THE PROBLEM OF INTERATION OF ICT INTO THE TEACHING OF CHRISTAIN RELIGIOUS KNOWLEDGE IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN NIGERIA(A CASE STUDY OF JOS NORTH LGA PLATEAU STATE)

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1. 1. Background of the study

The educational sector has witnessed a lot of transformation in Nigeria by successive governments; this is owing to the dynamic nature of education especially the secondary means of education, all these may have been as a result of the information communication technology (ICT). The role of the information communication technology in the teaching and learning of all subjects in Nigerian secondary schools is rapidly becoming one of the most important issues been discussed in the contemporary education policy. Information and communication technology can be described as a set of activities which is usually facilitated with electronic means as the processing, transmission and display of information for use (Rodrguez and Wilson, 2000). Information and communication technology can as well be the handling and processing of information  such as text,images,graphics and instructions for use by means of electronic and communication gadgets, most especially computers and cameras. When information and communication technology (ICT) is combined with the internet it creates an avenue for students ranging from the primary level of education to the tertiary level to be exposed to huge amount of information, guides and experience. The use of ICT in teaching and learning is a relevant and functional way of providing education to learners in order to assist them in imbibing the required capacity for the world of work (Kosoko-Oyedeko and Tella, 2010). the non integration coupled with the poor access to information communication technology  (ICT) in Nigerian schools has had its effect on Nigerian students in the teaching and learning of various subjects, this has affected the level of competitiveness  of the Nigerian student to their contemporaries in other parts of the world (Adenuga, Owoyele and Adenuga, 2011).  Aduwa-Ogiegbean and Iyamu (2005) noted that many developing countries, especially in West Africa, are still low in information and communication technology application and utilization. In some advanced countries of the world, such as the European countries, integration of technology into some school subjects in the curriculum has brought changes, development and efficiency into their educational system. Successful integration of information and communication technology (ICT) into the classroom and teaching of school subjects depends on the ability of teachers to structure the learning environment from the orthodox way to the new technological friendly way (Kyriakides, Demetriou, and Charalambous, 2006). The integration of ICT to education empowers learners, teachers, educators, managers and leaders to use information and communication technology (ICT) judiciously and effectively for expanding learning opportunities and ensuring educational quality and relevance (MoEVT, 2007). The use of information and communication technology (ICT) in education is the foundation of knowledge that would enable any country especially Nigeria to contribute both to achieving a high quality of education while at the same time reducing the digital divide between Nigeria and the rest of the advanced world.

1. 1. Statement of the general problem

The integration of information and communication technology ICT into the teaching and learning of Christian religious studies as been an issue and needs to be holistically assessed. The Federal Government of Nigeria has invested over N1.32 billion in building ICT laboratories and equipping them with ICT facilities in some schools in Nigeria (Waziri, 2006, October, 2004). The policy of information and communication technology has long been developed with the sole aim of preparing Nigerian students for global competitiveness with their contemporaries while at the same time encourage capacity building in the information and communication technology in our secondary schools. In spite of the effort of the Federal Government of Nigeria in promoting ICT integration into teaching and learning of various subjects not the Christian religious studies in Nigeria, the level of ICT application in Nigerian secondary schools has regrettably remained poor.

The poor level of information and communication technology ICT in Nigerian schools and colleges has been an issue that needs attention by both the government and stakeholders in the educational sector. The lack of integration of information and communication technology in the teaching and learning of Christian religious studies has led to the depreciation of the educational level of Nigeria as students who graduate do not seem to be competitive with their contemporaries in other parts of the world. Non-integration of ICT in especially the Christian religious studiesin secondary schools has led to the loss of interest by students and this has affected the performances of students in CRS both in their internal and external examinations.

1. 1. Objectives of the study

The main objective of the study would be to examine the problem of integration of information and communication technology ICT into the teaching of Christian religious studies in secondary schools in Jos North local government area of plateau state. Other specific objectives of the study would be as follows;

1.  To know if ICT is being integrated into various school subjects in the curriculum into secondary schools in Jos North local government area
2. To study how information and communication technology ICT facilitates the teaching of Christian religious studies across secondary schools in Jos North local government area
3. To examine if the level of information and communication technology ICT integration significantly influence students’ level of ICT usage in learning in Jos north local government area.
4. To examine the extent students’ level of access to ICT significantly influences their level of ICT usage in jos north local government area.
   1. Research Questions

1. What are the problems confronting the effective integration of ICT into the teaching of Christian religious knowledge in secondary schools in jos north local government area in plateau state?
2. is ICT being integrated into various school subjects in the curriculum into secondary schools in Jos North local government area?
3. How does information and communication technology ICT facilitate the teaching of Christian religious studies across secondary schools in Jos North local government area?
4. What is the level of information and communication technology ICT integration influence on students’ level of ICT usage in learning in Jos north local government area?
5. What is the extent of students’ level of access to ICT and its influence on their level of ICT usage in jos north local government area?
   1. Research hypothesis

H0: There are no problems confronting the effective integration of ICT in the teaching of Christian religious studies in secondary schools.

H0: Level of perceived ICT integration in Christian religious studies does not significantly influence students’ level of ICT utilization.

H0: Christian religious Students level of ICT access does not significantly determine the level of their usage of ICT in secondary schools.

1. 1. Significance of the study

This study would be immense benefit to the government as it seeks to be an eye opener to the problems confronting the integration of ICT into the teaching of Christian religious studies in secondary schools. This study would also benefit school administrators as it seeks to provide solutions to these problems of ICT integration into the teaching of Christian religious studies in secondary schools. This study would as well benefit students and researchers who are interested in the topic sentence.

1. 1. Scope of the study

This study is on the problem of integration of information and communication technology ICT into the teaching of Christian religious studies in secondary schools in Jos North local government of plateau state.

1. 1. Definition of terms

CRS: Christian religious studies

ICT: information and communication technology

RELIGION: an organized system of beliefs, ceremonies, and rules used to worship a god or a group of gods

CHRISTIAN: a person who believes in the teachings of Jesus Christ