Using information and communication technology for administrative purposes in Colleges of Education in the Volta Region

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to explore the use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) tools for administrative purposes by administrators in colleges of education in the Volta Region. The descriptive survey design was adopted to achieve the study objectives. A Closed-Ended Questionnaire and observation guide were the instruments employed for the data collection. The individual items were rated on a 4 Likert type scale. A self-made questionnaire was administered to 109 out of 122 respondents of the five sampled colleges of education in the Volta Region. Percentages and frequencies were generated to determine the level of availability of ICTs tools that existed for college administration. Also chi-square was employed to test for the mean differences in usage of ICT tools for administrative purposes between male and female administrators. Finally mean and standard deviation were computed to determine the factors that impacted the use of ICT tools by the college administrators. The results of the study indicated that, ICT tools are moderately available to administrators. It was also revealed that, they mainly use ICT tools for sending SMS messages to communicate with staff, for staff performance appraisal and to communicate academic results to students. The study also depicted that, insufficient number of internet-connected computers, inappropriate on-the-job ICT training for administrators were some of the factors that hindered full utilisation of ICT tools for college administration. In view of this, it is recommended that, periodic workshops and in-service training are organised for administrators on the use of ICT for college administration and provision of bandwidth for internet services is required.