Designing and validating the training pattern of information and communication technology (ICT) for employees

Background and Objectives:The rapid spread of information and communication technology around the world in recent decades, the increasing scientific interest of business in disparate information problems and the application of communication technology and the construction of information society among all countries in the world has expanded. While it is widely accepted that ICT has the potential to create economic opportunities, promote social and political change in society, provide access to knowledge, provide incentives and opportunities for practical sharing in the best possible way in all walks of life, real awareness processes around the world are completely asymmetric. On the contrary, while the digital revolution has pushed the boundaries of the global village, the vast majority of the world has not been separated from this obvious event. The purpose of this study was to design and validate ICT training model for employees. Method and Materials: To design, compile and construct research instruments, some components including basic concepts of information technology, computer use, word processor, spreadsheets, databases, presentations and internet have been extracted using interviews and qualitative analysis. Based on the above components, a questionnaire including 35 items was developed. The statistical population of the research was the staff of the Ministry of Education headquarters in the academic year of 2016-2017. The sample size of the study was 280 people, who have been selected using random sampling for external validation. The reliability of the questionnaire in this research was estimated to be 0.92 which indicates a high reliability for the designed instrument. In order to study the validity of the model, structural analysis of confirmatory and exploratory factor analysis methods, path analysis and fitting were used. Findings: The exploratory analysis results included seven components, all of which had a positive correlation. Finally, the result of the analysis of the confirmatory factor was obtained and the fitting indices in the components of ICT education were evaluated, that indicated a proper and desirable fit. Conclusion: Necessary measures should be taken to turn the proposed model of ICT skills training into a codified training program. These measures include reviewing the current ICT training method, compiling training materials and developing guidelines and implementing rules, and providing the necessary arrangements for implementation. In taking the necessary steps to develop and implement ICT training, coordination with the model of the seven types of ICDL training skills proposed should not be forgotten. Independent training should be called computer skills, and a book of the same name, a teacher's guide, and other teaching aids should be designed and compiled, or be done in a multimedia fromat. Due to the implementation of these trainings, a new function in the field of headquarters of the Ministry of Education can be given to all teachers in the country and with the necessary review and information at the beginning of staff recruitment as well as in-service courses

The Comparison of Two Methods of Maximum Likelihood (ML) and Diagonally Weighted Least Squares (DWLS) in Testing Construct Validity of Achievement Goals

ABSTRACT: The present essay was intended to compare between two methods of estimation, namely, Maximum Likelihood (ML) and Diagonally Weighted Least Squares (DWLS) in determination of construct validity of achievement goals. The statistical population of this investigation includes all high school third grade students in the fields of empirical sciences and math-physics from Isfahan City during academic year 2005-6, that they were totally 7278. 400 students were chosen by means of stratified sampling technique with proportional assignment. To measure achievement goals, two subscales of mastery goals and performance goals were used that have been exclusively prepared to utilize in the field of mathematics by Middleton and Midgley. The Cronbach alpha coefficients for variables of mastery goals were obtained as 0.76 and 0.82 respectively. The results showed that if the observed variables are ordinal and their categories are lesser than 5, then it is important to select DWLS method as the best choice for estimation before estimating parameters and review of data distribution with respect to type of data. If researcher does not checkup assumptions and adapts default estimation method (ML) so the results may be biased and this may lead to making the erroneous decisions