Assessing the extent to which ICT tools are used for quality teaching and learning in senior high schools- a case study in Tano south district

Abstract

This study looked at the extent to which information and communications technology (ICT) tools are used in Senior High Schools (SHS) in Tano South District. The study investigated the level of availability of ICT facilities in schools, the capacity for using ICT facilities for teaching and learning, the perceived benefits of using ICT tools and the problems affecting the use of ICT tools in SHS. Survey design was used for the study. The population consisted of all the teachers and students of the Presbyterian SHS and Presbyterian SH/Commercial in Tano South District. The sample consisted of 117 teachers and 347 students randomly selected from the two SHS in Tano South District. Two different sets of questionnaire were used, one set for teachers and other set for students. Data collected for the study were analyzed using SPSS 19 and MS Excel 2007 for drawing figures. The study revealed that the schools lacked ICT facilities and teachers and students were not very familiar with the use of ICT tools. Moreover, the study revealed the perceived benefits of using ICT in schools which include making teaching-learning interesting; helping the distance learning programme; helping teachers to be up-to-date; enhancing quality of work by both the teachers and students. However, despite these perceived benefits, the study also revealed some of the challenges adversely affecting ICT in SHS as: irregular power supply; inadequate computer literate teachers; high cost of purchasing computers in schools; inadequate facilities to support full application of the ICT and lack of funds. Recommendations were also made. ©University of Cape Coast