Accuracy and bias of ICT self-efficacy: An empirical study into students’ over- and underestimation of their ICT competences

Most studies on the assessment of ICT competences use measures of ICT self-efficacy. These studies are often accused that they suffer from self-reported bias, i.e. students can over- and/or underestimate their ICT competences. As such, taking bias and accuracy of ICT self-efficacy into account, would improve the validity of these studies and the predictive power of the ICT self-efficacy measures used. Consequently, the general aim of this study is twofold. First, to explore the degree to which primary school students are under- and/or overestimating their ability in digital information processing and communication. Second, to identify student characteristics that are possibly related to the accuracy of ICT self-efficacy. Information on accuracy and bias of ICT self-efficacy was gathered by comparing students’ results on an ICT self-efficacy scale and a performance based ICT competence test. Both instruments were administered to 378 sixth grade students from 58 primary schools in Flanders (the Dutch speaking part of Belgium). Information on the explanatory student characteristics was gathered through a questionnaire that was administered to the same students. The results indicate that primary school students make relatively accurate and positively biased judgments about their ability in digital information processing and communication. Further, the results indicate that primary school students’ actual ICT competences and previous ICT experience are related to their accuracy of ICT self-efficacy. As this study is one of the first to investigate primary school students’ accuracy and bias of ICT self-efficacy and to identify potential explanatory variables, it provides new insights into the nature of ICT self-efficacy.     

Is there scope for expanding the optometrist’s scope of practice in Singapore? – A survey of optometrists,opticians in Singapore

PurposeIn Singapore, optometrists’ roles are limited compared to their counterparts elsewhere. The purpose of the survey is to investigate optometrists’ current roles, views on extended roles, self-reported primary eye care knowledge, needs for continuing professional education (CPE) and views on suitable modes for CPE.MethodsMembers of the Optometrist and Optician Board (OOB) were invited via email to take part in an anonymous online survey. The survey questions covered the following areas: current scope of practice, self-rated primary eye care knowledge, confidence in screening, co-managing minor eye conditions, CPE and referral behavior.ResultsA total of 230 optometrists completed the survey (response rate 30%). Their current roles were limited to diagnostic refraction (92%), colour vision assessment (65%), contact lens fitting and dispensing (62%) amongst others. The average self-rated score for primary eye care knowledge was 8.2 ± 1.4; score range 1-10 (1-Very poor, 10-Excellent). Self-rated confidence scores for screening for cataract, diabetic retinopathy, chronic glaucoma and age-related macular degeneration were 2.7 ± 1.5, 3.7 ± 1.9, 4.0 ± 1.9 and 3.8 ± 1.8, respectively. 71% of the optometrists felt that they should undertake regular CPE to improve their primary eye care knowledge. Blended learning (eLearning and traditional face-to-face lectures) (46.1%) was the most preferred mode for CPE delivery.ConclusionOptometrists in Singapore represent a skilled underutilized primary eye care provider. Though their self-reported primary eye care knowledge is high, their confidence in screening and co-managing chronic eye conditions is low. Enabling them for extended primary eye care role would require further training.SignificanceSingapore ageing population has led to greater eye care demands. Task-shifting from ophthalmologists to optometrists has been proposed in the literature to handle this growing care demands. At this juncture, this study provides evidence based answers to issues revolving around optometrists’ readiness for a role expansion in Singapore.     

Summary of achievements of the European Metrology Research Programme Project “Implementing the new Kelvin” (InK 1)

We report a summary of the technical achievements of the European Metrology Research Programme Project (EMRP) “Implementing the new Kelvin” (InK 1). In short these are:

• •The first determination of definitive thermodynamic temperatures for the point of inflection of the high temperature fixed points of Re-C, Pt-C and Co-C as well as a new evaluation of the Cu freezing point.
• •The first trial of the new dissemination mechanisms for thermodynamic temperature at high temperatures, as described in the mise en pratique for the definition of the kelvin (MeP-K).
• •A new ultra-low uncertainty thermodynamic evaluation of T − T₉₀ from about 30 K to 303 K, with particular emphasis on temperatures around the water triple point (273.16 K).
• •The first re-evaluation of T − T₂₀₀₀ from 0.02 K to about 1 K with an uncertainty of <1%.

Taken together these results represent a significant advance in primary thermometry. We also give a brief introduction to the successor project (InK 2) and discuss the impact of this work on the kelvin redefinition and next version of the MeP-K (i.e. the MeP-K-19).     

DBX‐1 – A Lead Free Replacement for Lead Azide

Efforts directed towards creating new environmentally friendly replacements for existing primary explosives have resulted in development of copper(I) 5‐nitrotetrazolate (DBX‐1). The chemical and physical properties of this material have been extensively investigated and it appears that DBX‐1 is a suitable drop‐in replacement for lead azide in a variety of ordnance applications. DBX‐1 is easily prepared, has excellent thermal stability and has safety and performance properties which are equivalent to or exceed those for lead azide. A program to qualify DBX‐1 for military use per NAVSEAINST 8020.5C has recently been completed and data has been forwarded to NSWC‐IH for submission to Naval Sea Systems Command.