ICT – a surviving tool for economy in the phase of social distancing: a systematic literature review

Abstract

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to recognise the role of information and communication technology (ICT) tools in different sectors like Education, Health Care, Business, FMCG and Entertainment in the phase of social distancing. This study also attempts to provide a quantitative review of the scholarly literature on this topic.Design/methodology/approachA comprehensive literature evaluation was undertaken using a database encompassing 150 English-language papers with publication dates ranging from 2019 to 2021. The research profile and thematic analysis are presented through a comprehensive content analysis, resulting in four themes. The study reviews various research articles and reports related to social distancing and opens a discussion on the growing importance of ICT tools during this COVID-19 era.FindingsICT acts as a surviving tool for the economy by creating a virtual environment and helping people to stay socially connected during this pandemic. There is a lack of empirical evidence to support the facts so further research is required.Research limitations/implicationsThere are two drawbacks to the current study. Firstly, this study established a rigorous review methodology in which the researchers opted to exclude any grey literature, non-peer-reviewed articles, books, notes and book chapters from consideration. These sources could have had pertinent literature. Secondly, even after protocol’s rigour and numerous rounds of checks by a team of academicians and researchers, an anomaly may have sneaked into the evaluation.Originality/valueThe current study contributes to the growing literature on ICT tools particularly in this phase of social distancing. This paper highlights the need for future research in this area supported by different statistics.

School organisers’ expression on the expansion of the access and application of digital technologies in educational systems

“…Therefore, changes in organisations make digitalisation work difficult for school organisers, bringing opportunities and challenges for teaching and learning. At the same time, it is an important issue because it concerns students’ access to new methods and possibilities in teaching that may improve their results, which Gupta et al. (2022) emphasised as being key for education.…”

“…The school organisers pointed out that the lack of time, the lack of digital competence, the lack of resources, clashes between the IT department's interests and the schools' needs, trouble with hardware and software, resistance to changing work methods, or the idea that digitalisation is only for schools are some constraints for digitalisation work. Gupta et al (2022) emphasised the importance of access to digital technologies, which require resources, to foster successful digitalisation in schools. Gallud et al (2022) pointed out that a gap exists between user interfaces and digital technologies in education, so this subject requires more research.…”

“…The expansion of digital technologies in the educational system entails challenges given their effects on teaching and learning. Gupta et al (2022) emphasised that "the success of education depends upon the ease with which an individual can access the requisite education material and interact with the teachers/other students and institutional administrators" (p. 4). Digital technologies, which comprise both hardware and software, should contain userfriendly interfaces, which is not always the case.…”

The Impact of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) on Health Outcomes: A Mediating Effect Analysis Based on Cross‐National Panel Data

“…Bajpai et al [ 39 ] examined ICTs' performance in immediate relief and medical response in the context of COVID-19, including testing and diagnosis, patient-centric record keeping and case management, as well as telemedicine. Besides, ICTs are conducive to public mental health in the era of social distancing by helping people stay socially connected [ 40 ].…”

The Problematic of Digital Inequality in an Educational Political Policy Perspective

“…The interaction between digital literacy and technology in higher education highlights the complex relationship between these factors and the need for digital literacy skills among staff and students (Nikou & Aavakare, 2021). Furthermore, the role of information and communication technology (ICT) devices in supporting various sectors, including education, during social restrictions increasingly emphasizes the importance of digital access in ensuring the continuity of educational services (Gupta et al, 2022).…”