Factors Affecting Use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) by Agricultural Extension Experts, in Khorasan Razavi Province

Ghasemi, Javad; Nazari, Saeeideh; Gharoon, Zahra; Rohani, Hossein; Gholifar, Ehsan

Factors Affecting Use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) by Agricultural Extension Experts, in Khorasan Razavi Province

Authors

Javad Ghasemi

Saeeideh Nazari

Zahra Gharoon

Hossein Rohani

Ehsan Gholifar

Abstract

The purpose of this descriptive- correlational research was to investigate factors affecting use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) by agricultural extension experts. The statistical population of the study consisted of the Agricultural Extension experts in the Khorasane Razavi Province out of whom 196 individuals were taken as sample, using Cochran Formula and Proportional Stratified Sampling Technique. A questionnaire was designed as the main tool of the study. The validity of the questionnaire was verified through the judgment of a panel of faculty members (University of Tehran), considered as experts in the field. To assess the reliability of the questionnaire, Cronbach Alpha coefficients were found out for the main scales of the questionnaire (0.87 to 0.95). The data were analyzed through SPSS-win software. The results of stepwise regression analysis indicated that English proficiency skill, knowledge of computer,application, age and years of job experience, respectively explained 54.1 percent of the variances in knowledge on Information and Communication Technology. Also, extent of knowledge in computer skills, as well as in Internet skills, and English proficiency, explained 68.8 percent of variances in use and application of Information and communication technology by agricultural extension experts.

Keywords

Agricultural Extension

Agricultural extension experts

Information and communication technology

Khorasane Razavi Province