8.68), respectively. A positive correlation was found between the system characteristics, material characteristics, perceived ease to use, perceived usefulness, attitude about the use, behavioral intention with a P value <0.001. There was a statistically significant association between Mobile technology acceptance and time spent by the students for independent studies shown the Chi-square value of 12.7, with P value <0.05. CONCLUSION: Nursing students had a positive acceptance and behavior toward smartphone use.

An analysis of the COVID-19 contact tracing App in South Africa: Challenges experienced by users

South Africa is one of the countries in Africa that has a high COVID-19 virus infection rate. The government of South Africa introduced the COVID Alert SA App, a contact tracing mobile application (App), to reduce the spread of the COVID-19 virus. This paper reports on the challenges users experienced when using the COVID Alert SA App. Using the design-reality gap model, the study analyzed online user reviews of the App and government reports. The qualitative data were analyzed using thematic analysis to highlight insights on the challenges of using the COVID Alert SA App. The findings indicate that public awareness was a major limitation of the App, amongst others, including a lack of trust relating to privacy and security when using the App, and a lack of technical support. The insights can be useful for developers, researchers, policymakers, and other stakeholders to improve the adoption and use of the contact tracing App to reduce the spread of the COVID-19 virus. [ FROM AUTHOR]

Design-based research for virtual learning: A holistic perspective on the pedagogical and contextual factors of interactive mobile technology on English learners

The purpose of this design-based research study was to provide a holistic perspective on the pedagogical and contextual factors of interactive mobile technology on English learners and investigate the theoretical potential of audio-video software interventions for second language acquisition. Specifically, the study explored current virtual technologies for 2nd through 5th grade English learners designed to model face to-face EL instruction due to the COVID-19 pandemic causing prolonged school closures. After evaluating three cycles of interventions founded on Stephen Krashen's and Lev Vygotsky's language learning theories and utilizing a teacher survey and researcher observations, the study identified an onslaught of key takeaways including the need for investment to establish necessary infrastructure, ed-tech policies and standards, and comprehensive pedagogical frameworks to effectively operationalize virtual learning curriculum and leverage best practices of interactive mobile technology. The study discusses the impact of the sudden shift to virtual contexts and provides suggestions for overcoming challenges in educational technology to move beyond surface levels of integration within the computer-assisted language learning contexts. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved)

Augmented Reality as a Digital Tool to Support All Learners in Inquiry-Based Learning Lessons

This article presents a conceptual understanding of how the powerful digital tool of augmented reality (AR) can be used for enhancing inquiry-based learning lessons (IBLLs). With an increased reliance on technology following the COVID-19 pan-demic, reduced teacher preparation time, and a need to provide students with alternative student-centered lessons, we provide a simplified understanding of the often-complex nature of IBLLs using experiential learning theory (ELT). Further, we highlight the immersive qualities within AR, pair AR with the simplified foundation, provide examples within the research, and offer further applications available to current practitioners. © Holder: Adam Carreon & Sean Smith.

Longitudinal study of teacher acceptance of mobile virtual labs.

Synthesizing the advancements in technology with classroom practices depends considerably on teachers acceptance of such internet and communication technology (ICT) tools. Adequate teacher training and upgrading of their IT skills are not prioritized in developing economies leading to poor adoption of emerging technology assisted pedagogic interventions. This paper investigated the underlying characteristics of teachers acceptance of mobile friendly virtual laboratories (M-VLs) as part of a longitudinal study conducted over 5 years covering both pre-pandemic and pandemic periods. Systematic analysis of quantitative data from 650 chemistry teachers was carried out. Viewing through the theoretical lens of Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT2) theory, the effects of performance expectancy (PE), effort expectancy (EE), social influence (SI), facilitating conditions (FC), hedonic motivation (HM) and habit (HA) on the behavioral intention (BI) and use behavior (UB) were scrutinized. Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) analysis revealed that PE, SI, and HA are the considerable predictors of the BI to use M-VLs and HA is the predictor of UB. The present study found HM influencing teacher's BI and UB before COVID-19. However during COVID-19 the FC influenced usage. Moreover, we found that the technology training focused on enhancing knowledge, skill and, access leads to teachers' are critical to empowering teachers and causing wider adoption.

