CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1     Background of the Study

The challenges of classroom instruction in Nigeria’s school system and research started changing dramatically with the emergence of new technologies which include Information and Communication Technology (ICT). This period of computer age had ushered in a new dimension of processing, preservation and dissemination of information among other vital roles of computer through the help of ICT. These days, ICT has and is continuing to have an increasingly significant impact on all aspects of human life. ICT provides an avenue for people in all aspects of life to access and profit from the power of computer as a personal tool, to collaborate in groups and to disseminate information locally and globally. For a continuing global interaction in the international community and in a bid to solve the inter-cultural and language barriers that are part of the factors that result in global conflict in recent times, many countries of the world have taken steps to ensure that their citizens have access to information and communication technology through increased reliance on computer assistance in delivering their classroom instructions. In view of the fact that computer has become an inevitable instructional material/method for teaching and learning of Social studies, this paper explores how ICT must be harnessed to promote teaching and learning of Social studies.

Information and Communication Technology (ICT) refer to several kinds of technological application and equipment which are utilized for processing, transmitting or communicating data and information. This informs Olibie’s (2008) assertion that one of the conditions that is very important in determining the extent to which a nation participates in the global world is information and communication technology (ICT). She maintains that it is an advance in technology that provides a rich globe resource and collaborative environment for dissemination of knowledge and information. Information and Communication Technology (ICT) is defined as computer based tools used by people to work with the information and communication processing needs of an organization. It encompasses the hardwares and soft-wares, the network and several other devices (video, audio, photographic, camera, etc) that can convert information like text, images and sound into common digital form (Yusuf, 2002). Isoun (2006) describes ICT as a term that is used to indicate a whole range of technologies involved in information processing and electronic communications, including the internet, electronic mail, and video conferencing. In the same vein, Abolade and Yusuf (2005) opined that information and communication technologies relate principally to studying concepts, skills, processes and application of electronic devices. In support of the above Ede, (2010) states that materials such as computers, internet, interface boxes are aspects of ICT.

1.2     Statement of the Problems

Unwin, (2009). “ICT can be a catalyst by providing tools which teachers use to improve teaching and by giving learners access to electronic media that make concepts clearer and more accessible”. So one can also agree with us that without a proper ICT in place, an institution can find the going very tough and in most cases the institution will be fighting endless fights to extinguish the flame rather than preventing the fire from starting. Orungbemi (2008) maintains that the oldest presentation tool used in classrooms in undoubtedly the chalkboard. It is an essential tool and will remain so in is many places and circumstances. This has been replaced or complemented by “flip charts” and overhead projectors (Maiwada, 2004). Most secondary schools in Nigeria faced challenges like inadequate funding is a major challenge because it has negatively affected many areas of education in Nigeria, inadequate or non-existence of physical facilities and material resources such as computer rooms, furniture, electricity or electric generators, lack of well-articulated educational policy by the Nigerian government.

1.3     Objectives of the Studies

The main objective of this study is to examine the strategies for improving delivery through the utilization of information and communication materials in senior secondary schools in Kaduna educational zone. Therefore, the study will attempt to:

i.)                Determine the extent information and communication materials available for teaching senior secondary schools in Kaduna educational zone in Kaduna State.

ii.)              Determine the extent teachers and students in senior secondary schools in Kaduna educational zone are exposed to ICT facilities.

iii.)           Determine the perceived benefits of ICT in senior secondary school in Kaduna educational zone.

iv.)           Determine the challenges facing the adoption of ICT in senior secondary school in Kaduna educational zone in Kaduna State.

1.4     Significance of the Study

The research work will serve as an academic and practical reference point for students and administrators who will use this to build upon further investigation and analysis on the subject matter. The need to carry out a study of the present performance appraisal system is imperative as it is hoped that the research findings will help the management where necessary. Finally, the study will contribute to knowledge, theory and ICT in secondary schools.

1.5     Research Questions

i.) What are the information and communication materials available for teaching in senior secondary school in Kaduna educational zone in Kaduna State?

ii.) What factors that exposes teachers and students in senior secondary school in Kaduna educational zone to ICT facilities?

iii.) What are the perceived benefits of ICT in senior secondary school in Kaduna educational zone?

iv.) What are the challenges facing the adoption of ICT in senior secondary schools in Kaduna educational zone in Kaduna State?

1.6     Scope and Limitations of the Study

The essence of this study is to focus attention on the effects strategies for improving delivery through the utilization of information and communication materials in senior secondary schools in Kaduna educational zone. The study will cover the roles of ICT in secondary school in Kaduna educational zone.

The study shall be limited to the data collected as some vital information may be classified as secret. The researchers are also foreseeing time and financial constraint to hinder a thorough work, but shall ensure a sound and unbiased conclusion. Another expected limitation is the unwillingness and uncooperative attitude of some respondents to questions.

1.7     Definition of Terms

Strategies: A method or plan chosen to bring about a desired future, such as achievement of a goal or solution to a problem

Improving: Act of enhancing or making better in terms of quality, value or usefulness

Delivery: Delivery is the process of transporting goods from a source location to a predefined destination

Utilization: Is a fancy way of saying "use."

 Information and communication materials: Is an umbrella term that includes any communication device or application, encompassing: radio, television, cellular phones, computer and network hardware and software, satellite systems and so on.

Secondary school: A secondary school is a school which provides secondary education, between the ages of 11 and 16 or 11 and 18, after primary school and before higher education.

Kaduna: State is a state in the North West zone of Nigeria. Its capital is Kaduna

Education: Is a systematic process through which a child or an adult acquires knowledge, experience, skill and sound attitude

Zone: Is an area, region or section which is used or restricted for a specified purpose

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