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Title: | Factors affecting ICT education among vulnerable minors in Malta : findings of the star kids research project |
Authors: | Cuff, Annabel Azzopardi, Andrew Brown, Maria Cutajar, Ann Marie |
Keywords: | Digital divide Information technology -- Study and teaching -- Malta Problem children -- Education -- Malta Internet and children -- Malta Educational technology -- Malta |
Issue Date: | 2023 |
Publisher: | Faculty of Education. University of Malta |
Citation: | Cuff, A., Azzopardi, A., Brown, M., & Cutajar, A. M. (2023). Factors affecting ICT education among vulnerable minors in Malta : Findings of the star kids research project. Malta Review of Educational Research, 17(2), 1-28. |
Abstract: | This paper identifies and discusses needs and gaps among minors aged 5-17 years who, at the time of the study, resided in out-of-home care and/or made use of community-based welfare services. The discussion is informed by mixed-methods study research carried out in 2018 as part of the project ‘Star Kids – Reaching Out: Improving the Life Chances of Vulnerable Children’. Star Kids’ objectives included developing and delivering a nationally accredited ICT training course for vulnerable minors; in a context where digitization is often described as ubiquitous, yet its experience is complex and not universal. In this paper, data analysed include responses to a questionnaire administered to minors; and data from focus groups with minors, their parents/guardians, and professionals working with the cohort under study. The study found high ICT usage, albeit with gender-based and age-based differences. Gaming, streaming and downloading prevailed among boys and 5–11-year-olds; use of social media prevailed among girls. Most minors considered themselves as self-learnt ICT users; yet the study flagged the need for more support for minors with low socio-economic backgrounds. The study identified shortcomings in the infrastructure available. Recommendations include investment in state-of-the-art ICT infrastructure in residential homes and community centres; further research to assess impacts of COVID-19 on this study’s findings; policy development that steers ICT education towards participatory and empowered involvement of parents /guardians; and that dwells on participants’ existing ICT knowledge and skills. |
URI: | https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/116952 |
ISSN: | 17269725 |
Appears in Collections: | MRER, Volume 17, Issue 2 MRER, Volume 17, Issue 2 Scholarly Works - FacHScNur |
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Factors_affecting_ICT_education_among_vulnerable_minors_in_Malta__Findings_of_the_star_kids_research_project(2023).pdf | 453.11 kB | Adobe PDF | View/Open |
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