Internet Management Practices at Higher Education Institutions in South Africa

The COVID-19 pandemic the past years has forced Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) to fast-track digital transformation, specifically moving to an online environment. The online environment requires students to have access to the Internet, mobile technologies and data. The past years, a number of HEIs have become a smart campus, using networked technologies to facilitate teaching and learning, communication, campus security and advanced information technology (IT). HEIs constantly need to monitor and improve Internet management practices and relevant IT resources for their users. The Internet has become the foundation on which most IT resources rely and thus Internet management is a distinctive competency for a HEI. South African HEIs have limited Internet resources and are expected to use these resources optimally to ensure efficient and effective Internet connectivity on all campuses for all users and applications. The aim of this study was to determine the present Internet management practices at South African HEIs and to determine which elements may require change to optimize South African HEIs' Internet provision to their users. A best practices HEIs Internet management business model is presented. © 2022 IEEE.

Examining the Use of Mobile Technology to Deliver Tailored Sexual Assault Prevention in a Classroom Environment in the Military: Development and Usability Study.

BACKGROUND: Advances in mobile technology over the last 10 years have expanded its use in scientific research. However, there are challenges in creating a reliable system for intervention content delivery and data collection in an environment with limited internet connectivity and limited staffing capacity. The Sexual Communication and Consent (SCC) study used tablets to provide individualized Sexual Assault Prevention and Response training in a classroom environment that was both technologically and support staff limited. OBJECTIVE: We developed the SCC Basic Military Training app and a separate Sexual Assault Response Coordinator app to support individualized training within the new SCC program. This paper presents the functionality, protocols, challenges, and feasibility of deploying mobile technology in an educational environment in the military with limited resources. METHODS: We developed both mobile apps targeting the Apple iOS ecosystem. The Basic Military Training app provided a screening instrument that routed the trainee into 1 of 5 specific intervention programs. Over 2 days of basic military training set 2 weeks apart, trainees received a combined 6 hours of program-specific tablet training, combined with universal, interactive classroom training, led by qualified instructors. The Sexual Assault Response Coordinator app, used to deliver supplemental content to a subgroup of trainees, was made available for voluntary and private use at the Sexual Assault Response Coordinator's office on base. All anonymous data were manually transferred onto laptops, where the data were aggregated into files and securely transferred to the project staff for analysis. The study was conducted at the Lackland Air Force Base, Joint Base San Antonio, with 9196 trainees providing the data. RESULTS: A total of 7742 trainees completed both the sessions of the SCC program and a series of evaluative assessments. Some trainees did not receive day 2 training, and only received day 1 training because the COVID-19 pandemic shortened the study period. Of the 190 SCC classes taught, only one class was unable to complete tablet training because of Apple licensing-related technology failure. The 360 study tablets were distributed across 3 classrooms (120 per classroom) and were handled at least 16,938 times with no reports of breakage or requiring replacement. Wi-Fi access limitations exacerbated the complexity of Apple licensing revalidation and the secure transfer of data from the classroom to project personnel. The instructor staff's limited technical knowledge to perform certain technical tasks was challenging. CONCLUSIONS: The results demonstrated the feasibility of deploying a mobile app for tablet-based training in a military educational environment. Although successful, the study was not without technical challenges. This paper gives examples of technical lessons learned and recommendations for conducting the study differently, with the aim that the knowledge gained may be helpful to other researchers encountering similar requirements.

