The Place of Information Technology in art Education and Creativity in the SHS in the Tamale Metropolitan Area

Abstract

This study examined the place of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in education, factors that militate against its integration into the teaching of Visual Art in Senior High School in the Tamale Metropolitan area. The descriptive survey design was employed where questionnaire was used to collect data. The sample size was 166 comprising 157 students and 9 teachers. All the 157 students were sampled from Tamale, Kalpohin and Vitting Senior High Schools. The data were analysed using the Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) Software to translate the data into percentages and frequencies for interpretation and findings. The study revealed that most schools were not connected to internet. Majority of teachers did not use computers in their teaching. Teachers did not get the needed support from their schools in the use of computers. Majority of teachers had no training in computer. Students were aware of the potential of ICT in improving their learning but spent little time on the few computers available in their schools. Based on the findings from the study, it is recommended that refresher courses are organised for art teachers so as to be able to handle current emerging challenges in the industry. Art Teachers should regularly develop oriented policies that would support ICT-related teaching models to encourage students and teachers. It also recommended that “The Impact of ICT on The Performance of Visual Art Students in Internal and External examinations” and “The Place of ICT in The Current Visual Art Curriculum for JHS in Ghana” require further research.