Abstract
Information technology is the use of
computer and other telecommunication device in processing data. It is also a
systematic method of applying scientific knowledge to problem solving. The study investigates the impact of
information technology infrastructure on secondary schools. The study adopted Edo State as a case study. This study makes use of
Information communication technology (ICT) has no doubt changed the face of
teaching and learning globally. The study observed that, though Anambra is also
making efforts to join the ICT fray, these efforts appear to be ineffective. Edo
State still experience a lag in its implementation due to general neglect and
other factors, comprising corruption etc, and this continues to be the major
challenge facing access to ICT-driven instructional aids facilities in most Edo
secondary schools. The study concludes that despite the role’s ICT can play in
education, Edo schools are yet to extensively adopt them for teaching and
learning. Efforts geared towards integration of ICT into the school system have
not had much impact. Problems such as lack of Teachers’ Professional knowledge
and technical know-how and poor information infrastructure militate against
these efforts. The study recommends that efforts should be made by government
to post and provide teachers skilled in ICTs to each school in Edo State as to
impact ICT skills to the students.
CHAPTER ONE
1.0 Introduction
1.1 Background
of the study
Information Technology is the use of
computer and other telecommunication devices in the processing of data. Is also
a systematic method of applying scientific knowledge to problem solving. Information communication technologies (ICTs) are information
handling tools that are used to produce, store, and process, distribute and
exchange information. These different tools are now able to work together, and
combine to form networked world-which reaches into every nook and cranny of the
globe (UNDP Evaluation Office, 2001). It is an increasingly powerful tool for
participating in global markets, promoting political accountability; improving
the delivery of basic services; and enhancing local development opportunities
(UNDP, 2006). According to Ogunsola (2005) ICT “is an electronic based system
of information transmission, reception, processing and retrieval, which has
drastically changed the way we think, the way we live and the environment in
which we live”. It can be used to access global knowledge and communication
with other people (Ogunsola, 2005). Students who use ICTs gain deeper
understanding of complex topics and concepts and are more likely to recall information
and use it to solve problems outside the classroom (Apple Computer, 2002).
In addition, through ICT, students extend and deepen their
knowledge, investigation, and inquiry according to their needs and interest
when access to information is available on multiple levels (CEO Forum on
Education and Technology, 2001). Information communication technology (ICT) has
no doubt changed the face of teaching and learning globally. And serious
nations are taking the advantages inherent in ICT to impact on the educational
sector. Though Nigeria is also making efforts to join the ICT fray, these efforts
appear to be ineffective. Computer laboratories are largely non-existent in
many public schools across the country. And where they exist, they are nothing
to cheer. Due to this general neglect and other factors, comprising corruption,
outdated curriculum, ill-motivated teachers, materialism and academic laziness
on the part of Students and Teachers, the nation has been reaping mass failure
in public examinations. Arising from this, stakeholders are calling on
government to provide basic facilities including ICT-driven teaching aids for
the nation’s educational system (The Punch Newspaper 2012).
Therefore, the Impact of ICT in Nigeria and any other developing
society especially in Edo Secondary
Schools can’t be overemphasized. It is very pertinent if one can note that
technological advancement has shown lights to the dark paths of students all
over the globe.
As part of the IT curriculum, learners are encouraged to regard
computer as tools to be used in all aspect of their studies. In particular, they
need to make use of the multimedia technologies to communicate ideas, describe
projects and order information in their academic work.
Robinson (1991:100)
stated that information technology (ICT) can be used to serve three main
purposes which are:
1. To deliver all or part of the learning content to learner
2. To supplement and extend content provided in a different form
3. To provide a 2-way channel of communication for exchange
between tutors and students with their peers for feedback, debates, support and
for solving learning problems.
1.2 Statement of the Problems
Obviously, there is a rapid increase in the implementation of ICT
tools in so many sectors of the nation and globe. This rapid increase of
computer (ICT) usage points to the needs of improving the literacy of students
especially in their secondary school education level. Problems and challenges
faced by secondary education without the help of the tools of ICT are therefore
numerous.
Prior to the present century where the advance
of Information communication Technology has taking the lead in reducing the
stress of human beings especially students, people suffer in educational
researches and productivity. Meanwhile, one could have just logged into an
information search website (www.google.com) to update him or herself with
whatsoever research information he or she seeks if one is ICT equipped. Our
students are faced with High stress and cost of Information search and
retrieval in the offline library system (OLS) where no computer exists.
Consequently, the time it will take a secondary school researcher to conduct
his or her research in the offline mode tends to a period of 1 to 2 years.
Furthermore, the processing of student’s results manually has been
the major challenge faced by form teachers of our secondary schools which
cumulate to poor students’ result management.
Lots of files are also being misplaced through the manual record
system used in our secondary schools instead of the Database Management System
(DBMS) which has the ability to store and retrieve data in an automated form
with access authentication and low redundancy functionality. These summed up to
the reason why the researcher embarked on this research work “Impact of
Information Communication Technology (ICT) on secondary school education” in
order to expose and justify the impact of ICT on secondary schools in Anambra
state and procure viable recommendations to evoke the responses of the three
tiers of government to equip our secondary schools with ICT-Driven education
technological tools such as; E-Library, Computer Laboratory, Online Research
Center, Projectors etc.
1.3 Research
Objectives
The purpose of the study is to verify or find out:
1. The extent to which computer is needed in planning and implementing
educational programs
2. The extent to which computer enhances the quality of education
3. The usefulness of computer in school administration
4. The problems associated with the use of computer by secondary
school students
5. The negative effect of computer usage in instruction and
learning
6. The academic impact of computer on secondary school students
1.4 Research
Questions
1. To what extent is computer needed in planning and implementing
educational program?
2. To what extent does computer enhance the quality of education?
3. What is the usefulness of computer in school administration?
4. What are the problems associated with the use of computer by
secondary school students
5. What are the negative effect of computer usage in instruction
and learning?
6. What are the academic impacts of computer on secondary school
students?
1.5
Significance of Study
This subject is of great importance because
of the frequent problems that are experienced in the manual handling of
information in secondary schools in Edo state. It generally delays the
preparation and computation of student’s reports. With the introduction of
information technology, in secondary schools, the change in. schools are going
to be enormous. Information and technology will not only changer the system of
computing, result it will change. What is taught and where it is taught. On the
whole, the school as an organization workplace will change students will be
expected to work more on their own party through information retrieval and
party with the aid of computer education programmes.
The project is also of great importance in
showing the role of the teacher and students and how information and technology
has affected both (teachers and students). Besides the project is of great
importance to determine what effect the technology has on the students’
learning and learning strategies.
1.6 Scope
of Research
The project will cover the academic
information of the students in secondary schools in Edo state. This information
bothers on the use of information and commutation technology equipment in
secondary schools to manipulate the academic report of the students. It will
also force on the online learning and how it affects the teachers and the
students.