IMPACT OF STUDENTS INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY APPRECIATION SKILLS ON THEIR ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE

INTRODUCTION

1. 1. BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

The world of today is characterized by revolutionary advances powered by Information and Communication Technology (ICT). The world is being reduced to a global village through the use of information and communication technology thus, ICT promotes national development and better relationship with other nations. ICT refers to the electronic and communication devices associated with human interactive materials that enable users to employ them for a whole range of teaching and learning process (Cox, Preston and Cox, 1999a). Information Communication Technology is the fusion of two technologies: They are Information Technology (IT) and Communication Technology (CT) (Iwu, 2006). ICT embraces all technologies for manipulative communication of information and also encompasses any medium used to record information such as: radio, television, etc., and technology for communication through voice and sound or images using microphone, camera, loudspeaker, telephone/ mobile phones (Osu, Udosen, and Akpan, 2010). Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) are indispensable and have been accepted as part of the contemporary world, especially in the industrialized societies to the extent of giving a new phase to the education system in terms of pedagogical approach (Ololube, 2006). According to Fari (2010), information and communication technology facilities are described as all the facilities available for the identification, generation, processing, storage, packaging, preservation, conservation and transfer of information, regardless of time and distance constraints. In other words, Information and Communication Technologies are information handling tools used for producing, storing, processing, distributing and exchanging of information. Today, it is an increasingly powerful tool for participating in global markets, promoting political accountability, improving the delivery of basic services and enhancing local development opportunities (UNDP, 2006). ICT facilities influence and affect people’s? private and corporate work life in one way or the other. These ICT facilities are all encompassing in areas like technology, socialization, politics, economics and education, for global transformation. Therefore, it becomes pertinent for teachers, who serve as key implementers of the nation’s educational policy, to be well-informed and adequately equipped with ICT facilities in order to function productively in this age of information explosion and technological advancement. During the last decades the government and agencies have invested heavily in the integration of computer in education and information and communication technology (ICT) towards advancing the educational sector. The use of computer has imparted positively in education (teaching methodologies, research and development, information technologies) and other related areas. Computer appreciation skills is the knowledge and ability to efficiently use computer. It can also refer to the comfort level someone can use the computer and its application in solving specific problem. It involves being able to operate the computer efficiently without an aid and manipulate the software associated with it, Terry (2004) in Nwafor (2015). Improving education quality is a priority for most developing nations such that policy makers agree that such improvements could lead to structural shifts in productivity and boost long term economic growth. The use of ICT in the school environment can improve education and human capital development. The use of computer in classroom instruction has transformed teaching and learning, it has improved learning outcome and information sharing. It has supported both the teachers and students for an improvement of the teaching and learning process. Computer appreciation skills is of great important in education but is faced with numerous problems ranging from lack of fund for the purchase of computer and its accessories, lack of resource personnel’s, non-utilization of ICT for the teaching and learning process. Albert (2015) it is against this background that the researcher wishes to investigate the impact of students’ information and communication technology appreciation skill on their academic performance.

1. 1. STATEMENT OF PROBLEM

The integration of computer into the teaching and learning process in Nigeria institutions (nursery, primary, post-primary and tertiary) and Niger State inclusive is of welcome development toward improvement and advancement of education in line with the global standard. But it would be meaningless if facilities were not provided, resource personnel were not available to operate and maintain them, ICT facilities were available are not used in the teaching and learning process Braide (2015). These problems will affect the positive impact of such technological integration in our schools. Since the integration of computer and ICT into the Niger State secondary school system, it is considered as a major tool for the teachers and student for an improved teaching and learning process. The researcher considered it necessary to investigate the impact of students’ information and communication technology appreciation skill on their academic performance.

1. 1. AIMS OF THE STUDY

The major aim of the study is to examine impact of students’ information and communication technology appreciation skill on their academic performance. Other specific objectives of the study include;

1. To examine students’ information communication and communication technology appreciation skill.
2. To examine the benefits and objective of information and communication technology (ICT) in education.
3. To examine the impact of students’ information and communication technology appreciation skill on their academic performance.
4. To examine the factors that enhances effective use of ICT in education.
5. To examine the relationship between information and communication technology appreciation skill on academic performance.

1.4 RESEARCH QUESTIONS

1.  What IS students’ information communication and communication technology appreciation skill?
2. What is the benefits and objective of information and communication technology (ICT) in education?
3.  What is the impact of students’ information and communication technology appreciation skill on their academic performance?
4. What are the factors that enhance effective use of ICT in education?
5. What is the relationship between information and communication technology appreciation skill on academic performance?

1.5 RESEARCH HYPOTHESES

Hypothesis 1

H0: There are is no significant impact of students’ information and communication technology appreciation skill on their academic performance.

H1: There is a significant impact of students’ information and communication technology appreciation skill on their academic performance.

Hypothesis 2

H0: There is no significant relationship between information and communication technology appreciation skill on academic performance.

H1: There is a significant relationship between information and communication technology appreciation skill on academic performance.

1.6 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

This study will be of great significance to the students, teachers, curriculum planners; ministries of education, government and society at large. This study will contribute towards improvement of computer literacy in the state as well making provision on the impact, benefits as well addressing the challenges of such technological innovations in our schools. School administrators and teachers of secondary schools could also find the result of this study valuable in policy formulation, implementation and importance of being a computer literate. This study would also be of immense benefit to students and scholars who are interested in developing further studies on the subject matter.

1.7 SCOPE AND LIMITATION OF THE STUDY

The study is restricted to impact of students’ information and communication technology appreciation skill on their academic performance.

LIMITATION OF THE STUDY

Financial constraint: Insufficient fund tends to impede the efficiency of the researcher in sourcing for the relevant materials, literature or information and in the process of data collection (internet, questionnaire and interview)

Time constraint: The researcher will simultaneously engage in this study with other academic work. This consequently will cut down on the time devoted for the research work.

1.8 OPERATIONAL DEFINITION OF TERMS

Information and Communication Technology: This is referred to as all electronic/computerize Computer Assisted Instruction facilities used in teaching and learning process, assessing information, storing, disseminating, managing and processing of data.

Academic Performance: This is referred to as the perceived impact of the use of Computer Assisted mode of Instruction on students? performance.