Personalized Prediction of Response to Smartphone-Delivered Meditation Training: Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Meditation apps have surged in popularity in recent years, with an increasing number of individuals turning to these apps to cope with stress, including during the COVID-19 pandemic. Meditation apps are the most commonly used mental health apps for depression and anxiety. However, little is known about who is well suited to these apps. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to develop and test a data-driven algorithm to predict which individuals are most likely to benefit from app-based meditation training. METHODS: Using randomized controlled trial data comparing a 4-week meditation app (Healthy Minds Program [HMP]) with an assessment-only control condition in school system employees (n=662), we developed an algorithm to predict who is most likely to benefit from HMP. Baseline clinical and demographic characteristics were submitted to a machine learning model to develop a "Personalized Advantage Index" (PAI) reflecting an individual's expected reduction in distress (primary outcome) from HMP versus control. RESULTS: A significant group × PAI interaction emerged (t658=3.30; P=.001), indicating that PAI scores moderated group differences in outcomes. A regression model that included repetitive negative thinking as the sole baseline predictor performed comparably well. Finally, we demonstrate the translation of a predictive model into personalized recommendations of expected benefit. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, the results revealed the potential of a data-driven algorithm to inform which individuals are most likely to benefit from a meditation app. Such an algorithm could be used to objectively communicate expected benefits to individuals, allowing them to make more informed decisions about whether a meditation app is appropriate for them. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04426318; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04426318.

Using Digital Tools for Contact Tracing to Improve COVID-19 Safety in Schools: Qualitative Study Exploring Views and Experiences Among School Staff.

BACKGROUND: Throughout the pandemic, governments worldwide have issued guidelines to manage the spread and impact of COVID-19 in schools, including measures around social distancing and contact tracing. Whether schools required support to implement these guidelines has not yet been explored in depth. Despite the development of a range of technologies to tackle COVID-19, such as contact-tracing apps and electronic vaccine certificates, research on their usefulness in school settings has been limited. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to explore the needs of school staff in managing COVID-19 and their experiences and perspectives on technological support in relation to contact tracing. School staff are the ones likely to make key implementation decisions regarding new technologies, and they are also the ones responsible for using the new tools daily. Including both management staff and class teachers in the development of school-based technologies can lead to their successful adoption by schools. METHODS: Semistructured interviews were conducted with UK school staff, including primary and secondary school teachers and school managers. Thematic analysis, facilitated by NVivo, was used to analyze the data. Two of the authors independently coded 5 (28%) of the interviews and reached a consensus on a coding framework. RESULTS: Via purposive sampling, we recruited 18 participants from 5 schools. Findings showed that primary schools did not perform contact tracing, while in secondary schools, digital seating plans were used to identify close contacts in the classroom and manual investigations were also conducted identify social contacts. Participants reported that despite their efforts, high-risk interactions between students were not adequately monitored. There was a need to improve accuracy when identifying close contacts in common areas where students congregate. Proximity tracking, use of access cards, and closed-circuit television (CCTV) emerged as potential solutions, but there were concerns surrounding false alerts, burden, and security. CONCLUSIONS: School staff have found it difficult to monitor and implement social distancing and contact-tracing provisions. There are opportunities for mobile digital technologies and CCTV to support school staff in keeping their students and colleagues safe; however, these must place minimal demands on staff and prioritize security measures. Study findings can help researchers and practitioners who work in different contexts and settings understand what particular challenges are faced by school staff, and inform further research on the design and application of digital solutions for contact tracing.

Klever 21: Mobile App to Support Competence-Based Education

The appearance of COVID 19 caused the closure of many higher education institution facilities across the world and Mexico was no exception. This situation interrupted normal teaching and learning activities, fostering the search and development of tools which can guarantee the continuation of learning and teaching activities. Accordingly, this article describes the need for a tool to support learning activities within the context of a challenge-based learning approach. Consequently, after a search for an existing tool it was decided to design a tool suitable for competence development through challenge-based learning. Thus, a mobile app named Klever 21 was designed and released as a test version for this purpose. Additionally, this mobile app is associated with a web platform to aid project management and student competence evaluations. This article describes the main features of Klever 21 which is currently being tested at Tecnologico de Monterrey. This technology represents an evolution of mobile app technologies to face disruptive situations in higher education institutions. © 2021 IEEE.