Journal of Applied Computing and Information Technology
ISSN 2230-4398, Volume 27, Issue 1, 2025
Incorporating the NACCQ publications:
Bulletin of Applied Computing and Information Technology,
ISSN 1176-4120
Journal of Applied Computing and Information Technology, ISSN 1174-0175
Welcome
- Executive Editor: Dr. Emre Erturk (eerturk@eit.ac.nz), or
- Senior Associate Editor: Dr. Donald Joyce (dcjoyce@xtra.co.nz).
Welcome to this issue of Computing and Information Technology Research and Education, New Zealand (CITRENZ) Journal of Applied Computing and Information Technology (JACIT), an amalgamation of two publications from the National Advisory Committee of Computing Qualifications (NACCQ): JACIT and the Bulletin (BACIT).
Are you interested in contributing a paper to JACIT? Please refer to the guidelines and templates available on the Authors tab, and then contact the editors:
Regional Article (2025)
Assessing Digital Literacy and Readiness to Use Emerging Technologies in a Regional Context
Rohit Ratheesh and Emre Erturk
With the aim of determining the capacity to use emerging technologies for sustainable digital development in Southland, New Zealand, this research study investigates the current state of digital literacy in this region. With potential digital divides and growing demand for participative digital strategies in the background, this study examines the challenges, government mechanisms and engagement channels for any potentially digitally disadvantaged groups for example, senior citizens. Using the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) in this study also helps to understand some of the hurdles, potential responses, and digital participation pathways for any digitally susceptible groups of citizens. The analysis of the participants’ access to digital tools, their perceptions toward the digital tools as useful and easy to use, and external factors that influenced their digital engagement were facilitated by a survey. With the response data from Southland residents, descriptive statistics were used to show patterns of digital access, digital competence and social factors in digital technology adoption. The findings indicate that the level of readiness was moderate to high, especially in regards to the perceived usefulness of the digital tools. Yet, age related confidence gaps, a lack of consistent technical support and a lack of awareness of local digital resources were also noted. The work also reinforces that Southland is generally ready for deeper technological integration but does require targeted training initiatives and motivation to bridge the gaps, and in particular for older adults and underrepresented groups. The work provides important insights for how regional digital strategies may be shaped to meet community need. For example, it justifies the involvement of local authorities and digital inclusion advocates in the development of accessible training programs. The findings will serve as a basis for future local policy planning and help make the emerging technologies more equally accessible across Southland.