Challenges of integrating information and communication technology (ICT) in basic schools of Cape Coast Metropolis

Abstract

The study investigated challenges of integrating information and communication technology (ICT) in basic schools of the Cape Coast metropolis in the Central Region of Ghana. The purpose of the study was to find out ICT resources available for use in Basic schools, ICT resources teachers actually use, ICT skills teachers have, factors that militate against the use of ICT in teaching and learning of various subjects, and possible solutions to the challenges of integrating ICT in teaching and learning of various subjects in Basic schools. The descriptive survey design was used. Questionnaire was used as the main instrument for data collection and data obtained were analyzed using percentages and frequency distributions.The population of the study comprised all the teachers of public Basic schools in the Cape Coast Metropolis of the Central Region of Ghana. A sample size of 242 teachers was selected from 22 schools out of 82 public basic schools. The random number method of the simple random sampling technique was used in the sampling procedure. Among other findings were that, ICT resources available for use in Cape Coast public basic schools are mainly computers, with very few schools having television sets. Also, inadequate and unavailable ICT resources, lack and unstable sources of electricity, and lack of integration skills were mentioned as the inhibiting factors of ICT integration into the curriculum.

Recommendations based on the findings and conclusions were made to stakeholders of education in Ghana and future researchers. Among the recommendations was that the government and other stake holders of education in Ghana should consider providing a variety of Information and Communication Technologies or resources proportionally to all public basic schools to encourage more effective teaching and learning.