Assessing the Effectiveness of the Teaching and Learning of Information and Communication Technology in the Ghanaian Public Junior High Schools

Abstract

The study was undertaken in the Akuapem South Municipality. The purpose of the work was to assess the effectiveness of the teaching and learning of ICT in the public Junior High School. Pupils, head teachers, teachers, School Management Committee (SMC) and Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) executives were the target population of the study. Two main instruments, questionnaire and interview guide were used to collect data for the study. Among the findings were that the teaching and learning of ICT is basically theoretical; that in-service training was not organised for ICT teachers to help upgrade their skills and knowledge; and that the duration for the study of ICT at the teacher training colleges is not uniform. The government did not involve all stakeholders of education in decision making before the introduction of the subject into the school curriculum. Furthermore, most schools don’t have computer laboratories. The main recommendation is that the authorities of Ghana Education Service and the teacher training colleges should extend the duration for the study of ICT in the teacher training colleges and that Government, through the Ghana Education Service should organise regular in-service programmes to update the knowledge and skills of the ICT teachers.