AN EXAMINATION OF THE CAUSES OF LOW APPLICATION OF INFORMATION COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY (ICT) IN PUBIC SECONDARY SCHOOLS (CASE STUDY OF OSISIOMA LGA).

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

ICT has transformed many elements of our daily lives as well as every facet of human effort (Quarshie, 2015). As a result, incorporating technology into the classroom will greatly enhance the educational experience. ICT refers to the use of technology to the management and processing of information via the use of electronic computer systems and software to convert, store, protect, process, transmit, and retrieve data. According to Ojo (2005), in the developing world, understanding of the use of ICT in the classroom is growing to the point where just verbalizing or over verbalizing words to transmit ideas, skills, and attitudes to teach learners is fruitless. In schools, ICT has become an important aspect of teaching and learning.

 It gives instructors and students the chance to learn how to work in the information and technology age. ICTs are radically altering school curricula in a variety of ways, requiring instructors to concentrate on new teaching approaches rather than old ones. As Hare (2007) points out, effective technology integration in education is complex since it is dependent on so many interconnected elements. Teachers and students must adapt to current society and the global economy as a result of the growth of ICT. This necessitates changes to and around ICT in order for teachers and students to adjust to current society and the global economy (Watson, 2001).

However, Ojo (2005) and Hare (2007) contend that, although educators seem to recognize the importance of ICT, they continue to face challenges in implementing and integrating it. Although many instructors are comfortable with the rise of technology in general, many are not yet ready or capable of integrating it into their classes, according to Kok (2007). According to Kok (2007), information technology illiteracy is a severe concern among. That is, many instructors lacked fundamental computer appreciation abilities, and the issue was cited as a roadblock to the use of computers in classrooms for instructional reasons.

1.2 STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

Basic education is necessary for a person to be able to obtain and utilize knowledge in a fast changing environment. In the global community, such abilities must incorporate ICTs. According to the Economic Commission for Africa, access to and use of information is no longer a luxury, but rather a must for growth. Unfortunately, in Nigeria, public secondary schools continue to lag behind in terms of ICT adoption and usage.

In every nation, improved secondary education is critical to the development of effective human capital (Evoh, 2007). It is impossible to overstate the importance of ICT in Public secondary schools. To thrive in today's technology-driven world, everyone needs ICT skills. Organizations are recognizing the need of training and retraining their personnel in order to build or improve their understanding of computers and other ICT facilities (Adomi & Anie, 2006). This necessitates pupils learning ICT skills at a young age.

This study will examine the causes of low ICT application in secondary schools in Osisioma, Abia state.

1.3 OBJECTIVE OF THE STUDY

The primary aim of this study is to examine the causes of low ICT application in secondary schools in Osisioma, Abia state.

1. To examine the factors causing low application of ICT in Public secondary schools in Osisioma, Abia state.

2. To determine the importance of ICT application in public secondary schools in Osisioma, Abia state.

3. To proffer solutions to the causes of low ICT application in public secondary schools in Osisioma, Abia state.

1.4 RESEARCH QUESTIONS

These questions guide this research;

1. What are the factors causing low application of ICT in Public secondary schools in Osisioma, Abia state?

2. What is the importance of ICT application in public secondary schools in Osisioma, Abia state?

3. What are the solutions to these factors that cause low ICT application in public secondary schools in Osisioma, Abia state?

1.5 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

This study will be helpful as it will create awareness on the factors causing low application of Information communication technology in public secondary schools in Osisioma, Abia state. It will also be significant as it will proffer certain solutions to these factors that cause low application of ICT in these public secondary schools. This study will be an addition to scholarly materials of which other researchers can widen the scope and take the research from a different perspective.

1.6 SCOPE OF THE STUDY

This study will only be limited to public secondary schools and will only cover selected public schools in Osisioma Local Government Area, Abia state.

1.7 LIMITATION OF THE STUDY

The only limitation faced by the researcher during the course of carrying out this study was insufficient time.

1.8 DEFINITION OF TERMS

1. ICT: information and communication technology (ICT) is the electronic technology used for

Information storage and retrieval.

2. SCHOOL: An institution for educating individuals in order to impart knowledge on them.

---

---